Have you heard of Krav Maga? The martial art used by the Israeli special forces? You’re probably thinking to yourself, what do kids and Krav Maga have to do with each other? Turns out a lot! 

All martial arts teach their students to avoid confrontation if possible, but Southpaw Krav Maga teaches practical, real life strategies to get away from or defend against an attacker. If you take this down to a child's level, they’re learning to listen to that feeling in the pit of their stomach that means trouble is near. They learn that their FIRST strategy is to do anything in their power to get away. Run, scream, bite, kick, etc. Anything the child can do to get away and attract attention through noise. 

Now, of course a child can be easily overpowered by an adult so they learn other skills like how to box ears and the "snowcone" (a tactic that involves a swift punch to a criminals private region). 

This may sound extreme, but in this day and age it’s important that kids know some of these techniques in case they ever find themselves in trouble. As the child gets older, the types of self defense tactics they learn become more advanced, but of course the kids are having fun the whole time. Trust me, this is not a scary or intimidating class. It has the same feel and flow of any other martial arts class. 

My five year old son already talks about how he “will bite a stranger’s hand, and scream as loud as he can if anyone ever tries to grab him.” God forbid he’s ever in that situation, but there was a recent news story about a girl in our town who was nearly kidnapped. Her screaming and flailing caused the attacker to flee. 

Worried about your child using their skills for bad? Every class ends with a "mat chat" that reinforces the idea that you only fight when you are threatened with harm. Classes offered are for ages 5-8 and 9-14.

Moms, you might want to check out the adult classes! It never hurts to prepare yourself! Especially when so often a lot of us are out and about with our children alone. They offer a “mommy and me" class teaching parents how to protect their children when confronted with a threat. Consider signing up today! 

Schedule a free class at getsafe@southpawkravmaga.com