I am always shaken by the amount of child attacks, and abductions, that are reported in the news.

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I teach "Stranger Danger" on a weekly basis and here is the strategy we use...

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On Being Grabbed:- immediately start shouting — very loud, lots of times, until they let go or help comes. Many children find this difficult due to embarrassment, shyness, fear, or adults having always told them to "be quiet". It requires lots of repetition to bring it out of them. Along the way they become empowered as they “find their voice”.

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What to shout?:- we use "GET OFF ME" which is very clear as to what the child requires. There can be no doubt to passers-by. "Help" can be interpreted as playing.

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Stomp:- as the attacker is close, stomp down with the heel on their foot. The small bones in the foot will not take that pressure and escape can be a reality (ask my Trainers how painful it is!).

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Kick out:- front kick, side kick, back kick, whatever, just kick! Shins and knees do not respond well to that level of pain. We put training bags in front of our legs for protection as we teach this!

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Got Away?:- Run and tell someone, straight away.

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Advanced Training:- as children become more confident or skilful, we teach lots of other "breakouts" and "take-downs" which will be tools they can use into adulthood.

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It is difficult to broach the subject of "bad people" without frightening our children. Unfortunately, they need to be aware and have a strategy ready - not violence, just a prepared response.

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Trained on a regular basis it becomes ingrained and is something that they will have alongside them for life. We are investing in their general well-being.

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This is only a brief guide to a complex subject that is different for every child and in every situation. I hope it helps and, if you want to see it in full effect, you are most welcome to hold a bag at one of my classes then grab one of my junior students — you will not want to keep hold of them!

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—Sifu Steve