Family Self-Defense

The defense of your family and friends is one of the most important parts of any martial artists training. It is not enough to be able to defend yourself in the time of need, but you must be able to provide for the members of your family, especially the ones that may not otherwise be able to protect themselves. Small children, left to their own devices, are no match for a skilled, committed, and determined attacker.

Many martial arts schools offer group or family discounts for instruction. This is an excellent way to make sure that each member of the family has a working knowledge of self-defense. Take a class as a family and enjoy the time doing something together. The temptation with taking a few classes is to think that since the children are enrolled in a karate class, they can stand against an attacker. This is not always the case.

Situations and circumstances sometimes prevent families from enrolling in martial arts training. Sometimes TIME is a major factor. Other times DISTANCE, MONEY or the AGE of the children might prevent the family from talking a class together. There are things that the martial artist can do to assist their family in times of trouble.

STEP ONE: Have a Plan

It is important that each family member knows what to do in the event of some sort of attack. Each child should know exactly how to contact help, where to run to, and where a safe place is. Having things planned out ahead of time will provide a greater chance of being able to escape a hostile situation with the least amount of harm.

Here is a list of questions that need to be answered:

What is the problem (medical, violent attack, accident)

Who can help me (Police, Fire, Rescue, Friends)

Where can I go for Help (Friends, Safe House, into public view)

What do I need to do BEFORE help arrives (Hide, Yell, Stay or Leave)

What is a CODEWORD that let's me know there is trouble

Every family should have a CODEWORD that is known to each member. When that CODEWORD is given, it acts as a signal for the family members to do something. Choose a CODEWORD that sounds non-threatening to the average listener. A CODEWORD such as "Run For Your Life" will alert the attacker and give then time to anticipate the group's reaction to his presence. A CODEWORD such as "Long Tailed Hamster" sounds out of place, but not threatening. This way the attacker will not be alerted ahead of time that his presence is discovered.

Let's assume that you have two small children with you and you are shopping at the local mall or shopping center. You notice that someone is following your family through the stores and just "doesn't look right". You turn the corner and notice that there is nobody in this section of the shopping center and you are trapped against a dead-end wall. You notice the strange man is still coming at you but this time he has a knife in his hand.

At this point the following sentence is uttered. "OH, look at the LONG TAILED HAMSTER kids." When the children hear the term "LONG TAILED HAMSTER" they know that there is danger in the area. They also know that they are to duck into a shop or doorway and hide. They know that are to stay out of sight until their mother or father comes to look for them.

Maybe this CODE WORD means that the children are to scatter and run like the wind for help. Maybe this CODEWORD means the children are to get behind their parents and huddle up like a ball. Maybe this word means they are to scream and yell at the top of their voices. Whatever the case, the CODE WORD is thought ahead of time and practiced so that all know what to do. A quick word of caution, KEEP IT SIMPLE!! There is no reason to have a CODE WORD list of 100-200 words. Use one or two ONLY.

Safety is the ultimate concern for a family in these times. Take the time to consider your families safety.