Self defense techniques for children

WEST PALM BEACH, FL--A distracted child can be attacked in less than 4 seconds.

Self defense expert and trainer Rick Seid says learning personal safety techniques has to start young.

Seid says, "The beauty of it that it's effective and simple. It all comes from your natural instinctive responses." 

And you do not need years of martial arts training. He says the moves that may save a child's life are natural responses. Seid instructs children to attack the tender targets of an attacker such as the face, throat, groin and shins.

He says a swift unexpected kick to the shin usually gives the child a few extra seconds to run away.  

Clearly a child will often never be able to take down an attacker but Seid says they don't have to. They just have to be able to buy themselves a few seconds.

Seid's students are also taught to use what they have as a weapon. A backpack for example. He says throwing it at an attacker's face forces him to use both hands to block it and temporarily blocks his vision, therefore allowing the child to get away.

Women can benefit from the same maneuver.  Seid recommends women throw their purse at the face of their attacker to distract him for a few crucial seconds.

It's simple training that involves instinctive moves. The goal is always the same: to stun and run.

Seid says, "We want to give them the tools necessary to be able to get away when there on the frontlines and superman is not coming." 

Rick Seid is currently scheduling kids training courses for March and April. There is a web site for more information or to obtain a list of his top 50 safety tips.