Objective
Teach young children:
- What self-defence means
- Awareness and avoiding danger
- How to stop someone grabbing their wrist
- How to release quickly and run to safety
- How to find balance before escaping
All presented in a simple, playful, age-appropriate way.
Setup
Kids in pairs, spaced safely.
Instructor demonstrates every step with clear, slow examples.
Drill Breakdown
1. What Self-Defence Means (Kid-Friendly)
Gather the kids and explain in simple words:
- Self-defence means keeping yourself safe.
- Most danger can be avoided if we pay attention.
- Look around. Notice people. Keep space.
Ask simple questions like:
“What is awareness?”
Kids will say: “Looking around!”
2. Stopping the Grab
Partners try to slowly grab each other’s wrist.
Defender practises:
- Step back
- Pull hand away
- Hands up
- Loud “Stay back!”
Repeat both sides.
3. Wrist Grab Release (Very Simple)
Allow the grab to happen.
Teach:
- Elbow turn toward
- Step back
- Hands up
- “Stay back!”
Make this very clear and repetitive.
Add light pulling for reassurance as long as it’s gentle.
4. Escape Game: Push and Run
After the release, children push gently with both hands and run to a safe cone.
Reset quickly.
5. Burpees → Grab → Release (Low Intensity)
Kids do 2 burpees, stand up, eyes closed for one second.
Partner grabs gently.
Defender:
- Gets balance
- Releases
- Pushes
- Runs to safe zone
Switch partners.
6. Sit-Up Start (Ground Introduction)
Kids do 3 sit-ups.
Partner grabs while they stand.
Defender must stand up first, then release.
Explain clearly:
“Standing up makes you STRONG. If you stay small, it is harder.”
Let them experiment safely.
Progressions
- Add small circles of movement before the grab.
- Add voice rules (“Stop!”, “Stay back!”).
- Add two-hand grab for advanced kids.
Variations
- Instructor grabs instead of partner.
- Escape-to-cone race.
- Use soft toys as “safe zone markers.”
Coaching Points
- Keep it playful but clear.
- Emphasise balance before release.
- Loud voice every time.
- Keep drills short and energetic.
Safety Rule
No fast pulling.
No dragging the partner.
If anyone falls, all children must stop and help.