Objective:
Teach teamwork, awareness, verbal skills, coordinated defence, evacuation, and safe group behaviour.
Setup
- One assistant (parent/helper).
- Assistant slowly walks or wanders around the mat.
- Kids remain nearby, ready to guard.
Drill Breakdown
1. Guarding the Assistant
- Kids stay close, hands up, watching around
- Their job: protect the assistant using awareness and teamwork
2. Instructor Approaches
- Instructor attempts to touch the assistant from different angles
- Kids must:
- Use loud verbal commands (“Stop!”, “Stay back!”)
- Raise hands in a non-threatening guard
- Move confidently to block the path
3. Add Safe Kicks & Push-Aways
Kids may add:
- Soft front kicks
- Quick, snappy and strong shove-aways (not long push – use not like pushing furniture analogy)
- Step back instantly to maintain distance
- Keep shouting strong commands
4. Teamwork Rule
- Only 2–3 defenders step in
- Remaining kids stay in guarding positions
- Teaches spacing, teamwork, and avoiding crowding
5. Stop & Teach Moment
Re-teach the basics:
- Correct double-hand push
- Short, sharp push – not pushing like furniture
- Return to safe distance
- Strong voice
- Good stance and balance
Reinforce the safety rule:
- If someone falls, others help immediately
6. Add Evacuation Layer
Introduce a designated safety zone.
While:
- 2–3 kids defend (verbal + push-away)
- The rest escort the assistant safely to the zone
Teaches:
- Roles under pressure
- Movement skills
- Clear communication
7. Breakthrough Moments
Occasionally allow instructor to:
- Break through
- Tap the assistant
This teaches:
- Focus
- Realistic pressure
- That mistakes help them improve
8. Coaching Points
- Keep intensity safe and controlled
- Encourage spacing and communication
- Highlight tactics: angles, eyes up, deciding who defends
- Repeat safety rule often
- Monitor kicking and pushing to avoid over-commitment
Variations
Variation 1: Help-Seekers
- Some kids guard the assistant
- Others run to find a second adult and call for help
- Good for communication and decision-making
Safety rule still applies:
- If someone falls, help first
Variation 2: Protective Gear Scenario
Instructor wears full protective gear:
- Gently lifts or grabs one child
- Child calls loudly for help
- Others respond with verbal commands + push-away
- Escort the child to the safe zone
Teaches:
- Staying calm if lifted
- Using voice
- Safe team rescue behaviour
Safety rule remains active at all times.