Self-defense class at OMS

Oriental Moo-Do School of Colorado was offering a special self-defense class for kids as part of a nationwide program promoting safety and anti-bullying in schools.  I really wanted Rian to take the class but she was feeling nervous, so although Hayden had already acquired her status as a Black Belt at the school, I made her take the class as well.  After all, you can never have to much practice fending off potential "bad guys".

Here the class is practicing putting their arms up in a defensive manner while taking a step back from a would-be bully on the playground.

Rian is using a loud voice to tell a bully to "Stand back- you're too close!"

Verbally talking her way out of a confrontation and showing she's ready to defend herself if necessary. 

Here comes the "bad guy" that Hayden has to break free from.

They taught the kids to strike the eyes, knees and nether regions on the attacker in order to get away and yell for help. 

 

The attacker put up a solid fight with each child in the class until they were able to break free on their own.

 

Here's Rian being coached on kicking the attacker in his "sensitive area". 

Though Rian was scared, she did great and she and all the other kiddos in the class learned a lot on how to protect themselves from both verbal and physical threats.