Self-Defense For Kids

Martial arts expert and actor Keith Vitali teaches kids simple self-defense techniques against schoolyard bullies in this unusual program. In the opening sequence, kids learn how to get out of a headlock by reaching up and behind the assailant and grabbing his or her hair. This is followed by techniques for getting out of a chokehold which are also rather ingenious and certainly effective. The middle of the program is devoted to stances, basic blocking moves, and learning to project strength. Vitali says "never resort to fighting if there's another option." But then we're shown the defense against a 2-hand grab: pushing the index finger into your attacker's windpipe. Question: will a 4th-grader grabbed by another kid on the schoolyard stop to think about how much force to use--or will he simply break the kid's windpipe? I don't know, but my personal feeling is that this is a stupid, stupid thing to teach a kid. However, that's my personal feeling; the video is nicely done and will certainly be helpful to kids looking for mostly non-violent ways to stop bullies from whomping on them. An optional purchase. (Available from most distributors.)