As your daughter gears up for her college adventure, are you feeling a tug of concern about her safety and well-being? In today’s digital age, where smartphones and social media dominate, and the lingering effects of COVID disrupt normalcy, the landscape for young adults is rife with challenges. Social skills might have taken a hit, and the pandemic-induced barriers have only magnified the issue, especially considering the recent spate of attacks on college girls and women, glaringly showcased in the media.
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall being that kid, who struggled with everything, from sports to self-esteem, compounded by personal losses. The journey was tough, but through the unwavering encouragement of a close uncle, I found solace and strength in karate and self-defense. This path taught me invaluable lessons in practice, discipline, and resilience, particularly during the toughest moments.
Discipline, often underestimated, emerges as a crucial cornerstone for personal growth. Regardless of initial struggles or late blossoming, every young woman possesses the potential to cultivate both physical and mental fortitude. Many professional athletes, like Tom Brady, integrate martial arts disciplines like Western boxing and Muay Thai into their training routines, underscoring the universal effectiveness of such practices, beyond conventional sports.
Self-defense goes beyond physicality; it’s about nurturing confidence and forging enduring connections through regular training. Programs like our Martial Training offer a comprehensive approach, enhancing not just physical attributes, but also vital life skills, such as balance, coordination, self-control, and effective anger management. These are the tools that prove invaluable, as young women transition into adulthood, offering a release valve for emotional challenges they may encounter along the way.
In my classes, adults often express feeling empowered and relieved, after sessions focused on self-defense and martial arts. Offering your daughter the chance to learn self-defense can be a transformative gift, nurturing her confidence and self-esteem, as she tackles the hurdles of college life.
This winter, we’ve successfully launched two programs, including Always Picked Last, an anti bullying/self-defense initiative thriving with teens in Pawtucket. This practice is rooted in real-world self-defense and our 4 S formula for anti-bullying: Speak up, Stand up, Stay together, and Self-defense as needed. Self-defense begins with mental and emotional preparation before ever turning physical, equipping individuals with the tools to handle themselves effectively, in various situations.
Be Your Own Bodyguard, our self-defense program for older teens and adults, focuses on practical strategies for both typical and atypical situations. Both programs emphasize understanding warning signs, knowing how to handle potential threats swiftly and effectively, and being aware of one’s surroundings.
And here are some key takeaways:
Rule #1: Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
Rule #2: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exercising alone, by using only one earbud.
Rule #3: Use your brain, voice, and legs to navigate danger.
Rule #4: Remember the vulnerable spots – eyes, ears, nose, throat, groin, and joints – and use them, if needed.
As parents, it’s our responsibility to arm our daughters with the tools they need, not only for academic success, but also for navigating social and safety challenges. I’ve included some self-defense videos in this article, and I hope you find them helpful.
As a token of appreciation, I invite you to explore Coach Kearns’s book, “Always Picked Last: A Guide to Conquering the Bullies,” for further insights and strategies.
Additionally, check out these complementary videos, where a friend of a 14-year-old son, reads excerpts from the book, and interviews Coach Kearns after each chapter.
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaxMqL76HJ3uluUIvoVkT25CC7nHno6VN&si=f-WbnKSUvZc_9yY1
Thank you for your unwavering support. May this program empower your daughter and countless others to feel confident and secure in their journeys ahead.
