Self-defense classes for kids can add level of safety

NEW ALBANY, OH (WISH) – Almost everything adults learn to do in a self-defense class, kids can learn as well.

“It’s better to have this knowledge and not need it, then need it and not have it,” said Scott Mulhollen of Dynamic Self Defense.

Almost all the children that come to Dynamic Self Defense in New Albany have been bullied or attacked. That’s why Mulhollen started the classes, because he was targeted too.

“When I was a kid, I got beat up a lot; victimized a lot. So I know what it’s like to have no self-confidence. To know what it’s like to feel worthless,” said Mulhollen.

For the last 25 years, he has been helping others gain strength and confidence, but it isn’t easy. If an adult attacks a child that adult can be 10 times stronger, however, the idea of the class is to get the kids to get the adult to react, so the child can escape.

Another idea, if a child is attacked; have them yell “fire!”

“If you think about other words like help, stop, they’ve become too common. People don’t react to those, but when you hear ‘fire’ that gets attention,” according to Mulhollen.

Another bit of advice, don’t let your kids walk alone or visit a family you aren’t familiar with.

Mulhollen said you don’t have to hover over your children all the time, but know where they are going.

“Do you need to hold their hands all the time? Absolutely not. But be aware of that. Limit what they can do. Be there.”