Youth Self Defense – How To Keep Your Child Safe Without Placing Them In Danger

So, how does youth self defense keep your child safe and not put them in danger? Read on and find out what is needed to protect your child from your child and everyone else.

With the introduction of the internet came international access to a variety of self defense products and defensive devices to protect all types of men and women. Items such as stun guns, Tasers, pepper spray and expandable steel batons have become a common assistant for many Americans. While these devices are great and most are very effective, they do have one huge drawback – they are not for children. So, how do you keep your child safe if they cannot carry the items made to keep people safe? The crazy thing is that children are most vulnerable and perhaps need the devices more than anyone. I guess it would be a bad idea to have millions of children running around with Tasers and big steel sticks, but we need to keep them safe nevertheless. Youth self defense will do just that.

I have been asked many times about youth self defense products. I always reply with just about the same answer. When asked my reply is usually “it depends on the age of the child”. A teenager can be taught to use a defensive device that is legal for almost anyone such as a kubotans or perhaps they may be served best by a good self defense course. If your child is younger it is best to educate them about the dangers of life including walking home from school and even being home alone. Education and awareness of ones surroundings are the keys for any successful self defense situation regardless of age.

After informing your child of the dangers of the world you may also want to arm them with a personal alarm and/or a quality youth self defense class. There are many personal alarms on the market today that will be an effective tool for children. My personal choice for a child would be the Stun Factory Banshee personal alarm. This devise is very small, comes in bright colors that kids like and is easily activated. When the strap is pulled, a small metal pin is pulled out of the alarm triggering its very loud siren. One of the best features is that when the strap and metal pin pulls out, it does not come out the entire way, preventing your child from losing the trigger strap. Other personal alarms will also be effective for children and some even come with strobe lights and other visual warning signals. Whatever alarm you choose be sure that it is at least 120 Db, any less and it may not be an effective youth self defense device. To find a self defense class for your child you can check your local phone book. There are classes designed just for children of almost any age. I suggest sitting in on a class before signing up to see if the instruction is what you are looking for.

Now you can arm your child without worrying if they will end up shocked, sprayed or knocked in the head by a baton. Using some of these youth self defense tips should provide a good start to protecting your child and keeping them safe from themselves. I must stress again that education and awareness of your surroundings may just be the most important thing you can do to keep them safe.

Andrew Youtz is a security expert with years of experience dealing with all types of security from home protection to business surveillance. Click here to find out more about youth self defense.

Choosing The Right Martial Arts Shoes For Your Child

When your child or children begins studying martial arts, it is important to make sure that they have the right martial arts shoes. Protective gear for the feet is essential for proper safety, and most types are made of lightweight material that is designed to provide flexibility and traction.


Most sparring moves involve striking with the top of the foot, which is why sparring boots are made with foam like material to provide cushion for the feet and ankle joints, which the most commonly injured bones during martial arts exercise. Most of these shoes also extend over the top of the foot to provide ultimate protection. Childrens feet are constantly growing, so it may be tempting to purchase lesser quality gear. This is one area where you should splurge, for the very reason. Growing feet need support, particularly developing tendons and bones.


Shoes that are too small can cause corns, calluses, and blisters, and can result in impact related injury, since they essentially restrict the movement of the feet. Combine this with the high impact nature of martial arts sparring moves, and it is easy to see why shoes that are too small are a major cause of sparring related injury. Conversely, shoes that are too big can result in blisters and injuries related to slipping and falling during a practice or match. This is not the time to purchase shoes for your children to grow into.


You can find martial arts shoes for children in a wide variety of colors and styles, the most common being black, dark blue, red, white, and pink. Depending on the skill level of your child and the preferences of the instructor, the choice of shoes may be more or less limited. If cost is a factor, you may want to consider purchasing a high quality used pair. Make sure to let your child or children try on the shoes before you purchase them, even if you are sure of their size, since sizing standards vary widely by manufacturer.


The most important thing to remember is that the right pair of shoes, like the other martial arts accessories are designed to protect your little one while they perfect their martial arts skills. Look for shoes that are well constructed, flexible, durable, and that fit your child well and your child will be ready to begin learning martial arts sparring moves, the safe way.

The author has been practicing karate for nearly 15 years, and he prefers to shop online for martial arts shoes

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