In my last entry, I wrote that I had been contacted by an elementary school teacher to instruct her class as to how to defend themselves against abductors/predators.

I don't know how many of you have faced the challenge of working with, and holding the attention of, 28 4th graders for an hour especially when it is shortly before the end of their school day. As with the two previous sessions, the students "marched" into the all purpose room. The poking and pushing was accompanied by a glass shattering noise level. With constant "reminders" to be quiet, they participated in the "skits" and exercises which have proven to be extremely effective against the aforementioned potential threats.

But this day was different. Just prior to the students arrival, I had spoken with one of the custodial staff about the program I was presenting whereupon she informed me that her daughter, while on her way to school, had been chased/grabbed by an abductor but managed to escape.

I had previously told the students about the incident which occured in the Sabino Canyon area and emphasized how important this training was as it could save their lives. But this time I started relating the details of the attack just provided to me when, to my surprise, the previously shy voice of a little girl piped up and told the class of the entire episode. She had been with her older sister when the attack occured.

The students listened intently to their classmate, and the whole demeanor of the group seemed to change. They began to take the activities very seriously and the noise/pushing subsided. While they may not have been able to relate to the Sabino Canyon incident, they certainly did to this one. It's very different when it happens to those you know.

Walk In Peace
Alan

Alan Dankwerth has been a martial arts, self-defense and personal safety instructor for over 30 years. He believes that everyone should know how to protect themselves.