Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumblyguts
Ha! One lesson learned while leading canoe trips was to be cautious about placing married couples in the same canoe on the first day  |
Which reminds me of another great marital lesson - become familiar with the little man in the canoe. 
But I digress. In my experience, most martial arts studios that have dedicated children's classes do not focus on realistic combat situations with children less than 12 years of age (with exceptions for those children who have been training for years who are invited to participate in the adult classes). Most focus on basic technique/form, fun, sport (teaching to win competitions/tournaments), fitness, self-discipline and positive self image.
When it comes down to it, a pre-pubescent child will be overpowered an adult attacker, and no amount of training will level the playing field. A child's best bet for survival in a a situation with an adult is a quick move to provide separation directly followed by fleeing to a safe environment.
__________________
"The dignity of man is not shattered in a single blow, but slowly softened, bent, and eventually neutered. Men are seldom forced to act, but are constantly restrained from acting. Such power does not destroy outright, but prevents genuine existence. It does not tyrannize immediately, but it dampens, weakens, and ultimately suffocates, until the entire population is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid, uninspired animals, of which the government is shepherd." - Alexis de Tocqueville
|