Joel A Levy

Joel A Levy

Becoming a Black Belt in Life

Archive for category Child Safety

Kids love discipline

Aug 5

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety, Martial Arts | No Comments

As a professional educator for the past 20 years, I have observed one phenomenon over and over again. Kids seem to be happier, and feel more safe and secure when they have structure and discipline in their lives. They are often told what not to do, but that does not necessarily offer them any clear structure for disciplined behavior in what to do.

Legendary dog trainer Cesar Milan insists that for dogs to be happy and balanced they need rules, boundaries, and limitations. In other words, discipline.

Kids are very much the same. They consistently look for structure and discipline if it is not otherwise given.

Here is an experiment I often do to prove my theory. I take a group of kids and say, “We are going to play a game of (e.g. dodgeball). Ok, play”. Right away they say “Wait a minute, what are the rules?”. Then I give them one rule only and tell them to play. Immediately they say, “Wait, what about…?” looking for clarification of the rules regarding any variety of situations that might come up.

I then engage them in a full on explanation of the rules (discipline structure) of the game. Only when they are satisfied that all the rules have been covered will they want to play.

Guess what happens when one of them breaks the rules? You guessed it – they all jump on it and are not satisfied unless the rule-breaker (he/she who demonstrated a lack of regard for the structure and discipline of the game) receives a consequence.

Time and time again, the kids themselves show me that structure and discipline creates happier, well balanced kids. Try an experiment of your own and shoot me a comment.

If you are looking for an environment that promotes respect for others, responsibility for one’s actions, and discipline for oneself for your own children, check out the Family Martial Arts Academy Summer Karate Camp. Students in our camp really do become physically fit, self-confident, and able to defend themselves if they have to. Kids love it so much they even want to stay for aftercare.

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Child Anti-Abduction Course

Nov 2

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety | No Comments

lost shoeOn Thursday, November 5th,   Family Martial Arts Academy, 17 N. 4th Ave. Highland Park, NJ, is offering a child anti-abduction training program.

This course is taught in a way that is fun and safe. Through activities that mimic familiar children’s games, the instructors are able to effectively address the subject in a manner that is positive and empowering to kids.

One of the reasons that parents rave about this course is that their children learn real tools to avoid or prevent any attempted abduction.  They also love the fact that kids leave this course feeling great about themselves.

Students are taught the most common lures used on unsuspecting children, and exactly what to do if approached by a ‘friendly’ stranger.

The average age of the students who participate is between 7 and 12 years old.

This course is taught by nationally certified child safety authority, Joel Levy, M.Ed., and the dedicated staff of Family Martial Arts Academy.  The normal cost is $39, but due to recent events FMAA is granting a special rate of only $10.  BONUS:  Parents may attend with their children at no extra cost.

Call to register: (732) 296-1677  or go to
http://safekidsnow.eventbrite.com

Time: 1:00-2:30pm

Location: 17 North 4th Ave., Highland Park, NJ 08904

Cost: $10 per child

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Halloween Costume Safety

Oct 15

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety | No Comments

Halloween costumesIn thinking about Halloween safety, there is a lot more than the boogey man hiding behind a tree.  As the owner of a martial arts school, I can tell you that what you wear has a lot to do with your safety, and your ability to move comfortably.  Here are a few things to consider when selecting your (child’s) costume this year.

First of all, does it fit?  Is your child able to move comfortably in his/her costume?  Are the pants hemmed to the right height, or is your child tripping over them?  I have seen several children break their teeth on the sidewalk because they tripped over something.  Don’t let it be their pants.

Is their mask so big that it is hanging off their face?  Be sure that in addition to being able to move comfortably, your child can see easily and clearly through their mask.  I am blind in my left eye.  As an adult, I still bump into things.  Don’t put your child in that predicament.  Check their ability to see before they leave the house.

My son loves anything with plastic swords, knives, etc.  Pirates, ninja turtles, the galloping gourmet; it’s all the same to him.   If your child is going out with a similar object, make sure that it is not too rigid.  It should be soft and flexible enough that if he/she should fall and land on it, that it will not cause serious injury (or any injury at all!).

If you are painting your child’s face, please read the label.  Face paint should be non-toxic and hypoallergenic.  Nothing worse than a plastic pumpkin full of candy, and a face full of itchy rash at the end of an afternoon of trick-or-treating.

Back to costumes, be sure that your child’s costume is flame-retardant.  As an adult with three of my own children, I understand how deadly serious this is.  Depending on where you live, people may still burn leaves, or have lanterns or candles outside.  Don’t put your child unnecessarily at risk of catching fire.  I get chills even writing that.

Finally, reflective tape is easy to acquire and use.  If your children are going to be out at night, it is a very good idea to put a few strips of it on their costumes and bags.  It will make them easier to spot by motorists if they are crossing the street, and will also make them identifiable to others as they approach, or worse if they should get lost.

Related (seasonal) posts:

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How to Pet a Dog

Sep 21

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety, Personal Safety | No Comments

SKC walking dogsYou may have noticed that there are a lot of people with dogs walking around town. There are all types of dogs to be seen in Highland Park. Some big, some small, some friendly, some not. Some are good with people, but not with other dogs. Some are good with dogs but not people. Some dogs are good with neither, and some are good with both.

There are also some dog owners that are good at handling their dogs, and there are some who definitely are not. Some allow bad behavior, some correct it. Some have their dogs walking respectfully by their side, and some allow their dogs (even tiny dogs) to drag them down the street. Some even let their dogs poo on people’s lawns and don’t pick it up, but I already wrote that article!

With all these variables, how are you to know who is who in terms of dogs and owners? You may or may not be a fan of dogs to begin with, but there they are walking on your side of the street.

One thing is for certain; there are always people, most often kids, who want to pet somebody’s dog. That being said, it would be helpful to know how best to approach a dog you want to pet. In doing so, it is very important to respect the fact that a dog is not a human, and must be understood on its terms, and not ours.

Can I Pet Her?

First of all, ask the owner if it is ok to pet their dog. While this may seem obvious, I can tell you first hand, it is often overlooked. Then listen to what the owner says. If they say no, leave it alone! If they give the ok, then proceed to the next step.

If they give the go ahead to pet their dog, here is the safest way to go about it. Rather than run up to the dog and startle it, approach it slowly. It is best not to approach a dog head on, as that could be perceived as a direct challenge. The safer way to approach a dog is at an angle or from the side. Once you are in its personal space, allow it to come the rest of the way to you and smell you. This is how dogs initially come to know who you are; through their nose.

When it is smelling you, avoid direct eye contact until the dog has finished smelling you. Direct eye contact can also be seen as a challenge. Just be casual and let it do its thing. This is usually just a few seconds.

Now that you have shown the dog that you understand its culture as a dog by letting it approach and smell you, and not giving it the New York City Subway stare down, it both knows and trusts you. Once this type of trust has been established, and the owner has given permission, it is ok to pet the dog. It is recommended that you do so initially with your palm facing out and down, and below the dog’s eye level. An elevated hand could cause the dog to jump, or even be perceived as aggression, depending on the dog’s history.

While explained in great detail here, this whole process takes only a few short moments. However, observing these principles will give you success and confidence in knowing how best to approach a dog that appeals to you or your child.

If you live in Highland Park, there is a good chance you will see me walking down your side of the street, at some point or another with Mickey, my mixed breed shelter rescue dog. If and when you do, you can definitely feel free to practice the steps outlined above on him. Don’t forget to start by asking permission first!

One more note. Do not make the mistake of thinking that some breeds of dogs are ‘good’ or approachable and others are not. The dog’s size or breed isn’t nearly as important as how it is raised and handled by its owners; just like kids.

Photos: FMAA and A Girl And Her Camera

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Pick It Up!

Apr 2

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety | No Comments

This article by Joel Levy was published in the April 2, 2009 issue of The Highland Park Mirror.

Dog Pooper Scooper

This month’s column is intended to ruffle a few feathers. Just a few. And if you are one of the people whose feathers are ruffled, I invite you to come see me in person about it, because I’d sure love to see you.

I would really love to find out who it is that thinks it is OK for my children to have to worry about playing on their own lawn, without having to constantly watch out for dog droppings. If you are the lazy, arrogant SOB who thinks it’s their right to leave their dog’s poop where my children play, you are definitely the person whose feathers I intend to ruffle. Do you also leave your garbage on other people’s property?

Perhaps you would like it if I left the same where you sleep, eat, or work? I sincerely doubt it. So what gives you the right, or the audacity to feel that your dog’s poop is so desired by others that you would just leave it out for all to experience?

I love my dog. People see me walking my dog all over town. And like almost all of you, I carry bags with me, so that when my dog does a ‘number two,’ I can immediately pick it up, and dispose of it appropriately.

Maybe it should be fair that my kids can poop where your dog plays, and leave it there. That might be a just measure. On the other hand, there are some standards that are just part of the rules, as civil human beings living in the same town. They are even written down — you will find many signs around town warning of the fines affiliated with not picking up after your dog. That means you too!

Yes I know you love your dog. Yes, I know your dog is a part of your family. The Dog Senseis My staff and I at Family Martial Arts Academy are all avid dog lovers, owners and trainers. All of our dogs come from rescues. We derive tremendous enjoyment from our dogs, and we also participate in the socially responsible custom of PICKING UP THEIR POOP!

The anti-social implications of leaving bacteria-ridden feces on other people’s property is something for the many qualified mental health care professionals in Highland Park to figure out. I don’t really care why. I just want it to stop!

As a parent, I am calling out to all parents who care about the cleanliness of the spaces in which their children play. As a homeowner, and taxpayer, I am calling out to all people who care about the aesthetic qualities of our charming town. Let’s take a stand against all those who feel it is their right to let their dogs dirty our lawns and sidewalks, and coldly move on, without picking it up.

Since this is a safety column, here is the safety message in it. Poop is unsanitary. It is therefore unsafe for the children of Highland Park to be playing in it. PICK IT UP!!!

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Who’s In Charge of Your Children?

Mar 2

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety, Teen Safety | No Comments

This article by Joel Levy was published in the The Highland Park Mirror.

high school girls soccerSo I’m on the bus ride back from our soccer game up in Paramus.  It happens that I am coaching my daughter’s high school soccer team, and we have an away game.  We lose the game, but that is another story.  The van ride up to the game is pretty uneventful, with the usual chatter of high school girls and the sounds of teenagers singing along to the radio.  I am in the front seat next to the driver, writing out plays for the game, and the list of starters and subs for each position.

As we arrive, the driver is asking me how long the game will be and what time I think he needs to be back for us.  Something about the way he was asking had me concerned, but I brushed it off as we needed to get into the gym to play our game.

We all pile into the van to go home at the end of the night’s activity, and the van driver is unusually quiet.  He doesn’t move until I tell him, “Hey, let’s go”.  Right away, I sense he is not the same as when he drove us up to the game.  He nearly misses our exit for Rt. 17 South, and swerves wildly to get on it, just a little too much for my comfort.

speedNext thing I know, he is flying down the parkway south at dangerously high speeds, in the far left lane, cutting over to get around people in the center lanes who are driving closer to the speed limit.  At first I tell myself, “He got us here just fine, don’t be paranoid…”  Then I notice he is barely able to stay in the lane he is in, causing cars to the right of us to swerve out of his way as he repeatedly cuts partially into their lane.

Now I’m starting to burn.  I’m thinking, not only is my kid in this van, but you’ve got a van full of other people’s kids, and you have a responsibility to get them home safely.  You just don’t have the right to drive that way with someone else’s kid(s) in the vehicle.  Let alone you own kids, or an adult passenger, for that matter.  I tell him, “Hey, slow down, we all want to live you know!?”  He just chuckles and keeps on driving.

Now I’m thinking, ok, I wonder if I can knock him unconscious and throw him out of the vehicle, and take control of the van without the kids noticing.  That’s when I realize I have watched way too many action movies!  Meantime, I am texting the head of the school, giving him a play by play of the dangerous behavior of the driver.  Finally, when the lanes on the Parkway merge, and traffic slows down almost to a stop, he is barreling straight for the car in front of us at high speed.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are about to have a serious accident.  I quickly turn off the radio, and scream at him, “SLOW DOWN!!!” The shock of this causes him to slow down just in time to not smash into the line of cars in front of us, which are now at a stop.  Then I unleash a verbal assault on him, about the way he is driving the van.  He looks at me, and I look at him back as if to say, “I dare you!”  I’m not trying to be macho here, but he has the lives of my team in his hand, and I am definitely a protective poppa bear.

I continue to text the school director, who has someone call the driver.  After the call, the driver is going s-u-p-e-r- s-l-o-w on purpose, just to make a point.  I don’t care at this point, as long as we get back safely.

All I can think is that if I were not on the van, there is a very good chance they would have had a very bad accident.  I ask the girls, if they have ever had this driver before, and I can’t believe what they said.  They said, “It’s a good thing you yelled at him when you did, because we were terrified.”  They continue to tell me, “You don’t understand, coach, they all drive like that.”  I say, “Who all drives like that?”  They say, “All the van drivers.”

WHAT?!!!  Not if I have something to say about it, and I most definitely do!

big brotherParents, please talk you your kids.  Ask them about their day.  Ask them about the bus driver.  Ask them about everything.  Ninety nine percent of the time, you have nothing to worry about.  But, believe me; people will behave much more responsibly when they know you are checking up on them.

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The Difference Between Self-Escape and Self-Defense

Feb 8

Posted by Joel Levy in Adult Safety, Child Safety, Family Safety, Martial Arts, Personal Safety, Teen Safety | No Comments

This article by Joel Levy was published in the February 8, 2009 issue of The Highland Park Mirror.

On the SAFE Side

Most martial arts schools, my own included, teach some form of self defense. Some teach more practical methods than others, but what always struck me as interesting is how rarely the schools teach what to do to avoid needing self-defense in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong. Responsible instructors will always tell their students something along the lines of, “Common sense before self defense.” But few really use a systematic method based on true research and statistics, to teach kids, teens, and adults how to live a safer and more aware lifestyle on a daily basis.

In my own search for answers to these questions years ago, I came across some hard-core bodyguard training. Like many others, I thought bodyguards were just big scary guys that beat people up. And I did meet some that were ‘monsters’ — at least on the outside — but I also met others that were maybe 5’3” and 120 pounds.

I also discovered that a good number of them were women, and for good reason. Imagine a female celebrity such as Beyonce wanting to go into Victoria’s Secret . . . . or even just needing the ladies’ room. She certainly doesn’t want a male bodyguard shadowing her during her more personal moments.

What I learned is that Executive Protection Agents (what true bodyguards are called), far from being punch-drunk goons, are highly intelligent, well-trained, and methodical professionals.

The biggest part of this job is what is called Advance Work: gathering as much advance information about everything from potential threats, to the client’s food preferences, to medical needs or conditions. The better the ‘advance’ is, the better the job goes, and the more potentially bad situations are avoided in the first place.

As a professional and lifelong martial artist, I took it upon myself to study and train with these agents. That included learning advance work, handling a motorcade, receiving lines, third party protection, and many other skills. Fighting skills per se were not as much of a focus.

At our Family Martial Arts Academy, in addition to the regular Martial Arts curriculum, we also teach a variety of self-escape and personal safety courses as well. As I see it, knowing you can take it to a higher level if necessary gives you the confidence to use the lower level skills first. You won’t panic in a situation if you know you can handle it if it goes bad.

At the same time, a calm confidence will help you to think clearly in order to spot potential danger, and use your self-escape tools to avoid it. Without true training in the lower level skills, there is a danger that you go straight to the higher level skills first, which may not be the appropriate response.

Self escape training is fun, and gives people the confidence of knowing what to do in the majority of circumstances that require some action. This is especially true if it is based on honest Bodyguard or Executive Protection skills, tactics, and training, because getting to safety and avoiding trouble is paramount.

You may ask, “What about the small percentage of the time when something more than self-escape is required?” That is where the confidence in your martial arts skills is essential.

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Keep Your Child Safe While Shopping

Nov 13

Posted by Joel Levy in Child Safety, Family Safety, Personal Safety | 1 Comment

This article by Joel Levy was published in the November 13, 2007 issue of The Highland Park Mirror.

On the SAFE Side

Expert advice to maintain your personal and family security

shoppingWatching the news or reading the paper, one gets a good idea of how often children are targeted by predators. More often than not, these predators appear at first glance to be ordinary members of society. In many cases abductions can be prevented by little more than direct supervision by a responsible adult.

In other cases, proper safety training for the child can make all the difference between recognizing, avoiding, or escaping danger, and becoming another victim. A child’s welfare is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or entrusted adult, and that is a full time responsibility.

It is a known fact that predators are more likely to target kids who are unsupervised directly by adults, and who therefore, innocently wander into the wrong place at the wrong time. This is particularly true in busier locations such as supermarkets or large department stores, where an adult can easily get distracted, and a child can easily get lost.

With that in mind, here are some simple and proven tips that can help you keep your child safe in and around a shopping area.

When you are in the store, take note of any individual who may try to interact with your child. Remember, not all strangers are bad guys — but not all bad guys look scary. Let them know you are watching!

Never let your child out of your direct line of sight. How close to keep him or her will depend on the child’s age, and level of physical and mental development. The point is to always know where they are.

parking lotWhen walking to your car, always hold your child’s hand with your stronger hand and carry your shipping bag in your weaker hand. Should you have an encounter with a possible assailant or if a vehicle pulls out blindly, you’ll be able to protect your child as you maintain your grip on him or her, and keep them safe.

Consider enrolling a short safety course geared to younger and older children, teens, adults, and seniors. Many of these courses are held locally at the Family Martial Arts Academy, as well as other schools and organizations around the state.

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Child Safety: A conversation with Sensei Yvonne Levy

Apr 1

Posted by Yvonne Levy in Adult Safety, Child Safety, Family Safety | No Comments

WorkingMom.com interviewed Yvonne on Child Safety for their April 2004 issue.

SENSEI LEVY, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I’m probably one of the most unique martial arts instructors you’ll ever meet. I’m 4’11”, weigh 100 pounds soaking wet, have three kids ages ten, five, and one, I own a martial arts school with my husband Sensei Joel Levy, and I’m a black belt. I have a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and am also a certified teacher.

I began learning martial arts shortly after meeting Joel because he was concerned about the saftey of me and my daughter when we were alone or out at night without him. (I was a single mother living in an apartment that had already been robbed) He decided it was time for me to learn how to protect myself and the baby.

We eventually got married, had two more children and left our teaching careers to establish Family Martial Arts Academy in my hometown of Highland Park, New Jersey. As a black belt, now I’m the head instructor of our Kinder-Karate® program. My background as an early childhood teacher, the fact that I’m a mother of three, and my experience in martial arts have all served to prepare me for becoming a Sensei, (or teacher of martial arts) particularly when teaching women and small children.

WITH THE HOLIDAYS COMING UP, CAN YOU GIVE US TIPS ON HOW TO SAFELY GO SHOPPING WITH KIDS?

Definitely! I can tell you first hand how important it is to be prepared and safety conscious when you are shopping. I have a pre-teen, a school-aged child, and a toddler myself. When I am shopping with all of them I know how easy it is to be momentarily distracted, and take my focus off of my surroundings, my children, or even myself. That is just enough time for the ‘bad guy’ to make his move, if he has been watching you.

Keep in mind that the bad guy is always looking for an easy target because he is basically a coward in the business of crime. He doesn’t usually have an alternative plan if things go wrong for him…what he has is an alternative victim. That’s why training is so important. At Family Martial Arts Academy we teach a course called Shopping Sense® as part of a larger course called Family Protection.

This is the first and most important rule:

  1. NEVER LET YOUR CHILD OUT OF YOUR DIRECT LINE OF SIGHT.
  2. While most interaction is friendly and harmless, always be aware, and be vigilant about any stranger who gets too close to you or your child.
  3. When walking to your car, always hold your child, or child’s hand with your STRONGER hand, so if you have to move the child out of the line of a stranger, or a car that suddenly pulls out, you will not lose your grip. If you drop what is in the weaker hand, it can be replaced, the child can not.
  4. Always put your packages in the car AFTER you have put your child safely in the car. Never leave the child standing unattended while you put your groceries in the vehicle.Finally, NEVER leave the child alone in the vehicle while you run into the store for a ‘quick errand’. At the least, children can get hurt while playing alone in the car, and at the worst, this is a prime opportunity for a random abduction.

While many of these things may seem obvious, but they are all easy to overlook when you are in a hurry. And what working mom isn’t in a hurry? None of these tips involve any physical training, so anyone can apply them immediately.

Tom Patire's Personal Protection HandbookThe physical training component can be easily learned by anyone of any age using the Training For Life™ techniques which we teach in Shopping Sense®. For excellent personal protection information and techniques, I recommend Tom Patire’s Personal Protection Handbook or video tapes. Both are available at my website http://www.FamilyMartialArtsAcademy.com

For anyone traveling near the New York metropolitan area, I recommend scheduling a one on one customized saftey lesson with us. For working moms in Central New Jersey, it’s even easier; just attend one of our regularly scheduled courses. And for the working moms in other parts of the country, I can recommend a good training center in nearly every state in the nation. (Just email me through our website or call our office at (732) 296-1677).

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW WHEN WE’RE SHOPPING ALONE?

As a matter of fact, I can think of at least ten:

  1. For example, when I’m leaving the mall by myself I keep a HOT cup of coffee in one hand with the lid completely loose. If anyone gets too close to me with bad intentions they are getting a hot cup of coffee right in their face! (I like this better than the keys between the fingers because it gives me a little more distance.)
    Here are a few other suggestions that have come my way, and I recommend them to other women who ask.
  2. If a robber asks for your wallet/purse, DO NOT hand it to him. Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet/purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. Run like mad in the other direction! And scream to call attention to your situation.
  3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
  4. Women have a tendency to just sit in their cars after shopping, eating, working, putting on make-up, etc., DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors and leave.
  5. If you are parked next to a van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
  6. Be aware and look around you. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. It is always better to be safe than sorry. (And better paranoid than dead.)
  7. Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and are the perfect crime spot. Don’t get on the elevator if someone suspicious is there. Get off the elevator if you are going to be alone with someone. Wait for the next one or until someone else gets on with you.
  8. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit a running target 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. Run!
  9. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: Stop it! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
  10. Another safety point: If you are home alone at night and hear a crying baby do not open the door. This was recently mentioned on America’s Most Wanted when they profiled a serial killer in Louisiana. The killer has a baby’s cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.

WOW! THIS IS GREAT INFORMATION FOR ANY WOMAN. WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU THINK KIDS NEED TO KNOW?

Aside from our regular kids classes in which kids learn respect, responsibility, and discipline along with fitness, confidence, and self-defense we actually teach a separate course that deals directly with physical saftey when children become separated from their parents.

I teach a series of classes called Know and Go®. Some of the things they learn in our Know and Go® course are what to do when:

  1. They hear glass breaking.
  2. They hear car tires screeching.
  3. They find themselves in the middle of a panic stricken crowd.
  4. They encounter a vicious dog barking.
  5. Police, Fire, and Emergency vehicles are in motion.
  6. The smoke detector alarm goes off.
  7. There is a train in motion.
  8. A stranger asks them for help.

I also teach a second level of Know and Go which teaches them how to escape
an attempted abduction. This involves things like what to remember about the
bad guy and how to use your body and obstacles to get away.

We also teach a course on bully prevention.

LASTLY, IS THERE ANY OTHER SAFTEY OR SELF DEFENSE QUESTION YOU WISH WE HAD ASKED YOU ABOUT IN THIS CONVERSATION?

Yes, there is. I wish you had asked “What can martial arts training in general and training at Family Martial Arts Academy do for me or my child?”

For overall personal safety and well-being nothing replaces regular training during regular class times. To begin with, being more physically fit, having stronger muscles, joints and bones, and being more limber, will make you much less prone to injury while doing other things. Secondly, being in better physical shape will boost your immune system and keep you safer from ordinary things like colds and flu.

Furthermore, in our system of American Freestyle Karate under the head instruction of my husband, Sensei Joel Levy, the self-defense techniques and applications are very direct and to the point with no unnecessarily fancy or wasted movements. In the cases where our students did have to physically defend themselves they have been consistently able to do so quickly and easily.

Finally, the most important benefit of being physically more adept and able to defend yourself is the level of self-confidence that permeates your whole being. The bottom line of safety, as we alluded to before, is that the bad guy wants an easy victim. A person who is filled with self-confidence projects that confidence automatically, and therefore prevents themselves from being a victim by simply not looking like a target. At our school we focus on the whole person not just martial arts techniques. I think one of the things that characterizes Family Martial Arts Academy is that we aim to serve the student whereas traditionally the student was expected to serve the master or the style. Moms constantly tell us that they had no idea of how much training with us would help their child beyond the walls of our school. They report everything from better grades, to better self-esteem, to not being bullied anymore. Many of the parents of the children end up enrolling in the school because they see the positive impact it has had on their children.

Parents tell us that they most enjoy the stress reduction, renewed levels of energy, the disappearance of aches and pains, and unwanted fat, not to mention the ability to defend themselves and their loved ones. What I can tell you is that we are on a mission, “To leave the world a little bit better than the way we found it through martial arts”®. In other words, we want to help as many people as possible through the physical and psychological benefits of martial arts training.

Thank you, Workingmom.com for giving me the opportunity to share this valuable information with other working moms. I encourage anyone with any questions to feel free to contact me at Family Martial Arts Academy in Highland Park, New Jersey at (732) 296-1677 or contact me through my website: www.FamilyMartialArtsAcademy.com.

Sensei Yvonne Levy

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