Mandatory Self Defense and Martial Arts Training for All Children

"You can't think too much. Reacting's better. Could be the difference between staying alive and that other thing. The question is never what do you think. It's always what do you know. You gotta know, 'cause if you don't, if you make one mistake...It takes just one--So you've gotta know that you can take him. Know your environment. Know what's around you and how to use it-- everything is a potential weapon if you know how to see it. When you're fighting, you have to know yourself—your brain, your body. Know how to stay calm, centered. Every move is important. Every blow's gotta be part of your plan. If you make that one mistake, then it's over." (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Potential”, 7.12)

We have what is known as a "rape culture" in this country. Phrases such as "legitimate rape" have been thrown about by lawmakers for several years now. Trusting parents to teach their children to respect healthy boundaries is apparently not enough.

We need mandatory self defense and martial arts training as a required part of our children's education.

From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.

1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys experience sexual abuse or assault.

34% percent of children are under age 12.

https://rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence

The benefits of self defense training are obvious but two of the most important are 1) street awareness and and 2) fighter's reflex.

Street awareness is a constant awareness of your surroundings at all times.

Fighter's reflex is the ability to move quickly and strategically in a potentially dangerous situation.

http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-knowing-self-defense/

This is not about blaming the victim., It's about helping to protect all of of our children.