City Kids

“Personal safety/self-defense classes for kids?”


photo by Ben Crosbie

“Dear PoPville,

It sucks to live in a society where O feel compelled to suggest a post on this, but since I figure it’s better to be prepared than end up sorry — can a reader recommend a local class that teaches ‘tween and teenaged kids about, eg, best practices & “street smarts” for personal safety (in public, in interactions with known adults and also unfamiliar kids) and some practical self-defense practices?

As far as the self-defense part, seeking something more along the lines of, eg, how to escape someone accosting you, rather than full-blown martial-arts-style “neutralize” someone.

A course tailored for females would be ideal, but not crucial; whatever the case, preferably in DC, though the ‘burbs are OK.”