Krav Generation runs classes for adults. We run classes for children and teenagers. Through talking and discussion with students we realised there was an important gap to be filled. An increase in knife crime and other violent incidents on our streets means that many of us feel vulnerable when out and about. And ‘vulnerable’ reaches a whole new level when you’re a parent or carer responsible for the safety of young children – even the most basic of shopping trips can give rise to a multitude of ‘what ifs’.

This is why we introduced our Parent & Child class. Unique to Krav Generation, the class has been carefully designed to teach parents and their children learn how to recognise a dangerous and potentially violent situation and know what to do.

Who is the Parent & Child class for?

As adults we are obviously very aware of what’s happening around us and what is reported by the news media. We’ve had parents approach us because they feel the need to equip themselves and their children with defensive skills. One mum, for instance, was worried about how she could protect both her toddler and very young baby – she attended the class with baby in a carrier and we ensured she could fully participate.

Then there are parents of children who may be struggling with self-confidence or shyness. The Parent & Child class is a brilliant way of helping children grow. What better way to build confidence than to attend a class with mum or dad, feel more secure in their presence and start to make new friends while also learning valuable new skills. Similarly, the class works really well for children that may be subjected to bullying at school – again, we see fantastic results. The transformation in children – even after just one or two sessions – who do everything they can to not be noticed and then find their voices, their spirit and, most satisfying of all, their smiles will never cease to make the Krav Generation team incredibly happy! This is why we do what we do!

How does the class work?

Crucially, we don’t draw attention to the existence of violence in society – the last thing we want is to make young children anxious about everyday life. The Parent & Child class is anything but scary. We may be teaching self-defence but our younger members don’t see it as that, they are simply being active and enjoying a fun environment. But behind the fun and games, the class is carefully structured and planned to teach key skills and hone participants’ natural reactions to dangerous situations.

We use positive reinforcement and repetition, which helps children to feel more confident in themselves. They stand tall, make eye contact and aren’t afraid to use their voice. Having the confidence to use their voices loudly enables them to alert others that they are in danger or frightened. And standing tall and proud means they aren’t a target to bullies. In class we talk about right and wrong behaviour, when it’s okay to defend themselves and what they are allowed to do. And because we use repetition in class, they aren’t scared to use the tools they have learnt. Doing this alongside a parent or carer who is supportive of this approach helps to deeply embed these valuable skills in the child’s brain.

Learn in class, practice at home – together!

We all know that feeling when you ask your child how their day at school has been or what did they do at their after-school club – the response is often ‘the usual’, ‘nothing’ or just a shrug. It can be so frustrating! Not so with our Parent and Child class. You and your child are learning together and working together. It means you have a shared knowledge, from key safety words and what action to take to actual self-defence techniques, and you can continue to practice at home in between classes to develop muscle memory. Many parents also say that this shared experience strengthens their bond, improves communication and deepens trust – a very positive side effect of the class.

What age range is the class aimed at?

We generally accept children aged four and over. And we don’t restrict the class to one child per adult. We believe in basing our classes on real-life scenarios – we know that life doesn’t equate to one child per adult. Naturally, all children are different, so if you’re not sure whether the class will suit just get in touch and we’ll have a chat – whether your child has endless energy to expend, struggles with making friends or has special needs, we accommodate everyone!

Bringing your child to a self-defence class shouldn’t be because something bad has happened. Bring them because you want them (and you!) to have an array of tools ready should something happen in the future. For most parents, making sure your child can swim is a key skill they should acquire as early in life as possible. We believe self-defence is exactly the same!

Krav Generation’s Parent & Child classes run every Thursday 5.15pm-6.00pm at Esher Rugby Club. We also run workshops for parents and children at Achieve Lifestyle in Staines. Contact us to find out more or to book your free trial session!