If you have to fight while holding your child.

[Michael Janich]

Thanks for the interesting, thought-comelling question and for the great discussion.

WIshooter, your head is already very much in the right place and the steps you have taken to incorporate practical drills are excellent. The "duffel bag training aid" is also a great move toward adding proper context to your training.

One drill you might want to consider adding to the mix is the "grown ups are too fat" drill that I used to do with my daughter and her Girl Scout friends (my wife was a troop leader and we were very actively involved in the troop activities, which included self-defense/anti-abduction training for the girls). Basically, you explain that there are great hiding places for kids that grown ups are to fat to fit into. Under a parked car, under a porch, or any other tight area where the child fits but an adult can't get in to grab him/her. Make it a game and look for such places as you walk in public. If your child points out any that are unsafe, take the opportunity to explain why and point out an alternative.

Although your child should understand the defensive potential of the drill and be able to do it independently, you should also have a key word to start the game, like "fat." When he/she hears it, the goal is to find a hiding place as quickly as possible without running a great distance.

An important part of the "game" is also having a key word to let him/her know that it's time to come out. When that word is spoken, his/her job is to come out--now.

If you are forced to defend yourself and fighting one-handed doesn't look like a good option, use the "game" to allow your child to get to temporary safety while you solve the problem. Then use the key word to get him/her out and flee the area.

Another option is to consider the "area denial" potential of pepper spray. If you have to run, leave a cloud behind you and run through a choke point as you go. Anyone who chooses to chase you will have to suck on a cloud of OC to do so.

I hope this helps. Keep up the great work.

Stay safe,

Mike