Your child’s skills in this area are obvious when they are put to use. If someone throws a punch and they can block, then we know the training is working. But before they react and have to engage in self-defense, there are a lot of things going on in your child’s head, and this is where confidence comes into play again. 

When your child feels is so confident that they can take care of themselves in any situation, then they will. To use a related example, say your child is so good at math that whenever he or she knows that a solution will be found eventually, then you know your child’s mind is in the right place. But if there’s a moment of doubt, usually your child will not get the result the result he or she wants.

The same goes for self-defense. If your children know how to do it, as their skill improves, they will have a feeling of certainty. They will be able to say, “Yes, I can block that move, or that one, and I can counterattack.” Therefore, mental training is just as important as physical.

Training in the basics is a big part of our self-defense training here at our academy.  We continually condition them to become better at the basics so they can begin to build skill.  Only then can they build a foundation to excel at more advanced techniques. This builds a feeling of confidence in their ability to perform what is asked of them.  Then they have the opportunity to feel great about their performance.  

Parents can be a part of this as well. You can come in early and help your children train by holding targets for them, reinforcing the habit of practicing what they want to become better at.