Sensei David Adams addresses kids during Child Safety Class at Martial Arts America on March 21
Legs crossed. Eyes on Sensei. Keep hands to myself.
The Karate lesson is ready to begin. But this lesson is different. This lesson is all about keeping kids safe. This lesson is about strangers.
Sensei David Adams, owner of Martial Arts America, hosts a stranger education class for kids (and parents) in Coronado several times a year. During the class, he addresses ways to stay safe, avoid dangerous situations and four very important rules when it comes to strangers.
1. Never talk to strangers.
2. Never go anywhere with a stranger.
3. Never take anything from a stranger.
4. Never open the door to a stranger.
What is a stranger? A stranger is someone you don’t know.
“Strangers can look just like everyone else. They don’t all look nice and they don’t all look mean. A stranger is anyone that you don’t know,” he tells the kids.
After discussing the rules, Sensei put his practical knowledge to use and demonstrated with his Karate students what to do in case you’re approached by a stranger. He teaches kids to back away, keeping a safe distance while firmly saying “Stop, leave me alone. You’re not my dad (or mom) and then running to get help from a trusted adult.
So what do strangers have to do with Karate?
“We started doing this class a few years ago,” explains Adams. “In Karate, kids learn how to build their self confidence, how to act in certain situation, and how to be safe. This topic really goes hand in hand.”
And with the attempted kidnapping in Coronado’s Star Park this past January, it’s a good reminder for parents and kids that the need to stay safe is necessary anywhere, even in Coronado.
“I like to look at these classes as a preemptive approach to staying safe, rather than as a response to a tragic circumstance,” he says. “Fortunately the number of kidnappings is low, in part because we’re teaching kids valuable lessons that will help keep them safe.”
Adams continues that despite the number of kidnappings decreasing, it’s still necessary to keep educating kids on stranger awareness.
His approach is light and easy going, never using the words “Stranger Danger” as this topic is most commonly referred to. He explains to the kids that there is no need to be scared, as long as they remember the four rules to stay safe.
Adams, who was born and raised in Coronado, began Karate lessons September 15, 1993, when he was 7 years old, along with his older brother who was 10 at the time. He had previously played t-ball and soccer but found that he was better able to achieve specific goals he had for himself through Karate.
“In Karate, if you work really hard, you will reach your goals,” he says.
Karate teaches more than fighting skills. It teaches discipline, focus, self confidence and above all, respect. Karate programs also help keep kids safe through self defense programs and makes them physically stronger.
Martial Arts America first opened 25 years ago in 1989. In 2012, Adams became the owner. He teaches adult and children Karate programs and remains extremely active in the community, partnering with Coronado SAFE and Coronado Police Department to empower children.
For more information, please visit www.CoronadoKarate.com.
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Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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