Copyright 2002 The Deseret News Publishing Co. The Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT) November 19, 2002, Tuesday

After learning how to jab an attacker in the eyes, get out of a choke hold and avoid being carted off by a stranger, student Kaitlyn Kelly, 13, said she felt a lot more confident and secure.

"It's kind of cool to see how you can use your instincts for it," she said.

Kelley and about 100 of her classmates at Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City participated in a presentation Monday by self-defense expert Rick Seid, who taught them how to avoid or escape a child abduction. "It's very simple, no frills," Seid said. "It originates from a person's natural or instinctive movements."

Seid, co-founder of the "Give Children a Fighting Chance" program and video, says he wants children not only to avoid dangerous situations by not talking to strangers but to be prepared to fight if someone simply grabs them.

He teaches children they should run or prepare to run if an adult asks them for help. When running away, they should zigzag, use objects as obstacles and find refuge somewhere too small for an adult, such as underneath a car.

"If it takes any time or any noise, (an abductor is) going to get out of there," Seid said. "Never stop fighting."

Seid also takes it a step further, teaching children what to do if they're put in a choke hold, or how they can escape if someone grabs the back of their shirt or hair. One tip: A victim can raise his or her arm and make a sharp turn, breaking someone's grip.

Kids should also know how to avoid being taken into a car or trunk.

They can use their legs to block entrance, pushing their feet against either side of a car door or trunk to avoid being put in the car, he said.

If an attacker successfully gets them into a vehicle, they can quickly grab and "hug" the steering wheel to the right while the car is in motion, causing an accident to attract attention. Another possibility is to shift the car into another gear while it's in motion to damage the transmission.

"You obviously don't want to injure the child, but what's the alternative?" he said.

Seid taught self-defense techniques to law enforcement departments, flight attendants and others before he started the program for children. He has been touring malls and schools to promote the safety program.

Salt Lake City police Sgt. Fred Louis said since the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping and subsequent media attention, area residents have been paying more attention to child safety.

"We feel that there is a higher awareness by parents to watch their kids or even watch out for neighbor kids," Louis said.

More parents seem to be dropping off their children at school rather than letting them walk, he said.

There has also been an increase in programs like Safe Passage, where residents keep an eye outside their window during the morning and afternoon when children walk to school.

"It seems like everyone is pitching in to keep kids safe," Louis said.
For more information on the Fighting Chance program visit www.kidsfightingchance.com



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		Copyright 2002 The Deseret News Publishing Co. The Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT) November 19, 2002, Tuesday After learning how to jab an attacker in the eyes, get out of a choke hold and avoid being carted off by a stranger, student Kaitlyn Kelly, 13, said she felt a lot more confident and secure. "It's kind of cool to see how you can use your instincts for it," she said. Kelley and about 100 of her classmates at Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City participated in a presentation Monday by self-defense expert Rick Seid, who taught them how to avoid or escape a child abduction. "It's very simple, no frills," Seid said. "It originates from a person's natural or instinctive movements." Seid, co-founder of the "Give Children a Fighting Chance" program and video, says he wants children not only to avoid dangerous situations by not talking to strangers but to be prepared to fight if someone simply grabs them. He teaches children they should run or prepare to run if an adult asks them for help. When running away, they should zigzag, use objects as obstacles and find refuge somewhere too small for an adult, such as underneath a car. "If it takes any time or any noise, (an abductor is) going to get out of there," Seid said. "Never stop fighting." Seid also takes it a step further, teaching children what to do if they're put in a choke hold, or how they can escape if someone grabs the back of their shirt or hair. One tip: A victim can raise his or her arm and make a sharp turn, breaking someone's grip. Kids should also know how to avoid being taken into a car or trunk. They can use their legs to block entrance, pushing their feet against either side of a car door or trunk to avoid being put in the car, he said. If an attacker successfully gets them into a vehicle, they can quickly grab and "hug" the steering wheel to the right while the car is in motion, causing an accident to attract attention. Another possibility is to shift the car into another gear while it's in motion to damage the transmission. "You obviously don't want to injure the child, but what's the alternative?" he said. Seid taught self-defense techniques to law enforcement departments, flight attendants and others before he started the program for children. He has been touring malls and schools to promote the safety program. Salt Lake City police Sgt. Fred Louis said since the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping and subsequent media attention, area residents have been paying more attention to child safety. "We feel that there is a higher awareness by parents to watch their kids or even watch out for neighbor kids," Louis said. More parents seem to be dropping off their children at school rather than letting them walk, he said. There has also been an increase in programs like Safe Passage, where residents keep an eye outside their window during the morning and afternoon when children walk to school. "It seems like everyone is pitching in to keep kids safe," Louis said. For more information on the Fighting Chance program visit www.kidsfightingchance.com
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