Alternative Activity

If your children are not of the mind for the basketball or hockey scenes but still want to be involved extracurricular activities, there is another course of action. Schools of self-defense is another direction that today's youth can go that teaches children of all ages and abilities how to protect themselves. One local organization, Young Americans Schools of Self-Defense emphasizes self-defense, not aggression, and their goal is to teach the participants respect for parents and others in the community. Young Americans, a Minnesota Non-Profit Organization, offers instruction for children ages 3 to 16. The mission of Young Americans is to promote child victim prevention by instructing every child, and their families, in self-defense and safety awareness. Positive self-esteem, respect for others, self-discipline, physical fitness, and positive familial relationships are the core of their program. The students are taught non-aggressive, self-defense techniques. They also teach the discipline of Wushu, a Chinese form of martial arts, and take several students each summer to Beijing, China for advanced work in the discipline. At the close of each 12 week semester, students are eligible for certified belt rank promotion, and every child receives a number of participation and recognition awards. Young Americans's coaches are certified black-belt instructors and have been trained in the "Stay Out of Reach," "Run, Yell and Tell," and "Stranger Danger" curricula. The coaches have also received training by a consulting clinical psychologist related to effectively affirming children, responding to their emotional needs while in class and managing behavioral concerns that a child might demonstrate in class. Young Americans states that the program is highly successful in every community it is presented in. They have received the acclaim of children, their parents, school officials, youth organizations, parks and recreation departments, and many others. The program is co-sponsored by a number of Minnesota Community Education Departments, YMCA, YWCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Centers, and the Minnesota National Guard. For further information, Young Americans Schools of Self-Defense can be contacted by calling (952)997-7732 or by visiting their web-site at: www.youngamericans-mn.com