self defense in school curriculum

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 05:22

mania

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a friend and i were discussing this idea the other day. the general argument for not having self defense classes in a school credit curriculum is that it is "too dangerous". IMO wrestling, football, etc are all just as if not more dangerous and likely for injury. a guy i went to school suffered a life altering spinal injury during wrestling practice for example. self defense offers the same physical benefits as team sports as well as the simple fact that kids would be learning a life skill. what do you think about the idea of putting self defense in schools and how far do you think an online national petition would go to possibly make it happen?

if you cant beat them, arrange to have them beaten.
-george carlin

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 08:57

bruceleeroy

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I'd be for it but I doubt it will happen. I can see a ton of lawsuits if the kids in the mma class used the armbar he learned in Mr. Chaz's class and broke the geeky kids arm.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 09:47

CombatChaz

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Football and wrestling are optional activities in school programs, would this be the same? If that were the case I think it would be a cool idea, making mandatory i think would provide a lot of problems.

n/a

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 10:41

mania

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no not mandatory. we have electives that have replace phys ed as a class. mostly stuff like foreign language, theatre, home economics. at least thats what it was when i was in school. PE was being phased out then so i'm sure its gone now. team sports are extra but i was thinking self defense(not mma) could really be a valuable class and be offered as an educational credit. there is a lot science that could go hand in hand with it so that alone could qualify it as educational. maybe even put it as a credit toward physical education or kinesiology degrees in college. given a little time i could probably think of a laundry list as to why its beneficial.

if you cant beat them, arrange to have them beaten.
-george carlin

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 18:27

ptbeast

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When I was in school, it was offered as an optional PE credit, so the idea is not really a new one. There are, as you alluded to, issues for the school to consider. Liabitliy issues, fear of injury, concerns about image, possible parent complaints, teaching kids skills that could be turned against teachers, and having a skilled teacher (perferably) already on staff. I think the stars kind of have to align for it to happen at any given school, but it does happen.

As far as a petttion, personally, I don't feel like one would carry much weight with most schoolboards. Might be worth a try though.

Alive MMA/Brazilian Top Team
Portland, OR

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 06:28

Big Poppa Pump

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Down here in Florida many martial arts schools offer after school or enrichment programs to local schools in an effort to enroll the kids into the academy. They often teach for free to garner reputation, and again get students.

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
- Sun Tzu

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 07:19

mania

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some do it here too. do they get any high school credit for it? it would be cool IMO for schools to pick it up as an on campus course. i know i would have taken it instead of theatre.

if you cant beat them, arrange to have them beaten.
-george carlin