Matthew Helms' STRANGER DANGER - Self Defense Tips for Kids…

14 Years Old 4th Dan Black Belt in TAI Karate, World & National Sport Karate Champion and Self-Defense Champion (Seen on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno") email: cahelmsccp@yahoo.com (Matt's website proudly and sadly participates in the "Amber Alert" program)

Self defense techniques for kids confronted with … "STRANGER DANGER" Sometimes… your parents won't be there and there may not be a policeman or other adult to protect you. But there are many things YOU can do to protect yourself no matter how small you are. What matters is the size of your heart and the things you know. NEVER accept a ride in a car from anyone but a parent (not even an adult you know). NEVER wander away from your parents while in a mall or other public place. If you do find yourself alone and a stranger tries to talk to you, yell "Leave Me Alone!" and RUN AWAY to a safe place like a Fire Station or place with lots of people. Understand that most times when kids are abducted it is by someone they know- a family friend or someone they have seen before. Know a "secret password" that only you and your parents know. If the person doesn't know the password he cannot be trusted no matter what he says. If a stranger grabs you, yell "FIRE!" as loud and as many times as you can. Simply yelling and screaming or shouting "Help!" does not work, but people will come running to your aid if you yell "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!!!" Understand that the danger makes you a "Super Kid" with super strength if you know what to do and have practiced what to do (very important) If you cannot yell because your mouth is covered, BITE the hand as hard as you can. If your hands are free, poke the stranger's eyes as hard as you can. If the stranger has on glasses, poke your fingers hard in his throat just below the "Adam's Apple." If your hands are pinned, KICK (not flail) as hard as you can, kicking with the point of your shoe. If your legs are pinned and you cannot kick, BUTT with your head! You do not have to be a black belt like Matt to learn how to do these things but you must learn what to do and how to do it. The most important thing to remember is to yell "FIRE!" Doing this can save your life by getting help to run toward you and causing the stranger to panic and let go of you so he can escape people running to your aide.

An added note from Matt's Webmaster: Remember kids, at any point, if you have been grabbed by a STRANGER, if they let go, even for a second, RUN! Run as fast as you can, don't look back, and try to get to someone for help! These tips from Matt will work if you keep a cool head and think things through. They could save your life.