Dangerous Incident at After-School Care: A Seven-Year-Old's Shocking Near-Kidnap Experience Warns All Parents of Potential Risk
In a chilling reminder of the importance of self-defence training for children, Sydney-based comedian and social media personality Jamie Zhu shared a harrowing story from his childhood.
Back in 2001, near Jamie's school on Sydney's north shore, a man approached him and his friend while they were waiting at after-school care. The man, described as wearing an orange and navy striped jumper, having blond hair, transparent glasses with a silver frame, and approaching the boys while staring at them, called out to them, saying he had a surprise for them and signalling for them to follow.
Jamie, however, immediately thought of his mother's warnings and ran away, pretending to walk towards the man before bolting in the opposite direction. His friend, a seemingly calm Joshy, followed suit.
Jamie wishes he had been taught self-defence skills as a child. He believes the world is more dangerous than when he was a child, and the man who approached him may have been involved in a disturbing incident at another after-school care nearby weeks later. Jamie was unsettled by Joshy's calm demeanour throughout the ordeal and how Joshy later brushed it off.
Experts say children can begin learning basic self-defence skills from as young as five. Parents seeking self-defence training for children as young as five should look for programs that emphasize age-appropriate curriculum, positive reinforcement, fun engagement, and trained instructors experienced with young learners.
Recommended self-defence programs for children as young as five years old include Krav Maga (Kore Warriors program), Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, and Kempo Karate, all of which offer age-appropriate classes designed to build confidence, discipline, and practical self-defence skills.
For instance, the Kore Warriors (Krav Maga) program offers certified Kids & Youth self-defence tailored to developmental levels for ages 5-12. Training is divided into divisions by age with ranks earned through positive grading, promoting confidence and goal orientation through consistent practice multiple times per week.
Living Defense Martial Arts offers Little Dragons classes for children starting at age 3, easing young kids into martial arts by teaching basic stances, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Ages 5 and up can join Taekwondo for physical fitness, respect, and free sparring, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focusing on ground techniques, positional control, and safe sparring in a fun environment.
Unit 2 Fitness programs for ages 3-5 (Tiny Monkeys) and 6-14 are designed to empower kids, building resilience and character. Emphasizing non-violent self-defence and verbal strategies to confront bullying, these programs contribute to self-confidence and safety awareness.
Great Sage Kung Fu offers kung fu programs for ages 5-12 that combine skill development, balance, character building, and practical self-defence drills. Including sparring and a safe introduction to weapons training in a structured, goal-oriented curriculum, these programs are perfect for young learners.
Craig's Kempo Karate Academy offers Lil' Dragon Classes for ages 5-7, introducing martial arts fundamentals such as focus, concentration, respect, and listening skills as foundations for more advanced self-defence training.
At seven or eight, children can participate in structured programs such as judo, karate, or taekwondo. Classes are tailored to age and ability for children learning self-defence, ensuring they receive the best possible training for their needs.
In light of Jamie's experience, it's crucial for parents to make self-defence training non-negotiable for their children. By enrolling them in one of these recommended programs, parents can help their children build the confidence, discipline, and practical self-defence skills they need to stay safe in an increasingly complex world.
On a lighter note, it's worth mentioning that the Ergoflex summer sale is currently live, offering a 55% discount on the 5G Double Mattress. The Ergoflex 5G Mattress is made with high-density visco-elastic memory foam and is the brand's most supportive and pressure-relieving mattress, offering supportive body-shaping performance, zero partner disturbance, and temperature regulation for hot sleepers.
Jamie Zhu encourages everyone to take advantage of this sale and invest in a good night's sleep. After all, a well-rested mind is better equipped to handle life's challenges, whether they're as serious as a potential threat or as simple as a good laugh.
