1. Defusing Peer Conflict
A bully usually has low self-esteem, and the need to feel powerful causes them to seek out others weaker than themselves.  A bully senses weaknesses such as an unwillingness to look him in the eye, hunched posture, rapid breathing when confronted, and uncertainty in replies.   Self-Defense training prepares children for a possible confrontation with a bully;   it short-circuits the bully-baiting signals by building self-confidence and self-esteem through the supervised practice & learning of self-defense and safety awareness techniques.

2. Grace Under Pressure
Self-defense / Safety Awareness is a practical course in assertiveness training.  Some psychiatrists have even recommended it as training for patients who lack assertiveness.   The format is simple;  apply a small amount of pressure, teach the student to deal with the situation, then graduate slowly until the student is comfortable.

3. Goal Orientation
Self-Defense offers clear bench marks of progress that are not found in many modern-day activities.   The self-defense belt ranking system bestows a different color belt for each step up the ladder which provides a constant sense of achievement.  New belt rankings are attained by passing a test offered at periodic intervals.  A by-product of this test is learning poise in front of the instructor and an audience.

4. Self-Defense, Discipline and Concentration
Concentration is definitely a by-product of self-defense training.  The traditional kata (a set of prescribed movements against an imaginary opponent) is a lesson in self-control.   Maintaining a low stance, remembering each intricate move and delivering it with power requires concentration and self-discipline.

5. Role Models
Parents will find that self-defense promotes achievement orientation.  By emulating the instructor the students have a strong, positive role model and learn the appropriate use of their new skills.

6. Physical Benefits
A number of professional athletic teams have used self-defense training to improve performance.   Children lacking coordination may find self-defense to be one of the best activities to develop balance and fluid movement.  Flexibility is a standard part of self-defense training, this makes a young athlete less prone to injury and more flexible in later life.

7. Fulfilling the Need to Belong
A distinct advantage of self-defense over team sports is that every child can participate.   Unlike team sports, where a youngster may not make the cut or ends up on the bench, self-defense lets everyone perform at his or her highest level.  Children in self-defense are often leaders in their peer group.  They have an investment in their value system, and things like alcohol, cigarettes and drugs are viewed as a risk to that investment.