The 5 Levels of Self-Defence We Teach at Fit Dojo

Understanding the 5 Levels of Self Defence at Fit Dojo

Most people think self defence means punching and kicking, but real self defence starts long before physical contact ever happens. Parents often come to us worried about bullying, confidence, or how their child would react in a scary situation. One mum told us, “My son froze when another kid pushed him. He did not know what to do. That is when I realised he needed training, not tough love.”

At Fit Dojo, we teach self defence as a layered system. Each level builds on the last, creating a child who is aware, confident, calm, and capable both mentally and physically.

If you would like to understand more about our philosophy and teaching approach, you can visit our about us page for a full overview of Fit Dojo.

Here are the 5 levels of self defence your child will learn in our kids karate classes and junior programs.

Level One. Awareness

Awareness is the foundation of every self defence skill. Most conflicts can be prevented simply by noticing what is happening early and making smart choices.

👀 Spotting Danger

Kids learn how to read an environment and identify unsafe situations before they unfold, whether it is in the schoolyard, on the way home, or in social settings.

🚶‍♂️ Reading People

They learn how to spot unusual behaviour, tension, or unsafe body language in others so they can respond early instead of being caught off guard.

🧭 Avoiding Risk

We teach practical decision making, such as choosing a different walkway at school, staying closer to trusted adults, or avoiding isolated areas.

🧒 Child Friendly Examples

• Who is safe to talk to when they need help
• Where to stand in a busy playground to stay visible
• When it is time to walk away from a situation

Awareness is like a superpower. Kids feel more in control because they understand what is happening around them.

Catchphrase. The best fight is the one you never have to be in.

Level Two. Body Language and Boundaries

Most bullying situations can be stopped with confident body language. Kids do not need to be aggressive. They just need to look sure of themselves and clear about their boundaries.

🧍 Strong Posture

Standing tall and looking confident reduces the chance of being targeted. We coach kids on how to walk, stand, and move in ways that show calm strength.

🗣 Assertive Voice

Kids learn simple verbal scripts that make bullies back off without escalating the situation, such as “Stop. That is not ok” said with a strong but respectful tone.

👁 Eye Contact

Short, steady eye contact communicates certainty and confidence. It shows that a child is not easy to intimidate.

✋ Personal Space

We teach boundary setting, such as “Stop. That is my space.” Kids learn to protect themselves without being rude or confrontational, which is crucial for bullying prevention.

This level alone has helped stop countless bullying situations for our dojo families.

Catchphrase. Confidence is your child’s first shield.

Level Three. Escapes and Evasion

If someone grabs a child, they should know exactly what to do. Not panic. Not freeze. Move with purpose and get to safety as quickly as possible.

✋ Wrist Grabs

Kids learn fast, efficient escapes they can use regardless of strength or size. These techniques are simple, repeatable, and highly effective.

🧸 Bear Hugs

We teach how to escape tight holds, free their body, and run to safety, even if the other person is bigger or stronger.

🏃 Quick Evading

Footwork drills teach kids how to move away quickly, stay balanced, and avoid being pulled down or cornered.

😌 Staying Calm

Kids learn how to handle adrenaline so they can think clearly during scary moments. Breathing, focus, and simple actions reduce panic.

Escape training is empowering because kids realise, “I can get out even if someone is stronger than me.”

Catchphrase. Escape skills turn fear into freedom.

Level Four. Physical Self Defence Skills

This is the part most people imagine when they hear self defence, but it is only one level in our system. By the time kids reach this stage, they already understand awareness, boundaries, and escape.

👊 Powerful Strikes

Kids learn palm strikes, front kicks, elbows, and other safe techniques designed for real world incidents, with emphasis on control and accuracy.

🛡 Effective Blocks

We teach how to protect the face and body with simple, efficient blocking strategies that work under pressure.

🌀 Footwork and Angles

Kids learn how to move in ways that keep them safe and out of danger, using angles and distance to their advantage instead of relying on brute force.

🌱 Ground Defence

Basic ground escapes ensure kids can get up quickly if pushed down, so they are not stuck on the ground in a vulnerable position.

⚖ Legal and Ethical Teaching

We teach kids exactly when it is appropriate to use physical self defence and when it is better to walk away and seek help. Safety and responsibility always come first.

This level gives kids the tools to physically protect themselves if it is truly unavoidable.

Catchphrase. If your child must defend themselves, they will know how.

Level Five. Mental Strength and Aftermath

Real self defence is not just about the moment something happens. It is also about what happens before and after. Mental strength is the glue that holds all the other levels together.

🧘 Handling Adrenaline

We teach breath control and emotional regulation to prevent panic. Kids learn to recognise how their body feels when adrenaline hits and how to stay in control.

😌 Staying Calm During Conflict

Kids learn how to keep their mind clear and make smart decisions even when they are stressed or scared.

📣 Reporting and Getting Help

We emphasise telling parents, teachers, or trusted adults when something happens. Self defence always includes asking for support.

❤️ Emotional Recovery

Kids learn how to process scary moments so they do not carry fear into the future. We help them see themselves as capable and strong, not broken or weak.

This final level builds resilience and long term confidence that carries into all areas of life.

Catchphrase. Strong bodies matter, but strong minds win the moment.

Case Study. From Scared to Self Assured

Ten year old Liam came to us after repeated bullying at school. He was gentle, sensitive, and afraid of confrontation. His parents said he cried every morning before school, terrified the bullies would find him.

In the first week, we focused on awareness and posture. He learned where to stand, who to stay near, and how to look more confident.

• 📅 Week two. He learned how to say “Stop” and hold his ground.
• ✋ Week four. He learned wrist grab escapes and began smiling during practice.
• 🌟 By month three. He was walking into school with his head up and shoulders back.

His teacher emailed his parents saying, “Liam looks like a different kid. He stands taller. He speaks clearer. The bullies have stopped targeting him.”

Self defence gave him more than safety. It gave him courage and self belief that showed up in every part of his life.

Catchphrase. When a child feels capable, everything changes.

The Science Behind Multilevel Self Defence Training

The benefits of self defence training go far beyond physical protection. A structured program at a dedicated martial arts studio supports healthy mental and physical development.

🧩 Emotional Regulation

Kids learn how to calm themselves, lower stress, and think clearly under pressure. This makes everyday challenges feel more manageable.

🧠 Improved Coordination and Motor Skills

Martial arts improves balance, reaction time, and body awareness, which boosts overall confidence and athletic ability.

📊 A Credible Stat

Studies show martial arts training can improve self confidence and emotional control by up to 25 percent in school aged children. Prepared kids feel safer, stronger, and more in control of their lives.

Fit Dojo connects scientific principles with real world training for results that last far beyond the dojo.

Catchphrase. Prepared kids are confident kids.

Why Fit Dojo’s Self Defence Curriculum Works Better Than Most

Many programs only teach punches and kicks. We teach a full five level system designed for real life and real kids. Our environment is supportive, structured, and focused on long term growth.

🎓 Age Based Training

Kids are taught at levels appropriate for their growth, attention span, and emotional development. Younger children may also benefit from our little kids karate program as a gentle introduction.

👨‍🏫 Mentor Instructors

Our coaches connect with kids, motivate them, and model calm confidence. They act as positive role models both on and off the mat.

🎭 Real World Scenarios

We practice schoolyard situations, stranger awareness, and bullying prevention, along with karate skills and drills that build fitness and discipline.

💛 Confidence Culture

We build strong, kind kids, not aggressive ones. Courage with kindness is our philosophy, and it shows in how students treat themselves and others.

For families who want to share the journey together, our parents and kids classes are a powerful way to learn, bond, and grow side by side.

Catchphrase. We build calm, confident kids, not fighters.

Start Your Child’s Self Defence Journey at Fit Dojo

If you want your child to develop real self defence skills, confidence, and resilience, Fit Dojo is ready to help. Our karate for kids and self defence classes give children the tools they need to feel safe, strong, and capable in everyday life.

Our structured programs include kickboxing classes and age specific martial arts training that focus on confidence, discipline, and real world self defence skills, all in a positive and welcoming environment.

Whether your child is shy, outgoing, anxious, or somewhere in between, the five levels of self defence we teach at Fit Dojo will help them feel ready for the challenges of school, friendships, and life.

If you are ready to give your child practical skills and powerful confidence, self defence training at Fit Dojo is a strong place to start.

Catchphrase. Start today. Confidence is trained, not wished for.