Was teaching 3 boys tonight, ages about 7 to 10, working a defense against a bear hug from the rear, arms free. I had them be my "bad guy" once each, so they would know what was supposed to happen.

Every one of them reached around from behind for the bear hug and grabbed my breasts.

I thought they were too young to try that kind of stuff, but maybe I was wrong.

I wouldn't put too much on it, I would have prefered that than a groin strike etc.

The thing is on a self defence situation, this day and age the Bad guy can also be the Bad woman and as you know a grab/strike to the breasts is rather painful if fully applied. It was natural instinct, there was no giggling or embarrased attributes to ascertain if the boys were "trying their luck" if you understand what I mean.

I would recommend trying the same technique but recommend alternative areas to grab etc to assist them and save any embarassment. Do you have a male Teenage Cadet leader etc who could assist you with this particular technique?

OSU

I just moved their hands and went on, just found it funny that they ALL did it.

Sun

I'm of 2 minds:

1-How tall are you compared to them? And what are the ranks of the kids?

If you are roughly the same height or you had to stoop down for them to do it---then around the chest area would probably be where they would grab--no matter whom was doing it.

Plus, inexperienced people usually always tend to grab "high" when doing the "bear hug." They grab up around the chest instead of lower on the torso.

Or......less likely.

2-Do these kids pal around when not at the school?

In any group of people--kids or otherwise--you will get variations of behavior. As you alreadymentioned its unlikely that you would get EVERYONE doing the exact same thing in the exact same situation.

Not knowing the kids and the situation--going by just what has been said so far.

Leaning toward #1 but really not sure.

I stand at least a head taller than the tallest one, and he and his cousin are Purple Belts. The youngest one is about elbow high on me, and is still a White Belt. I an a First Degree Brown Belt, just below Black.

I think it's just inexperience on their part, and maybe just pushing the boundaries with the only female in class. I tend to be the "tough" teacher and insist on proper manners and etiquette, which they tend to "forget."

Hello Sunspots:

<<found it funny that they ALL did it.

Sounds like a height problem to me too. If Ken or I grabbed your chest, it would likely, likely be a different story but all three kids sounds like you simply need a more proportional attacker.

Sounds like the beginnings of a funny story though....
Jeff

Yep, I have had to be "the bad guy" on my knees more than a few times!!

They are all pretty good kids, all things considered, and as usual, have differing levels of ability. Our littlest guy still gets his lefts and rights mixed up, but he is willing to give anything a fair try. We're still trying to get the biggest one to remember that kicks involve more than just lifting your foot quickly. But they make me think about what I am teaching them, and that can only be good for me.

Most likely the last 2 were drawing a blank and copied the first.

Small side question. The little guy with the left/right problem. Is he a southpaw? If not, there is a simple way to set him straight.
Ask him, "Which hand do you write with?"
and then, "Which hand is left?"

Hello sunspots:

Tell him the OTHER left...
(usually works for me with the young ones )

Jeff