Child uses pencil to fend off attacker

By Rochelle E. Brenner

The news report: An 8-year-old Camden County girl walked a few steps from home on her way to school when a man jumped from behind a tree and tried to kidnap her. 

The story of her escape is incredible: She used the pencil already in her hand to stab the man in the face and ran back home. 

This inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal safety and the ability to defend oneself, regardless of size or age. While martial arts training is often associated with physical strength and combat skills, the essence of self-defense goes beyond just techniques: it’s about preparation, awareness, confidence, and making smart decisions in critical moments.

Whether or not she had martial arts training, she successfully applied smart tactics that all girls and women would benefit from learning. 

In a situation where many might feel helpless, this girl demonstrated remarkable clarity and presence of mind. Instead of succumbing to fear, she was able to create a distraction and potentially injure the attacker, allowing her to escape. He quickly ran away, but he may have a visible scratch or injury that helps identify him later. This incident underscores the benefit of being resourceful and having the courage to act. Culprits don’t want to face resistance. 

The girl clearly did the right thing. The question is: What would your child do? What would you do? 

The girls’ mother told a reporter from Channel 6 ABC News that the girl often carries pencils because she gets them as prizes at school. This serves as a reminder that carrying something that can be used as a weapon is a smart personal safety tactic.

“Have something in your hand and be prepared to use it. That could be a key, a pencil, or pepper spray,” said Stephan Venter, head instructor at Action Karate Northern Liberties. During his self-defense seminar, he shares this knowledge with women along with other techniques if they’re grabbed or knocked on the ground.  

Neighbors told reporters they are warning kids not to walk out the door without an adult. However, there’s other steps they can take from a martial arts perspective to be safe.

A crucial aspect of personal safety is situational awareness. Here are some tips to help you stay vigilant:

1. Stay Alert: Don’t stare down at a phone with headphones on.

2. Trust Your Instincts: Don’t hesitate to remove yourself from a situation that makes you uncomfortable.

3. Use Your Voice: Don’t be afraid to shout for help or to draw attention to yourself. Most would-be attackers prefer to avoid attention.

4. Confidence Building: Regular martial arts training can boost your self-esteem and confidence, making you more assertive in everyday situations.

5. Physical Conditioning: Martial arts improves overall fitness, agility, and strength, which is advantageous in reacting quickly.

6. Gain leverage: Martial arts covers practical techniques for real-life situations when the attacker is bigger, stronger and uses a weapon. There are many tactics to help break away from various attacks.

By cultivating awareness, practicing self-defense, and remaining vigilant, you can increase your chances of staying safe in any situation. Remember, personal safety is about being smart, prepared, and ready to act when it matters most. 

At upcoming free seminars, Action instructors will advise on how to stay safe:

New Jersey: Action Karate Collingswood Free Women’s Self Defense Seminar 2 pm March 29

Pennsylvania: Action Karate Mt. Airy Free Women’s Self Defense Seminar 1 pm April 5

Register for a free self defense seminar near you