Picture a group of protesters, why do they sit on the ground? Because it is a lot harder and frustrating for the police to move them. After all, a protest isn’t called a “stand in”, it’s called a “sit in”. Or think about the worst-case scenario fire training if our clothes catch on fire. The longer we stay on our feet, the more we’ll burn. But don’t misunderstand, of course we should try to run away if we can, but what if your child’s a step away from his backseat? Research shows if you can delay kidnappers, chances are they will let go and move on because they have lost control. By John Hall

When kids (or adults) are in shock, panic or under a tremendous amount of stress, even the simplest thoughts and movements are lost unless we condition our students minds’ to react. This is exactly why only talking about “strangers” (even though most don’t look or sound strange) isn’t good enough today. So I created a fun escape “game” named Grip, Dip & Spin™ that will prepare children to respond without hesitation, even if they are confused by kidnappers or pedophiles. By John Hall

If you ask a kidnapper or child molester, “What is an important abduction secret you don’t want my kids to learn?” I bet they’d say: “Never let us MOVE your kids from the FIRST PLACE we approach them… No matter HOW nice we act, look or sound (It’s not what you say, but how you say it). Why? “Because we want your students to feel safe in the first place. We don’t want them to think we are ‘strange’ or seem ‘bad’ so it’s easy to move them to deserted locations.” By John Hall

A friend of mine was telling a co-worker about Grip, Dip & Spin™ and that person asked this post headline. Which reminded me of the cartoon I watched as a kid in 1974, Hong Kong Phooey. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of martial arts training for kids, but don’t confuse techniques with preparing them to stop abductions. Even Bruce Lee didn’t by saying, “I don’t fear the man who’s practiced 10,000 kicks once, but a man who’s practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Grip, Dip & Spin™ is based on this perspective. By John Hall

Maybe not… But if you show your students (age 5+) Grip, Dip & Spin™ even though they can’t grasp why they should learn it (young kids can’t process adult motives) and “play” Grip, Dip & Spin™, then over time it becomes instinctive. So God forbide down the road, if your students face a kidnapper, odds are they can escape without any hesitation because Grip, Dip & Spin™ moves are stuck in their subconscious minds forever. By John Hall

Kicking and hitting, etc. won’t necessarily stop kidnappers because they do not feel pain. Why? Adrenaline instantly numbs pain, not to mention any drugs or alcohol in their systems. Remember, a kidnapper’s MAIN goal at hello — in the first location — is to MOVE children (by enticing or snatching them) to second, deserted places where they feel comfortable. It is this “second location” where the damage is done. So where is the safest place? The first place. Now go tell your kids. By John Hall

I did not develop Grip, Dip & Spin™ out of fear. I am not a worry-wort or hover like a “helicopter parent”; and I don’t ever want to unnecessarily alarm kids. Statistically, “only” around 115 children in the United States are murdered by the “stereotypical” kidnapper (unknown to them, holds them overnight, moves them 50+ miles). But about 58,200 children are “only” molested by non-family kidnappers (unknown and/or acquaintance, holds them for several hours). Whatever the stats, one child is one to many. By John Hall

Master Brad Ryan, a Kung Fu disciple, full-time professional martial arts teacher, researcher and author is passionate about KID ESCAPE. From the moment he saw John Hall on Montel Williams, he promised himself he was going to do this as another way to serve the kids and parents of his community. His love for teaching kids and his compassion for life was a perfect fit to choose to get certified in KID ESCAPE. Master Ryan has been serving Houston for many years in community outreach programs, school assemblies, churches, Girl or Boy Scout troops. You can contact Master Brad Ryan at staff@martialarts4katy.com or 281-492-0090.

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Yes, that is a balloon hat worn by the Greg Lecount, Director of RecreationPlus and I’m glad he is wearing it because kids remember important life skills when they laugh, even when the subject is an uncomfortable one like child abduction. RecreationPLUS provides after-school programs for kids of all ages. After a challenging childhood in the projects of Baltimore, Maryland Greg believes, “Children should be given the chance to find that one activity that will inspire them to make good decisions.” To sponsor local programs, call Greg at 408-879-0393 or send him a note: glecount@comcast.net.

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