Second class held to teach children ways to stay safe

Citing heavy demand, a Martinez karate dojo is offering a second class March 30 to teach children how to protect themselves from strangers.

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Seigler's Karate Center on Columbia Road in Martinez, had about 20 to 30 slots available Friday for its second Stranger Danger event, owner Jennifer Seigler said. The karate center's first class, scheduled for Friday, filled quickly, and Seigler decided to offer parents and their children another opportunity.

Parents are strongly urged to attend the class with their children, she said.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, more than 58,000 children are abducted by nonfamily members each year.

The Stranger Danger class will seek to break down stereotypes for children and explain to them that strangers include anyone they don't know, not just a person dressed in black wearing a mask, Seigler said. The program will teach basic self-defense and techniques for children to make as much of a commotion as possible to get the attention of others if they are attacked.

The program will stress the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and other defensive measures, she said. Parents and children will also learn the importance of having "safe words," a phrase or words parents and children set in case of an emergency in which parents must send someone in their place to pick up a child.

Registration is required. To register, call Seigler's at (706) 855-5685.