TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--With each kick and every punch, kids at Tiger Rock are learning how to defend themselves.
A skill, martial arts master instructor Brad Fantle at Tiger Rock says is necessary.
"Self defense or self protection is not about doing a block or doing a special move with your hands and getting away but its about being aware, getting educated and having a plan," said Fantle.
It's the goal of his new program to educate parents, children and teachers about what to do in unthinkable situations--like what happened in Newtown, Connecticut. That's where 20 children and 6 staff members were gunned down out at sandy hook elementary school in December 2012. It's a tragedy that still has lasting effects on Fantle.
"its just it scares me the death, i mean just as a person who teaches self protection for 20 years but also just as a parent."
He says there's no way to prevent tragedy but everyone should be alert and prepared. Fantle cautions you should always keep your eyes open for anything that doesn't seem normal..for instance if you're approached by an attacker.
"You can't dictate every situation and you can't give everyone the perfect move or the perfect escape if, this happens because its too unpredictable."
He encourages students to hit the floor immediately if there is a gunman on campus.
He even throws in fun games to teach them about safety, something he says parents should try at home.
Fantle says he's teaching these families all he can.
"I wish there would be an amazing solution that says, hey you know we have the solution to the problem come here and your kids will be safe and you never have to worry but you know that's just not realistic."
He says it's a message he hopes stick with his students and their parents.
"If you know ten tools on how to keep them safe then you're ahead of the game."
