Local Martial Arts Instructor Demonstrates Self Defense to Lacey Kids

All eyes were on and his two young students, Pete and Nick, as they demonstrated to parents and children three self defense techniques during a child abduction seminar held at in Lanoka Harbor on Jan. 26.

Patten explained the techniques as being simple maneuvers that would help a child to get away from an abductor.

As part of the techniques, Patten instructed that children must be vocal, as well as physical.

"Screaming will get you out of trouble," said Patten. "A voice can be a dangerous weapon."

In 2004 the abduction of Carlie Brucia inspired Patten to create the Child Abduction and Response Education  "C.A.R.E." program for Florida schools which ran from 2004 to 2007.

"I think it's really important to bring this message to students in New Jersey," said Patten. "Everyone has the option to fight, no matter what your age is."

When Angela Lafferty, director of Littlest Angels Preschool, was approached by a former student about Patten's interest in getting a safety program out to the public, Lafferty jumped at the opportunity.

"I love the kids here, it would kill me if anything happened to anybody here," said Lafferty. "It's an important message. I'm a mom, I've got two kids of my own."

With 120 people registered for the seminar, 80 were from Littlest Angels.

"It's definitely something I would do every year with our new students and families who want to come in and do a refresher," said Lafferty. "This is something that I would love for Lacey Township Schools to take on."

During the seminar, Lafferty urged parents to go over the informational packet provided as soon as they arrived back home.

"The faster you put this information into effect, the safer your children will be," said Lafferty.

Also included with the packets was a home finger printing kit, one for each family, donated by the Lacey Township Police Department.

Though Patten was unable to cover all of the information in the packet, one topic he stressed was that not all abductors are strangers.

According to the C.A.R.E. packet, the three main types of kidnappings are: family which consist of 49 percent of abductions, acquaintances, 27 percent, and strangers, 24 percent.

To limit family abductions, Patten suggests having a code word between a parent and the child.

"I think it's important that the parent explain to the child that this is a code word that you and I know," said Patten. "The only way that someone would have this code word is if I gave it to them."

Patten also urged parents with children who walk to and from school to find a friend or family member to be with the child at the bus stop, and to use the buddy system and after school programs.

With many parents in attendance, Joe and Christine Genardi, of Lanoka Harbor, watched as their son, Nick participated in the demonstrations during the evening.

"Our son attends Shihan's school--he cares about kids," said Joe Genardi. "It's a good way to get it out to the public that there is a way for kids to get away."

"Now that he's started to teach the techniques, we practice at home," said Christine Genardi.

One of Patten's main focuses during the seminar was reaching out to the parents, which he felt he was successful with.

"I felt like I got something accomplished," said Patten. "Even if you get the attention of one child out of 50 kids, you've accomplished the goal."

Patten plans to meet with the superintendent of Lacey schools in hopes to get the program integrated within the existing curriculum.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, Patten will be offering a free class at his dojo which will feature the self-defense techniques for children demonstrated at the seminar.

"If they didn't get it, they have the opportunity to get it," said Patten. "If they come, I'll make sure they can use it before they leave."