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CNN Live At Daybreak

Recent Cases of Child Kidnappings and Murders Prompting Parents to Take Action

Aired July 31, 2002 - 05:57   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The recent cases of child kidnappings and murders is prompting parents to take action. Many are actually enrolling their kids in self-defense classes to help the kids learn how to break free of dangerous situations.

CNN's Eric Horng reports from one such class in Northridge, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ERIC HORNG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These kids are learning to punch and kick. But perhaps the most important skill they're being taught...

THOMAS GUZMAN-SANCHEZ, INSTRUCTOR, YOUTH POWER TACTICS: Now, if somebody comes up and tells you your mom and dad said it's OK if you come with them, what do you say?

HORNG: How to use their eyes and ears to spot trouble.

Thomas Guzman-Sanchez, a black belt in Hakido and Tai Kwon-do and a father of two, teaches a self-defense class for kids called "Youth Power Tactics."

GUZMAN-SANCHEZ: Abductors don't want a fight. They don't want to be noticed. They want an easy target. I want to teach these kids to be loud, be aggressive, empowered.

HORNG: Though child abductions by strangers nationwide are relatively rare and not on the rise, Guzman-Sanchez attributes extensive media coverage of recent kidnapping cases for an increase in enrollment in his class. He showed us some techniques his students learned to break free from a kidnapper's grip.

GUZMAN-SANCHEZ: See, the natural tendency is for a person to pull back. But as you walk back, it comes right out.

HORNG (on camera): Using their momentum?

GUZMAN-SANCHEZ: Exactly. By go into you. It goes against this part, which is the weakest part of the body.

HORNG (voice-over): And if all else fails... GUZMAN-SANCHEZ: Bite right in this area where there's no meat.

HORNG: Guzman-Sanchez says yelling "fire!" instead of just "help!" is more likely to attract attention. And he teaches students that fighting should be a last resort, that running away and using a loud voice are more effective than kicks and punches.

BRANDON, STUDENT: They're tricky. They try and trick you so they can take you and hurt you. But you don't listen to them. You say no.

HORNG: Eric Horng, CNN, Northridge, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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