Don’t Knock Self-Defense for Kids

* Your reporters missed the point in “Vendors Selling Safety to Valley Parents” (Jan. 9).

It isn’t about fear. Parents and children who take my street self-defense classes do so for the same reason they take earthquake preparedness, CPR classes, or wear seat belts.

Your reporters and the public officials they interviewed obviously don’t trust themselves to be able to remain calm and react effectively if attacked by a large armed attacker, so they cannot imagine a child could do it. Fortunately, I do trust myself, and so do the children and adults I train.

BARBARA L. GALLEN

Los Angeles

Gallen is president of the Defense Department, which teaches self-defense.

* I found your article slanted and sensational.

In our society, children and women are preyed upon. They need education. They need to use common sense. They need to stay out of dangerous situations if possible. But they also need options if they find themselves in situations they cannot avoid.

That is all self-defense programs do--give anyone an option. Since my child has had this class, I will not stop educating him, leave him alone or, if I can prevent it, allow him to be in a dangerous situation. But if he finds himself in a place where he has to assert control, I want him to know that he can. Being a victim does not have to be the only option. He can use his knowledge to take control of the situation.

My self-defense classes have not made me overconfident or foolish, only smarter and more confident. I believe the same will happen with my child.

ELIZA HALL

Northridge