An eye on your little tiger.

When Philip Lear mentions he is over in Dubai to promote an educational course that teaches 'life skills' to children aged between three and six years, it's hard not to be a little sceptical. Shouldn't children of that age be living carefree lives and running around gardens and parks, rather than learning life skills? And isn't such a thing the job of parents in any case?

After a chat with Philip however, it soon becomes evident that this organisation has a point. And the TKD Tigers (Total Kids Defence Tigers) are sure to be a hit with kids and parents across the UAE.

TKD Tigers is a new course from the UK, specifically targeted at young children. Research has shown that kids start developing their personality and habits from the age of three years onwards, and that life-changing or negative effects can last throughout their lives. So what Philip and his teachers strive to do is prepare children for every eventuality and teach them valuable life lessons. The core themes covered on the course include lessons on 'Strangers', 'How to deal with Bullies', 'Leadership and Teamwork', 'Safety' and 'Health and Fitness'. But what makes this course different from a school lesson or a parental lecture is that it's all done through fun and games. "Our core themes are taught through basic martial art skills, cleverly crafted games and specific role-play situations that make learning fun for the children, yet also put them in situations where they need to react appropriately," says Philip. "TKD Tigers put children in a hypothetical situation where a stranger will ask them to go with them, and then, we teach the kids how to react safely and report the situation. "We also play games that teach the kids about road safety, water safety and fire safety." One of the big themes covered on the course is bullying; something that unfortunately effects many children and their parents. Philip says however, that TKD Tigers can help tackle it. "There are many reasons why children are bullied at school; it can be down to their posture, their habits, the way that they look or the way that they communicate," says Philip. "We have developed games and role-play situations to help the children to grow in confidence to overcome these areas, as well as learn about responsibility and consequence so that they understand that being a bully is unacceptable. "Our exercises are developed to help prevent bullying happening and also to deal with any current bullying situations." Bonnie Scott Laws, founder of Mirdif Mums, attended a taster session with the TKD Tigers; she has nothing but praise. "I thought it was very interesting, and that all children can benefit from this programme. "It's all done through play, but each lesson underpins an important issue," says Bonnie. "At our demo the teachers told the children that when strangers approach them, they must keep moving and that their voice is a powerful weapon. "They taught the kids to say 'No! Go away stranger' and to never stop moving on. It showed the kids, in a fun way, what is not acceptable from adults, she adds. Bonnie believes this lesson is very relevant in a place like Dubai. "I imagine there are crimes against children here, but maybe they are not so widely reported. I would want my children to know how to defend themselves." Philip believes that it is the 'hands-on' approach that makes TKD Tigers such a success.

"Immersing a child in a group of children who are role-playing a realistic situation, so that they can actually feel and learn the principles the parents are trying desperately to make them understand is invaluable," he says. "It aids parents in their goal to educate their children about these things, and to keep them safe." Dunamis Training is the company currently running the programme throughout the UAE. They have already taught a number of taster sessions in the last week, and have reported a stream of positive feedback.

"So many children have gone through our course and developed positively," says Philip. "Parents often thank us for what we have done for their child; this varies from actual situations when a child has been confronted by a stranger to simpler situations when a parent comes to me with tears of joy as their child has gained confidence and now socialises with other children." "Parents will send their children to us for different reasons, but our guarantee is that with their assistance we will help their child to improve with the best of our abilities, to ensure they develop and grow the way the parent wants them to," says Philip. TKD Tigers is currently holding sample sessions for schools in Dubai. Any school that wishes to see the course in action, should call Dunamis Training on 055 367 9544 or email Adam Nazer at [e-mail] For more information visit www.tkdtigers.com

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