Kids' self-defense classes cost $75 to $150 per month, depending on the school, location, and number of classes included in the program A membership plan with unlimited classes typically falls at the highest end of the price range. Some community centers and police departments also sponsor free self-defense classes for kids.

Be sure to factor in the cost of a uniform, which runs $50 to $120 on average. Uniform requirements vary by school, but most require either a t-shirt with the school logo and gi pants or a full gi top, pants, and belt.

Your child will also need protective gear, such as a mouth guard, headgear, and boxing gloves, with total costs ranging from $50 to $150. If you'd like to practice with your child at home between classes, consider purchasing a set of training pads for $40 to $80.

A self-defense class can provide parents with the peace of mind in knowing their children are able to recognize danger, stand up for themselves, avoid fights at all costs, and defend themselves successfully if a fight is unavoidable. Children also become more self-reliant and empowered to handle the challenges they face in everyday life.

In addition to teaching your child physical defense techniques to help them escape an attacker, self-defense classes provide many benefits:

• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Learn respect for themselves and others
• Improve awareness
• Increase their coordination and agility
• Learn goal-setting
• Build strength and stamina

In self-defense classes, kids learn physical defense techniques like kicks and punches, as well as how to use their knees and elbows to strike an attacker. Depending on the class, kids may also learn grappling techniques to help them escape an attacker holding them on the ground.

Self-defense classes also teach awareness, confidence, how to avoid being targeted, and how to use their words to prevent or avoid a fight.

Many self-defense classes now include instruction on bully prevention, as well as how to tell if an adult's behavior or touch is appropriate, and how to tell a trusted adult if an incident has occurred.

Though most martial arts provide a wide range of physical and mental benefits—including improved strength, coordination, awareness, and confidence—some martial arts are more practical and effective in real-word fights.

Martial arts that emphasize sparring and grappling techniques are typically the most effective in situations where true self-defense is required. Popular martial arts that incorporate these techniques include Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai.

Yes, kids with no martial arts experience can take self-defense classes. In fact, most kids who enroll in a self-defense class have no prior experience in martial arts. Your child will learn all the necessary skills as part of the class.

Follow these tips to find the right self-defense school for your child:

• Compare self-defense programs from multiple schools.
• Read instructor reviews on Lessons and Google.
• Visit the school to confirm it's clean and well-maintained.
• Ask if you can watch a class before enrolling your child.
• Ask about special offers for new students, as many schools offer free trial classes.
• Enroll your child in one class to ensure the school is a good fit before purchasing an ongoing membership.
• Avoid schools that try to pressure you into enrolling in a long-term membership plan.
• Get a copy of the membership contract in writing before making any payments.

When evaluating kids' self-defense classes, ask the instructor these important questions:

• What monthly membership plans do you offer, and how much do they cost?
• Can I enroll my child in self-defense classes without signing up for a membership plan?
• How many weeks does the self-defense program last?
• What is your class schedule?
• Do you offer any discounts or free trials for new students?
• How many kids are in a typical self-defense class?
• Are the classes separated by age group?
• At what age can my child attend self-defense classes?
• How long will each class last?
• How will you measure my child's progress?
• What should my child wear to the class?
• What additional equipment will my child need?