[ Originally posted at http://www.caller.com/ccct/local_news/article/0,1641,CCCT_811_4001923,00.html on 8/14/05 ]

Children learn tough art of self-defense

By MIKE BAIRD Caller Times
August 14, 2005

"No," yelled 34 children on Saturday as they snapped their arms up and jumped into widespread stances at the Police Athletic League center. "You're not my dad," reverberated through the center.

The youngsters, ages 5 to 12, were gathered with parents to receive certificates for completing the league's first 10-hour radKids program. Its goal is helping resist strangers and abductors.

"We get children who are mild mannered," said Corpus Christi Police Sgt. Russ McNorton, one of four instructors. "We had a lot of children that just blossomed."

Arlene Castro, 8, a third-grade student at Holy Family School, said she was "really proud" after getting her certificate with photo and right thumbprint. "I learned not to be kidnapped."

Contact Mike Baird at 886-3774 or bairdm@caller.com bairdm@caller.com