Best Self-Defence for teens?

[DebbieBustamove]

...or tweens I suppose, in this case.

DD (11) and I had a chat today and I'd really like to get her some self-defence classes. I've made it clear that the best thing to do in any threatening situation is safely get away but I was hoping to find something that will boost her confidence especially as she is going out with friends alone more and more these days.

I've found a taekwondo class nearby, then someone mentioned krav maga classes - also suggested kickboxing. DD tried karate once and HATED how strict the discipline was, and the instructors were super loud (she has ASD) - so what should I be looking for? Ideally it would be female only with a lean toward defence rather than attack. Any ideas?

Aikido is good. Tends to be quite inclusive too.

There are so many martial arts classes locally I'm going to have to have a proper look into them. The karate class made her cry a few years back and I think it's put her off learning them for life!

The thing is, martial arts can be great for confidence but you'd have to train for years to be able to defend yourself, and possibly not then.

I love aikido, I have got a lot out of training, but it probably wouldn't help if I was attacked.

So I'd say, picking a martial art she enjoys is more important.

The actual style doesn’t matter that much- they all teach more or less the same skills by the time you’re done. It’s more important to find an instructor you like and trust, and a club with an approach and ethos that works for you.

Tae kwon-do clubs are usually pretty hot on discipline and etiquette though, so may not be the right choice if that’s already been off-putting.