Last week a beautiful little girl named Joanna Ramos died from injuries suffered from what appeared to be a ‘consensual’ street fight. The news story can be read on CNN’s page.

I am not a father, but I am very close with my niece and this story chills me to the core. It has also forced me to rethink what I plan to teach her about martial arts and self defense as she grows older.

Most of my readers are martial artists or martial arts fans. And many of them are instructors who teach children. We love our arts and we openly encourage parents to enroll their kids in, what becomes to many, a wonderful and fulfilling life experience. This tragedy, though, should remind us all that the first lesson children must learn is to walk away.

Rest well, little angel.