This sounds goofy but, there are some judo/aikido holds/moves that are pretty simple to learn and may help him in the future..
not only to protect yourself but the people that you engage in situations like that.

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About 'ghetto' schools......

The worst case of student violence was at a school in Littleton, Colorado-an affluent school in an affluent area.

I'd rather teach at a poor school than teach at a school where
the mutts can afford to buy shotguns, assault rifles, explosive making materials....