Using the Martial Arts to Combat Bullying
by Joseph Galea & Rosanna Imbriano
According
to a nationwide study of children in grades six through ten, nearly one
of every three US children is affected by bullying. Bullying is defined
as verbal or physical behavior designed to disturb someone less powerful.
Attacks can include spreading rumors, making sexual comments or gestures,
or belittling someone about religion, race, looks or speech, in addition
to the commonly recognized behavior of hitting, slapping, or pushing.
The study reported that children who were targets of bullies had increased
difficulty in making friends and they often suffered from low self-esteem.
It also revealed that children who did the bullying were more likely to
have poor grades and to smoke and drink alcohol. Studying the martial
arts can help children who might be victimized by bullies by instilling
in them a high level of self-esteem. Children who study the martial arts
are brought up through a system of training that creates a series of consecutive
small successes that are designed to build confidence and skills. In addition,
martial arts instructors emphasize and encourage the building of friendship
among their students; friendships based on respect and courtesy. For children
who are at risk of becoming bullies the martial arts allow for a healthy
physical and emotional outlet, while teaching a philosophy of respect
for others, self-discipline and positive behaviors. If your child or someone
you know is exhibiting behavior that suggests they are either victims
or perpetrators of bullying, let the head instructor know. If the child
is already a student, we can teach them how to better cope with bullies.
If you know of bully in training, we’ll go out of our way to provide
that person and their parents with a guest pass to the school. It’s
been our experience that the most timid children can gain amazing self-confidence
through martial arts training.We’ve also seen many bullies change
their ways with the right encouragement, guidance and instruction.
Martial Arts Success Stories
Kaitlyn Cole, Black Belt, Age 11 Martial arts has given me respect that I didn’t have before. It has taught me to respect people no matter their age, grade, or even the clothes that they wear. Even more, I respect myself. It has given me discipline to do things without being told. It has given me confidence to stand up for myself and for what I believe is right.When people put me down I just bring myself right back up even higher. It’s as if no one can touch me. It has also given me a way to defend myself if it ever comes to that. I started because a boy pushed me down to the ground and I couldn’t do anything and now I don’t think anyone could. martial arts has given me all of these values and a whole lot more. So much more.
Carly Gertler, Black Belt, Age 10 Martial arts has really helped me improve mentally, spiritually, and physically in my life. It has helped me focus on my school work and improve my grades to straight A’s. It has helped me become more responsible at home, outside, and in school. Physically it has helped me get stronger and basically be healthier.Martial arts has helped me get stronger in all subjects and abilities. It is a very important thing in my life.
action
principles
by Bill FitzPatrick
Commit to Never Ending Improvement
Constantly seek ways to do things better in all areas of your life.The Japanese have a word for the concept of never ending improvement, kaizen. Progress and ultimate success come to those who train and keep training. If you choose to stop and become aware, you can become a better spouse, son, daughter, friend, employer, employee, athlete and citizen.
This material is used by permission
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