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Today's Family Magazine

How martial arts can help combat bullying

By Kerrie McLoughlin

 According to StopBullying.gov, a study found that approximately 49% of kids in 4th through 12th grade said they had been bullied at least one time in the previous month. Bullying can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, poor performance in school and, in some extreme cases, even suicide.

Where is bullying happening? It’s happening most often at school, including at recess and on the school bus, but school isn’t the only place. It also occurs where kids are gathering in large groups, like at amusement parks, block parties, campgrounds and swimming pools. And of course we can’t forget about cyberbullying, which includes using cell phones and computers as ways to bully with words and spread untrue words and embarrassing photos.

So what can we, as parents, do about this widespread problem? Well, it turns out martial arts is a great place to start. Of course, martial arts can’t necessarily tackle the cyberbullying issue, but it can give our kids the self-confidence they need to handle people who are not treating them well in a specific situation.

Lindsey Watts, mom of a daughter who has been in martial arts for four years, says, “Martial arts gives kids discipline and teaches them respect. They learn self-control, perseverance and integrity. They learn to help build a more peaceful world.”

Dave Kovar, founder of Martial Arts Against Bullying (MAAB) and life-long martial arts professional, shares on his website DoneWith
Bullying.com, “I believe that no other industry is in a better position to do something about bullying than the martial arts industry. The mere act of training in martial arts and having children develop a higher level of confidence decreases their chances of being bullied in the first place.”

Robyn Morrow, mom of a Tae Kwon Do student, says, “I was teased and called four eyes as a child and had a hard time feeling connected to people, but that pales in comparison to the stories I’ve heard happening nowadays. My oldest child is skinny and tall but holds his head high and walks tall. I think his confidence is in large part due to his years at Tae Kwon Do. He knows he has the power to break boards, so I would guess that gives him more confidence too. I am so glad we made the choice to enroll him in Tae Kwon Do classes before he reached the awkward teenage age he’s entering now.”

Martial arts comes with other benefits as well. Jody Jones, mom of three, says, “I think martial arts helps form a great foundation for understanding the benefits of structure, discipline and hard work.  Attaining a black belt, or any higher belt rank, is a manifestation of what you can gain through the physical and mental discipline of martial arts.  It’s an experience that’s hard to duplicate for your children, and the concept of working extremely hard to attain your goals is one that you carry into your adult life and work.”

 Getting Started
Before beginning any martial arts program, visit your pediatrician to ensure your child is physically able to participate. Then, it’s time to investigate local options and attend a test class or two. Talk to the instructors and then watch carefully how they interact with students the same age as your child. Are the students responding to the instructions eagerly? Are they attentive and enjoying the class? If possible, talk to parents for a first-hand account of the program. 

If your child enjoys the sample class, find out what the minimum commitment for the studio will be. Even if your child enjoys the introduction class, there’s no guarantee that interest will remain long term. Before making a long-term commitment, try a six-week session and give your child the option of renewing.
 
Pick and choose
There are myriad types of martial arts from which to choose. Some of the more popular class options include:
  • Karate: A Japanese self-development system that involves punches and kicks.
  • Tae Kwon Do: A Korean form of a military art, it involves punching and kicking, as well as meditation and breathing techniques.
  • Judo: A Japanese competitive sport that helps children learns self-control and respect for opponents. Students learn how to throw a partner, using leverage and balance.
  • Brazilian jiu-jitsu: Focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position from which to force an attacker to submit. (GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness teaches this method. See their ad to the left and stop by for a free class!)
  • Aikido: A Japanese method that is similar to Jujitsu, but not as competitive and uses gentler movements.
  • Thai Chi: A Chinese form that focuses on weight-bearing moves, stretching and balance. It is very gentle and helps with flexibility and improving concentration.
  • Capoeira: A unique Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts with dance, music and gymnastics.