Dealing with bullies using self defense…
As we are all starting to become aware of, bullying is absolutely awful and can be quite relentless. Without dealing with bullies their power grows as well as the damage they can do.
The facts about bullying and how they emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically cripple their victims is out there for everyone who cares to see.
We do as much as we can by trying to stomp out bullying behavior before it starts, we incorporate anti-bully programs into our schools, we support our children as best we can on the strategies and methods they can use to try and avert this behavior however sometimes it is just not enough.
What is bullying and dealing with bullies really all about?
When we really break down bullying to the roots level, it is just about always someone stronger picking on someone weaker or more vulnerable. The weakness could be physical or mental but whatever the case, the victims reluctance to stand their ground or defend themselves is all the bully needs to continue the torment and abuse.
It has also been shown quite consistently that bullies for the most part are cowards and if and when they are challenged, even by the bullying victim, they soon back down and the bullying stops. I stress this does not work every single time but certainly enough to warrant the self defense option as one that should be considered when it comes to dealing with bullies.
So is fighting the best way when it relates to dealing with bullies?
In saying that, I believe that aggression and fighting is the absolute last resort in any dealing with bullies issues or scenarios but self defense is certainly acceptable and really I have to be honest and say that in my opinion, sometimes it can be the last opportunity to rid the victim of their bully once and for all before the worst happens.
Just a little bit of self defense and confidence displayed by a bully victim especially right at the start when the bullying is in its infancy can do so much in ensuring that the bully chooses someone else as their next target.
For me, I believe that prevention is better than a cure and by taking steps to allow our children to be more self confident and have the ability to defend themselves is vital in ensuring they are safe and stay safe especially when dealing with bullies.
For example, my eldest son at six years old, is a beautiful boy with a wonderful, kindhearted nature and a very sensitive and emotional side. Some of these features and traits that I find wonderful as a doting dad unfortunately draw a huge target on his back for the school bullies. It is for this reason that we have started him in Karate this year. He absolutely loves it and is quickly showing signs of being able to take care of himself.
Update - now my boy is 7 and is showing great promise. And what has he been taught the most and he is so proud of himself for learning? A 7 move defense drill that if it has to, leads to some ferocious kicks and punches if all the defensive tactics and moves has failed to stop the bully. Am I feeling more confident in him dealing with bullies? You bet I am!
The positives of children learning some form of martial art to help in dealing with bullies are limitless with some of the key points being:
1) If they start early you are really giving them a great start to the discipline and with continued effort and training they could quite well become very highly ranked over time.
2) The increased levels of self confidence and self esteem are so visible and noticeable even from early stages that this alone provides them with great natural defenses for dealing with bullies.
3) The health benefits for them are enormous! No obesity, great social interaction and an education in healthy lifestyles as well as them having great fun.
And here are two of the biggest and interlocking benefits.
4) Your child WILL HAVE the necessary skills to not only defend themselves from any sort of physical abuse from even the biggest bully but also the ability to make sure that bully never hurts them ever again!
5) In combination with learning great skills of self defense, your child WILL LEARN the strongest of discipline which ensures that the martial art is only used for good and in self defense and as a last resort. This is vital because the last thing we want is for our child to become a bully simply because they have the skills to hurt others.
With all this in mind, and for not only dealing with bullies, I thoroughly recommend children starting a martial art from as early as aged 5, simply for all the benefits above. Your child having the ability to defend themselves from attack combined with great discipline, confidence and high self esteem will go a long way to ensuring that no bully ever decides to choose them as their next target.
To get your child or children involved in martial arts, all it takes is a look in your local phone book. Many dojo’s these days offer early childhood classes even from 3 years of age. All you have to do is find one that feels right for you and your child and then you can get started in what will be one of the biggest investments in your child’s future that you can make.
If however there are no martial arts facilities or dojo’s near you or you have a child that perhaps is too shy or already traumatized from bullying, there are programs available that teach basic techniques and strategies in the comfort of your own home at your own pace. These programs deal mainly with the basic fundamentals of self defense and can certainly be a big help if professional tutelage is not available in your area or your child is unwilling to go to classes.
Top Secret: Self Defense eBook is a great example of such a program. To take a quick look at it and what it offers please click the book cover below…
It really is a pretty good book and although it won’t turn you or your child into Bruce Lee overnight, it certainly will give them some confidence in dealing with bullies and things they can do to make sure that the bully does not have it all their own way.
It has some great bonuses that come with it including some great fitness workouts and strategies which we all could do with! I suggest you have a close look at it and they are even offering a 60 day money back guarantee. You have nothing to lose apart from your fear of those physical bullies!
As always “Never stop listening, educating and loving our children and dealing with bullies.”
