Stand Up and Stand Strong
Stand Up and Stand Strong
Standing up for what we believe in and support is often a difficult task and many people lack the courage to take such bold initiative. But even fewer are willing to stand up to bullies. As children we encounter bullies as the result of a power imbalance. In many ways, bullying is natural. We see it in nature. But in the human world, bullying has evolved to something that is detrimental to the well being of the person being bullied. For this article I will focus on kids who are bullied. But bullying comes in al forms and can negatively affect people of all ages. Kids who are bullied tend to be those who lack confidence and are unwilling to stand up for themselves. Their posture is weak, they tend to avoid eye contact and social interaction. As they encounter bullies, this cycle gets worse as they lose even more confidence, withdraw from others and do just enough to get through the day. As it goes the bullies themselves amp up their efforts to keep their victims beaten down, either physically or verbally. It is a vicious cycle.
Enough is Enough
Teaching children to stand up to bullies is an essential part of their developmental growth. They must learn to stand tall, shoulders back, eyes forward and ready to speak up. Jiu-jitsu, when trained properly, is perhaps the number one activity that a child can participate in to develop these important skills. As a child learn the values and discipline of martial arts, he/she will develop the confidence to engage with other students, build friendships and be generally happier. This shift in attitude and mindset is enough to keep about 90% of bullies away. For the rest, Jiu-jitsu is the most effective form of realistic self defense there is. If a student of Jiu-jitsu encounters a bully and is unable to get away to tell an adult or teacher, he/she will be armed with the techniques to defeat he bully in a physical encounter as a last resort.
For more information on how to get your child started in Jiu-jitsu and anti-bullying classes please call 281-955-7300 or visit us on the web at www.teamtooke.com