Bullying is a very complicated issue requiring a close supportive relationship between the victim, their families, school authorities, law enforcement and other related agencies. Although parents and the bullied victims should make every effort to work with these groups it may not be enough. There can often be lingering issues that martial arts training can assist in resolving.

Bullying affects the victim in both physical and psychological ways. Much can be done to stop the physical aggression but recent studies indicate the psychological effects can, and often are, long term and potentially debilitating.

Self esteem is an important consideration. Bullies in the schoolyard and other social settings have what can best be described as a well-tuned ‘victim’ radar - the child who looks away or through submissive body language broadcasts their fearfulness and vulnerability to the bully.

At Safeguard Martial Arts we have established an environment where the victims of bullying quickly learn they are safe. Each individual student progresses at their own pace in a non-contact program designed to build self esteem and confidence while emphasizing respect for others.

Safeguard Martial Arts is a very family oriented school. We screen new students in a two-week introductory program. This program allows the potential student and their parents to assess the school, instructors and fellow students for the right fit. We also use the two-week program to ensure that potential students are able to integrate into the program. Students who are overly aggressive, disruptive to class or contravene family values are not offered placement in our programs.

Safeguard Martial Arts students very quickly learn they are in a safe non-contact, nurturing environment where their self esteem and confidence will grow. They learn how to deal with bullying through our regularly scheduled “Bully Busting” and role-playing lessons. As their self-confidence grows they become less likely to display the type of behaviour bullies pray upon.

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