We like to call it “bully proof martial arts”—bully self defense skills that help your kids avoid or overcome bullying in school. We all want our children bully-proof and able to respond correctly after all the talking, negotiating, and attempts fail to stop bullies from starting an altercation. When your child is bullied it can be psychologically destructive to their confidence, thought, concentration, and even how they conduct themselves in the future. A bully and bullying can consume a child’s every thought, from nighttime dreams to dreading the realities of the next school day.
Bully Self Defense Skills Aren’t Passive
Your child can try to ignore a bully, but this usually causes a bully to get more aggressive or confrontational. Bullies like to make sure their victim knows they are still in control and the threat is real. Bully proofing your child with Sifu Och Wing Chun gives him or her increased confidence, self preservation skills, and self-assurance. Techniques to protect and keep your child safe during a physical confrontation is just one aspect of what we do, but we excel in the instruction needed to get results and keep your kids safe. In our kids martial arts program your child will learn more then most martial arts schools are ever willing to teach—and it’s all safe, fun, and disciplined.
A testimonial from one of the parents at our Lakeland, FL after school program:
We needed to make a switch. Our 11 year old was bullied last year at school to the point of needing counseling. His whole demeanor changed, and his grades went from A’s and B’s to C’s and D’s. At one point we weren’t sure if he was going to advance to the next grade—all because of bullies. Eventually, we found Sifu Och Wing Chun and their kids martial arts program (which teaches bully self defense skills). After training here, our son is himself again, and he has his confidence back! Both our boys now attend the Wing Chun Lakeland Florida after school martial arts program. I don’t think I could be happier with the program.
Wing Chun is teaching our boys to be respectful and responsible. Sifu Och is a great role model. They are learning to think before they act and that with every action comes a reaction. I am very happy my husband and I found this program in Downtown Lakeland, and it’s so close to home. I would most definitely recommend the Wing Chun martial arts afterschool program to anyone looking for a great quality, safe, and affordable place for their children! – Debra H.
Anti-Bullying Tips for Parents
Bullying is a real, constant threat. With today’s mass media, bullying no longer occurs in a just a limited local. With text and social media, bullying can be a 24/7 scenario. It’s critical to listen to, and be aware of, what your children are exposed to. Their emotional suffering can last long after a bullying incident. Never say “just ignore it”. Your child is talking to you for a reason—listen. Be persistent until school administration or another parent takes action on your child’s situation.
Name calling, common in bullying, can lead to raised tensions and anger. Tell your child not to hit when called names or when verbally attacked. Bully self defense skills are only for stopping physical confrontations.
A child should also never raise their fists unless it’s to protect themselves from bullying and forms of physical abuse. Teach them other ways to diffuse a situation, and let them know physical action is the last line of defense.
Just a few weeks ago I noticed the signs. As a Wing Chun martial arts instructor in the Sifu Och school, I know the signs of a child being bullied. I pulled both the brother and the sister aside to ask them if everything was ok. At first they looked at each other and said, “Yes, everything will be OK.” I asked what will be OK, only to find out that the sister had been slapped in the face on the bus and verbally assaulted. The brother had witnessed this, and though he was a top member of the wrestling team with a military father, he didn’t know what to do. I then found out he had been bullied in school as well and though he seemed confident around others he told me that at school he just tries to avoid being in the halls, and he has begun hating certain classes that he previously loved. When asked why they hadn’t told their mother (who is a wonderful woman), they said they were afraid they would get punished or blamed. Children, no matter how many times you talk to them and tell them to come to you, are not well-trained to do so. It sometimes takes an outside instructor or teacher who’s looking out for you and your family to help in these matters.
what are you doing to protect your child?
Anti-Bullying tips for Kids
Remember NOBODY has the right to make you feel bad or hurt you! Bullying includes, but is not limited to: Physical actions (pushing, kicking, punching), name calling, threatening texts or social media messages, rumors, or any means to upset and harm you—do something!
It is NOT your fault if you are being bullied. Tell a trusted adult or friend about the incident. Together, you can solve the issue or direct it to someone who can. If the first person you talk to can’t help you, keep asking until you find someone who will help you. If you can write down everything that has happened.
Things NOT to do!
Don’t hide your feelings or what is happening from a trusted friend or adult. Secrecy is a bully’s biggest weapon, which is why they go through so much effort to keep you from telling someone.
Don’t try and deal with a bully on your own. There is no fault in asking for help. With more people on your side, the bully can be brought to justice.
Always tell the truth. When you exaggerate and lie, you become untrustworthy, and it becomes harder to believe you.
Websites for Anti-Bullying:
A good interactive website for parents and kids on how to respond to bullying directly and address issues so it doesn’t occur. http://www.stopbullying.gov/respond/be-more-than-a-bystander/index.html
Key points for talking about bull Realistic and simple points for kids to follow when confronted with bullying. http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/key-messages.asp
A comprehensive reading list for parents and kids on bullying. http://www.antibullying.net/parentsrlist.htm
TO JOIN our anti-bully self defense program contact us today. Sifu Och Wing Chun headquarters is located in Lakeland, Florida.
