Robert Luis Rivera on Bully Prevention Skills With Martial Arts

Many children face a bully at some point during their childhood. In fact, nearl28% of students aged 12 to 18 have experienced bullying. It is common for children to be the victim of social and verbal bullying and physical bullying happens less often. Martial arts is known for the physical techniques and strikes that are taught, but there is also a lot of practice on the mental side of self-defense. There are more ways than just physical to help children reduce their chances of being bullied with the help of martial arts.

Social

Martial arts are known to teach individuals different tactics to become more disciplined and confident. Another huge component of martial arts is respect. From the moment that an individual sets foot in the dojo, they learn to show respect for every aspect of martial arts, from the instructors to their peers. People practicing martial arts are encouraged to ask questions and to converse with peers, improving their confidence. Children will learn to speak up and talk to anyone, which helps them prevent bullying. Gaining the knowledge of how to clearly and confidently speak will help a child in life as well as when faced with a bully. Confidence also comes through learning new skills and techniques. Children strive to achieve set goals and learn that it takes hard work, time, and practice to improve. Failures become a stepping stone to success through martial arts and lead to a child having confidence in themselves to achieve any goals they may set.

Physical

On the physical side of martial arts, children learn simple and complex techniques on how to move and react if ever faced with a physical attack. In martial arts, children learn about body language and the ways it can express confidence. When first learning martial arts, students are taught how to confidently stand which can be used to ward off any potential bullies and prepare you for a physical attack. Most martial arts do not promote violence; it should be used as a last resort. Children will learn movements and the situations when they should use these skills giving them the power to use their martial arts knowledge when necessary.

Robert Luis Rivera is a Martial Arts Master with 50 years of martial arts training experience. He is the Chief Instructor at the American Martial Arts Academy where he focuses on teaching confidence, bully-prevention, and self-defense techniques.