Unfortunately, cyberbullying and physical bullying are one of the biggest problems we face in our community. Sadly, many kids witness this behaviour and most of us have experienced it in one form or another. It brings a feeling of helplessness and anxiety worrying about being picked on.
Schools do their best and try hard, but sometimes it is not enough. The victims feel helpless and even show symptoms of school avoidance and withdrawal. It is hard to deal with and it’s traumatising for kids, sometimes it impacts their future to their detriment.
Kids need to be able to say ‘no’ and mean it, ‘no’ should not be a word of hope. Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu can prevent this issue by empowering kids to stand up and settle things down before that gets out of control. It teaches them to respect others and the confidence to walk away from an altercation without the need to prove themselves.
Here are the cold, hard facts:
Across the world, DoSomething.Org reports that:
* Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year.
* Physical bullying increases in elemantary school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school.
* 1 out of 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying.
* $525 million: the annual Australian bully bill
4 ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help you and your child against bullying
Self-Confidence
Bullies like to pick on kids with no or low self-confidence. Jiu- Jitsu will give kids the confidence they need to be themselves. Accomplishing small goals in Jiu-Jitsu empowers kids and shows them that they can accomplish anything with hard work. The confidence they gain from training becomes a part of who they are and bullies can see it. They can say ‘leave me alone’ and ‘no’ with confidence in their eyes and body language.
If a bully gets physical and they cannot diffuse the situation, they have the right to protect themselves using the 3T’s (talk, tell, tackle). This is something they rehearse in Jiu-Jitsu. Students learn that physical confrontation is the last resort.
There’s a balance of self-esteem one should have and if they have too little it can lead to an isolated, fearful, and unhappy person. However, if they have too much it can turn them into an arrogant, hateful individual that people fear and avoid. Jiu-Jitsu brings balance through learning to respect others and themselves through humility and hard work.
Respect for Differences/Everyone is different
The coolest thing about martial arts, especially BJJ, is that it creates an equal connection for everyone. No matter how different you are, as soon you put your Gi everyone is equal. We belong to the same tribe. That is Jiu-Jitsu and Jiu-Jitsu is like a big heart that welcomes anyone willing to learn and grow. We work as a team, helping each other to grow and overcoming any barriers in our way.
Brazilian Jiu -Jitsu (BJJ) teaches important core values such as respect, manners, self-control, mindfulness, working through difficulties and showing kindness to others. On the mats, everyone can feel like a champion when they work hard and learn a new technique. Students constantly win and lose while training and learn that losing is a chance to learn.
Making Friends for Life
Bullies have a tendency to go after kids that do not have many friends or kids that appear different from the other kids. BJJ will give them the same interest and confidence that would make it easier to make new friends and the sense of belonging that you get from a team.
There is a strong sense of community in any BJJ academy, regardless of age or background. Team mates have each others back and the strong friendships that are forged on the mats, are often extended off the mats too.
Anger management
Everyone, even kids, have to deal with stress and anger on a daily basis. Through Jiu-Jitsu, kids will learn how to deal with these moments in the correct way and stay calm and positive.
Here at Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy we offer kid’s classes for all ages staring from 4 to 17 years old. Brazilian Jiu -Jitsu is a great martial art for kids. We’re proud to be able to provide this service in Prahran area, helping to build a safer and better community for the future generations.
To learn more about our kid’s program, or to book a free week trial please get in touch via the contact us link below.