Stop Bullying... the Power of Martial Arts
Helping Children Build the Confidence to Stand Up to Bullying
Bullying can leave a child feeling frightened, isolated and unsure of what to do. Parents want their children to be safe — but they also want them to develop the confidence and skills to handle difficult situations throughout life.
After 47 years of teaching martial arts, Grandmaster Jim Butin believes martial arts training can give children something extremely valuable: confidence in themselves.
And that confidence can change how a child responds to a bully.
Martial Arts Is About More Than Fighting
The goal isn't to teach children to fight every time someone challenges them. In fact, good martial arts training teaches just the opposite.
Children learn discipline, self-control, awareness and how to remain calm under pressure. They learn how to carry themselves with confidence, how to avoid unnecessary confrontation and how to recognize when it is time to walk away.
And when a situation cannot be avoided, they have the confidence that comes from knowing they can protect themselves.
Jim Butin's Approach to Bully Prevention
During nearly five decades of teaching children, Jim saw firsthand how martial arts training could transform a child's confidence.
A child who once walked into class with his head down could gradually begin standing taller. A shy child could find his or her voice. A frightened child could learn that being strong doesn't necessarily mean being bigger or tougher.
Sometimes the smartest way to defeat a bully is never to give the bully the reaction he is looking for.
As Jim has taught generations of students:
Your brain is your best weapon.
A Resource for Parents, Teachers and Martial Arts Instructors
In Stop Bullying... The Power of Martial Arts, Jim shares lessons developed through decades of working with children and families.
The book explores how martial arts training can help children develop confidence, awareness, discipline and practical strategies for dealing with bullying — lessons that can stay with them long after they leave the dojo.
Give children more than techniques. Give them the confidence to believe in themselves.