BLOG: Bully Buster OC - Let the Patch "Bully Blogging" Begin

Welcome to the Bully Blog! My name is Ryan Foland and I am excited to start blogging about the issues surrounding and solutions to help prevent "bullying" for the San Juan Capistrano Patch. 

The topic "bullying" is close to my heart, and I have formed Bully Buster OC to help fight it locally. I put on Bully Buster Workshops and assemblies for community organizations and schools, and work individually with kids to help them become "bully proof." 

I believe my approach to this age-old topic is unique, and I keep it practicalwith a big focus on prevention through building awareness and self-confidence. With recent media attention to bullycides, increased sensitivity of bullying at schools, and film makers taking steps to expose harsh realities children who get bullied, has become a national "buzz."  

Working as program director and martial arts instructor here in San Juan Capistrano at , I have worked with hundreds of kids, and I will be the first to tell you that not everyone is bullied! I believe that studying martial arts is the easiest way to help kids learn the self confidence and self-defense needed to build a bully-proof foundation.  

Throughout my years of learning and teaching, I know that there are certain things that kids can do to avoid pitfalls and be less of a target for being picked on. I teach these life skills everyday, and have adapted specific "Bully Buster" moves to make learning fun and easy for kids. Often times parents will come to me and ask for advice, and I have tons of it to give. 

My intention with this blog is to share relevant tips, practical solutions and various "moves" that I have developed which kids can learn to make themselves "Bully Busters," as opposed to "bully bait."

I am excited to hear feedback from the community and answer any and all related topic questions on the subject of "bullying." I encourage comments and the sharing of personal stories that will help to create intelligent discussions, as we work together towards collective solutions.

To learn more information about my organization, or if you are interested in bringing a Bully Buster Workshop to your school or community organization, please visit www.BullyBusterOC.com.

These are my thoughts for now... to get my thoughts later, follow this blog or twitter (@BullyBusterOC)!

Ryan Foland

And a special thanks to Penny for giving me such a great opportinity in working with the Patch Network!