Embolden your children against bullying with JSA seminar in Cromwell

Greater Hartford area children are invited to attend a free anti-bullying seminar and Halloween party in Cromwell on Saturday, Nov. 1. Meriden School Counselor Steve “Coach” Makein, a youth and wrestling coach for more than 20 years, will be leading the workshop on bullying prevention and effective self-defense techniques at the Jiu-Jitsu and Strength Academy (JSA), from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The seminar is open to all children from ages 4 to 13 and their parents. During the seminar, children and families will learn how to become aware of potentially dangerous situations and feel more confident and safe in addressing them. Coach Makein will teach children the proper ways to handle bullying before, during and after it occurs.

It is estimated that one in four children is affected by bullying. According to StopBullying.gov, more than 56 percent of all students have witnessed bullying. Approximately 15 percent of all students who miss classes cite their reason for absence as fear of being bullied.

Bullying covers a range of behaviors from name calling and starting rumors to physical attacks and destroying one’s personal property. Cyberbullying is a growing problem as children are getting verbally attacked and threatened online.

As a school counselor, Coach Makein deals with bullying and related issues on a daily basis. At the JSA, he is an assistant instructor in the Kobukai self-defense jiu-jitsu program and the kids’ jiu-jitsu instructor. He provides a unique perspective on bullying, prevention and self-defense.

The anti-bullying seminar will cover the following topics:

• Setting Boundaries Before Bullying Begins
During this seminar, children will learn how to prevent bullying before it begins. Bullies look for easy targets, children perceived as weak. Self-confidence is vital to prevent bullying. Makein will coach children in confidence, setting boundaries and asserting themselves. With these skills, children will learn how to protect themselves from abuse and keep from being a target.

• Verbal Self-Defense
Children will learn which words and non-confrontation actions to use to prevent bullying from starting or escalating further.

• Effective Self-Defense And When To Use It
Jiu-Jitsu is regarded as one of the most effective martial arts, and it is also one of the safest. During this seminar, Coach will instruct children in how to control a bullying situation that has “gone bad,” while preventing themselves and the bully from being hurt.

• Getting Help
Children often feel lost, alone and helpless when it comes to bullying. Parents are not in school to protect them, and children fear the repercussions of telling on others. Coach provides children with safe ways to help end the bullying and prevent future abuse.

The JSA can help strengthen and empower youth before bullying can begin.

The seminar takes place at the Jiu-Jitsu and Strength Academy at 229 Shunpike Rd. in Cromwell. A Halloween party will follow, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

RSVP Online on Facebook. Call the JSA at 860-869-4843 or email mbryers@jiujitusct.com