by Gina Scarpa
Back to school can often mean back to bullying for many students. According to DoSomething.org, a non-profit dedicated to youth and social change, over 3.2 million students are bullied each year. A staggering 90% of students between 4th-8th grade have reported being the victim of bullying. Whether the student is the bully, the one being bullied, or a witness to the bullying itself, martial arts can be a very beneficial way to help curb the destructive behavior.
“Martial Arts programs help children deal with bullying by providing confidence, self-discipline, respect, leadership, self-control and self defense skills,” Bushi Ban of Southbury owner John Lombardo tells the Southbury Patch. “These skills are beneficial to children on both side of the bullying scenario. Both bullies and those being bullied can benefit from martial arts programs.
Bushi Ban of Southbury teaches their students to remember the 3 Ps when they encounter bullying: Prevent, Prepare, and Protect. A student can prevent bullying by seeing it coming and stopping it before it even starts. They can prepare by using their brain instead of their fists but if the bully gets physical, they can learn self-defense physical skills to protect themselves.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits to martial arts are the relationships that are formed within the studio walls. “Bushi Ban is a family in and of itself,” says Lombardo. “Our students build new long lasting friendships with each other by sharing the Bushi Ban bond.” It also is one of the few sports that are not seasonal. With programs running year round, students are constantly seeing their classmates, sharing experiences, and strengthening their bond. It’s a unique relationship that helps develop important life skills, Lombardo says, which students carry with them wherever they go.
