Church Helps Kids Fight Back Against Bullies

Turning the other cheek is a time-honored Christian tradition, but that doesn’t mean having to roll with the punches.

That’s the contention of Spring Hill’s New Beginnings Family Church, 18935 Michigan Lane, where youngsters have spent the summer learning how to be “Bullyproof.”

The program draws on Gracie Jujitsu to teach students how to gain confidence, diffuse conflict and ultimately defend themselves if it’s completely necessary.

“We found out every day 150,000 kids miss school because they don’t want to be bullied,” explained the church’s co-pastor Jonathan Fisher. “We got to checking into what we could do and ran across the Bullyproof program.”

While Fisher admits the program is “completely outside of the box” for a church, he said families are gaining “real world skills they need to know.” It’s a “life-changing thing that they’re learning. It gives you the confidence to walk around with your head a little higher.”

Martial arts form the backbone of the Bullyproof program, but its foundation is built on learning conflict-resolution skills, Fisher said.

The idea is to arm kids – and adults – with the skills they need to stop an attack, subdue the bully, if necessary, and negotiate for a peaceful resolution.

“It’s not a matter of kicking or punching or beating somebody up,” he said.

As the summer comes to a close, the church is kicking off a new Bullyproof season. Classes will take place on Sundays at 5 p.m. starting Aug. 17. Wednesday night sessions are also available.

While the program has targeted kids over the summer, Fisher said it’s appropriate for family members of all ages. It’s not necessary to be a member of the church to attend. Children as young as 4 attended free sessions over the summer.

For more information, visit the church’s website or email bullyproof@nbfcspringhill.com.

An upcoming fundraiser will offset the costs of the church’s youth ministries and running the program, which has nominal uniform fees for families. Community in Unity is set to take place Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. The event will feature vendors, demonstrations, a free bounce house, refreshments and more. For more information about the event, check out the church’s website.

Photo Credit: Bullyproof class members spent their summer learning skills to avoid conflict. Courtesy of New Beginnings Family Church