Martial Arts Conquers Bullying... a Child's Perspective

How Karate Can Stop Bullying

Article By: Will Beaudet

Karate is an art that takes a long time to master and only certain people in the whole world choose to master it. I am currently in the last training stage toward my black belt. I first started karate when I was in 5th grade. I had very little self-esteem and I was bullied. I started to think that all of the terrible things people said to me were true.

When my grandfather was dying of cancer, he wondered what I could do to be healthy and happy. He thought I should try karate. My family and I didn’t know what to think about this idea. I had quit everything that I tried to do before, football, soccer, instrument lessons and baseball. My mom decided to look into it. She asked her sister what she thought about the idea. My aunt is a black belt in karate and knew a lot about it. She suggested Action Karate because that is where she got her black belt. A few of my friends went to Action Karate so I agreed to it.

The first time we entered the studio I was in awe. There were kids my age doing amazing kicks and punches. We first met an instructor and had a private lesson. I started group classes soon after. Everyone, including myself, thought I would quit. I never did. For the past three years I have been training for my black belt. At karate, they teach you life skills that are meant to show you how to be more productive in everything you do. The one that has helped me the most was “don’t care what others think about you.”

Karate also helps your confidence. Every time you come to class they ask people to show everyone a move or moves. Whether the moves are right or wrong means less than the courage to try. Action Karate also has a tournament that is meant to help students get over their fear of talking or performing in front of crowds. When you are more confident about yourself, it is harder for other people to make you feel bad. You are fine with the way you are. Although I really believe that self-esteem and confidence are the strongest defense against bullying, karate also teaches you self-defense moves. If you ever get into a real life situation, you can protect yourself. Action Karate made me understand that the only person strong enough to make me feel bad is me. I know that I am strong enough now to never let bullying happen again.