Tips for Children to Avoid Bullying

It is heart breaking to see a child struggling with bullying. The fear, anxiety, low self-esteem – bullying can have big mental, emotional and even developmental impacts. As parents, we can equip our children with confidence and techniques to stand up to bullying through training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Nearly one in four children in the United States are bullied each year according to the National Center for Education. And sadly, the problem is even worse for younger elementary school children with nearly half reporting they have been bullied.

Bullying manifests in many forms such as subtle hurtful words and social humiliation to more overt cyber/social media harassment and physical attacks. And witnesses and bystanders can become riddled with guilt, anxiety and fear despite not directly participating in the aggression.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense martial art that focuses on grappling techniques without striking or kicking. Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds valuable life skills beyond self-defense like community, discipline, respect, and teamwork that carry into adulthood.

Bullies often target those they perceive as emotionally and/or physically weaker. A confident, empowered child is less likely to become a victim. Students of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu build physical strength and fitness, mental toughness and resilience, and a sense of accomplishment which boosts confidence and self-esteem that extends into all aspects of life.

At Gracie Barra of Greensboro, we believe the best way to win a fight is to not get into a fight. Our age-specific children programs focus on the use of distance, confident verbal commands and self-defense techniques to avoid and minimize aggressive bullies:

1. Distance – stay in the “green zone” with ample distance between you and the aggressor to avoid punches, kicks or taken-downs.

2. Verbal Commands – with an upright body posture, assertively use words to deescalate situations such as “sorry you’re upset, I don’t want to fight. Stay back!”

3. Self-Defense Techniques - in the event the aggressor becomes physical, apply Jiu-Jitsu techniques to defend against strikes, to escape body holds and headlocks, and to control the aggressor instead of using unskilled brute force.

Children gain more confidence and self-esteem through BJJ over time as they:

• Think about physical challenges and anticipate opponents moves

• Develop inner strength to push past their comfort zone

• Foster a “never give up” mindset

• Learn from mistakes to grow and to reach greater achievements

• Create empathy by supporting and coaching others on their BJJ journey

For victims and potential targets of bullying, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps build confidence and strength to avoid and respond to non-physical and physical aggressions. For witnesses of bullying, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides confidence backed with self-defense skills to intervene. And for those who are or could be bullies, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu creates respect and empathy for others and channels energy to develop a positive outlook on life.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a sole solution to bullying, but it provides students with a strong cornerstone of mindset and skills to reduce and stop bullying behavior.