How to protect yourself against a bully

Bullying affects many children, young adults and even adults. It can really affect a child’s self esteem and confidence. A study at Guelph University reported that 50% of local school children reported being bullied at one point. There are a few ways to help prevent being a target of a bully. The first step is to understand what bullying is and how to recognize it.

There are 4 types of Bullying.

Physical, verbal, relational (i.e. starting rumours about someone) and cyber bullying (using the internet to send unwanted messages or to mock).

People who bully do it to get attention, feel important and gain power. They often have low self esteem themselves and feel this the only way to gain control. Once you understand who and why someone bullies, protecting yourself against it involves two parts: Mind Self Defence and Physical Self Defence.

Mind Self Defense is protecting and avoiding a situation using body language, distance and tone. Common sense is also a factor. It can be used in a bullying situation, street proofing against strangers and even assault situations. Its about looking strong & confident and acting strong & confident which in turns helps you to be strong & confident. Walk and talk with confidence. People of all ages who look weak tend to be targets of a bully. The bully sees them a potential target whom they can control. By carrying yourself strongly, making eye contact with people, having positive body language that clearly sends the message you are strong, makes you less of a target in a bully’s eyes. Be aware of your personal space. Become known as the person who stands up for yourself and others. When someone tries to say or do mean things- don’t react. That is what someone like a bully is craving- a reaction. Whether it be a verbal, physical, rumours or via social media. Be like a brick wall and let it bounce right off. This is true for anyone at any age experiencing bullies.

When your dealing with a bully physically, remember to keep 5 feet away from them, vocalizing the person to back away. In martial arts classes, the instructors teach children how to use footwork and other body language techniques to prevent a physical confrontation. Of course learning how to protect yourself against a bully may be needed, but in the martial arts the emphasis is on NOT BEING THERE. Avoiding the physical situation is the goal. However, occasions may arise where protecting ourselves physically may be needed. Martial arts can teach students to block, deflect an attack, to use pressure points and learn self defense techniques should they need to release a hold from a bully. Protecting yourself physically is never about starting it. It is about doing what you need to do to release the hold and make it to a safe zone (to a teacher, another adult, or run away).

If you are being bullied or know someone who is, telling someone such as a parent, teacher or another adult is the key to helping it to stop. Stand up for yourself and each other. Getting involved in martial arts will really help to increase a child’s confidence and self esteem, while at the same time teaching them life skills to deal with all types of social pressures including bullying.

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program. tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com

http://www.warrenerentertainment.com/self-defense-for-everybody/

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