Bullies are people who pick on others because it makes them feel that they have power.

They do it with words, and they do it physically.

Bullies like to pick on kids who are alone, so it is best to stay in a group and among friends.

Verbally abusive bullies:

Bullies who are verbally abusive must be handled by your best self-control.
Smile at them, give them a compliment, do not let it show that they are bothering you, (no matter how much it does).
Bullies usually will get bored that they get no reaction, do not act bothered.
Stand tall, show self-confidence, and look them in the eye. Be mentally stronger.

Bullies who are physically abusive are another story. Physically abusive means they hit, kick or poke and continue to do so after they are asked to stop. The first action you must take is to tell adults. Parents are the most important; then teachers, bus drivers, principals and any other adult who is responsible for your personal safety. Report incidents of bullying to Sensei Linda.

Parents must contact the appropriate individuals and inform them that their child has been threatened with, or is receiving physical harm.
Make it clear that you hold them responsible for your child’s personal safety.
Ask for a plan of action to correct the matter.
Ask that the other child’s parents be notified of the bullying.

If the bullying continues, let the administration and any other individual responsible for your child’s safety know that your child will defend himself if any physical actions are taken against him. Give your child permission to defend himself.

When the bully threatens, look him in the eye and tell him if he hits you, you will hit back to defend yourself.
Do not be afraid to use what you know to defend yourself.

If your child should end up in trouble or suspended for fighting after all of these steps have been taken, you must tell administration that you support your child, and it is their responsibility to keep him safe. As your child’s karate instructor, I will also meet with any officials to defend your child’s actions as those he was taught for self-defense.

Anyone who attends classes in this dojo is considered one who strives to achieve a high standard of character. A student who engages in bully behavior will lose their privilege of training. Threatening another person is not a joke. We take our training seriously and have zero tolerance of those who wish to do harm to others.