Constant snide remarks, malicious rumours, accompanied with pushing and shoving, the school ground is a battlefield for bully victims.
Bullies prowl the hallways, searching for suitable prey. These misguided children are looking for the weak, innocent or different. It is like they feel power in their world by taking it from another person. It is only a matter of time before another child’s self-esteem is broken down. If your child is enduring the brunt of a schoolyard brute, steps need to be taken immediately. Through conquering a bully, a child can reclaim his/her sense of self-worth and confidence. Trying to ignore a bully is never the answer, just ask anyone who has been at the end of a mean child’s fist.
But how does one stop a bully?
Speaking to your parents, teachers or any other trusted adult is a start. By approaching an adult, you are not scared to expose their actions. With adults now aware of the situation, the bully will find it harder to bully you or any other child. But sadly most of the time, motivation kicks in and now the bully wants to assert themselves as a result of your child “taking away” some of their dominance, by getting adults involved. If this is the case, then talking will no longer be the only sane solution for you child.
“One of the most trusted actions in stopping a bully is standing up for yourself. As a bully prays on weak not strong”.
How do you stand up for yourself?
Henko Bruin is a 12-year-old who has defeated his bullies, through discipline, self-confidence and karate.
“I started karate when I was six-years-old, but I was still bullied.”
Through his training at Shorinryu Butokukan, Henko showed restraint from retaliating with violence. He just kept his head down and focused on learning this amazing ancient art. But, sadly he found silence is not always an answer.
“Karate teaches you self-discipline and not to react to certain things. But one day, I just couldn’t handle it anymore and I confronted the bullies, I fought back!” His actions stunned the bullies, stopping them from bullying him and other children in the future. He had now snuffed out this torment for not only himself, but other children too. The once nutritious bullies were now not the bane of everyday, the assurance of being hurt at school was over and most importantly Henko, was now empowered with the knowledge and discipline to protect not only himself but others too.
While overcoming his villainous nemeses has made life at school easier, Henko is hell-bent on furthering his karate career.
“I want to train in Okinawa in the future and compete in the world championships.”
Thus far, one of his greatest highlights is obtaining a gold medal in the unison kata division at the World Union of Karate-Do All Africa Championships. With his sights set on the future, dominating the karate mat, Henko encourages others to take up karate.
“I would urge others to do karate, as it is an awesome physical activity which keeps you mentally focused.” Through keeping mentally focused, Henko said karate can work as a tool for memory improvement and boost one’s schoolwork.
“It definitely helps with schoolwork, co-ordination, concentration and confidence,” he concluded.
Karate is a way of life for Henko, who in turn is a champion for many people who have borne the brunt of bullies. He is an example for many, showing that through taking up sports, one can learn the importance of discipline and standing up for one-self despite the odds.
