Despite much media attention and a general increased awareness, bullying is still prevalent in our schools and society.
Bullies often have a sense of superiority over others and frequently lack proper impulse control. They are unable to manage their own anger and may put their frustrations onto others that seem weaker than themselves. Bullies generally thrive on physically or emotionally attacking people that they see as weak. Research shows that bullies may actually have been subjected to bullying themselves at some point in their lives.
Victims are often unaware that they are being bullied and may even be blaming themselves for being bullied.
There is substantial information and assistance available on-line and Bullying UK is one of the best UK sources for victims; and friends and families of victims.
There is a sad, but now outdated, misconception that martial arts promotes aggression and violence and can thus create bullies. This is far from the truth as correctly taught martial arts will overcome many problems associated with bullying, however, the benefits extend far beyond bullying and in fact can provide a framework for life itself.
At Ryu Ju Jutsu we have found that our system is a great leveller; those that have aggressive tendencies are helped to focus and control their aggression whilst those that are lacking in confidence are encouraged to gain in confidence. Sadly the true bully is often unable to reap the full benefits; this is because, as in all martial arts, practitioners have to be able to receive technique as well as give it!! Most bullies find it humiliating to receive technique and so quit quite early on. |