Of course Taekwondo students learn a variety of blocks, kicks, and punches that can be utilized for self defense. However, it is important to note that in cases of verbal bullying or peer pressure, that responding with physical force is inappropriate and would teach children the wrong way to respond to conflict. In addition, many schools have a “zero tolerance” policy towards violence in their schools, and will reprimand and possibly even suspend a student who strikes another student, regardless of who started the situation. While there are no easy answers, it is the view of most professional martial arts instructors that martial arts techniques should be used only when true physical harm is imminent and there are no other alternatives. Still, parents who enroll their children in Taekwondo can take confidence that they have increased their child’s ability to protect themselves over the long term. Simply, they are so many positive benefits of growing up while learning martial arts.

Unfortunately, bullying is a reality of our current society. Even the most loving parent can’t always be by your child’s side or control every environment that they enter. However, through communication, support and encouragement with a staff of professional martial arts teachers, you can arm your child with the tools to overcome the majority of bullying scenarios that they will encounter while growing up.