Bully Problem Solved!

Bully Problem Solved!

Boot to the Head!
Yep! I had a concerned parent approach me and ask what to do with a Bully problem that her son was having. She said this kid kept picking on her son in school and she wanted to know what she should do. Her son is the smallest boy in his class and this one kid chose to pick on him. I was a little confused because this boy was quite good fighter in class and I asked if he did anything or did he just let this kid beat him up? She said oh no, he roundhouse kicked him in the head. I had a good laugh and then told her sounds like he already solved the problem himself. I asked, what did the teacher say, and she said he told him to chose other ways of dealing with the kid buy apparently he knew that my student taught the Bully a valuable life lesson about underestimating people.
At Culver Karate Club we teach kids how to resolve problems at all different levels of engagement and we teach varying level of force. The first thing one must do is to not be caught off guard by the Bully. We teach them different ways to stand and how to pay attention to the Bully.
Obviously, my student went to a higher level than the situation may have dictated but it certainly solved the problem. One could argue whether or not the Bully deserved to be kicked in the head, but we know that at some time he certainly would’ve deserved it, considering his aggressiveness.
My students, parent, explained that she wanted to know what he should’ve done and I said that I would cover some less aggressive tactics in class that night to reinforce what I’ve taught him.
Sometimes, when confronted with a threat we may respond a little beyond what is appropriate but that’s what happens when adrenaline is involved. Sometimes the Bully needs to see what can result when he gets someone upset.
If a roundhouse kick to the head is the worst thing this Bully will ever get hit with then he is doing pretty good. Most Bully resolutions are not happy stories. Most Bullies keep picking till the one day get a terrible surprise!
Fortunately, this Bully problem was solved and according to the parent, their child hasn’t been bothered by this kid again.
I tell people that karate is a life changing activity. That day it changed 2 lives for the better.
Problem solved!