Kidz ‘N Power Bullying Prevention Program

Creating a HAPPIER Community
Bullying Prevention thru Olweus and Songahm Taekwondo

Bullying is one of the most difficult issues that students, parents and educators might encounter in or out of school. Discipline, order and respect are mainstays of Songahm Taekwondo, but many instructors offer additional support with presentations from the The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, the most researched and best-known bullying prevention program available.

Learn more about bullying, how to prevent or resolve it, and more about the Olweus program

Protect your children with bullying prevention skills and strategies by calling ATA Martial Arts of Branchburg to inquire about our upcoming seminar based on the Olweus program.

Event: Kidz ‘N Power Bullying Prevention Program
Date: Friday, July 30th
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: FREE!! Bring a Friend!!

The Last Airbender Training Camp

We have another awesome event coming up in the next few weeks! We will have another chance to invite all of our friends in to take another great class themed after an up-and-coming martial arts-based movie, The Last Airbender!

Noah Ringer, the star of The Last Airbender is a 1st Degree ATA kid from Texas and he is going to be awesome in the movie! We’re going to have a special buddy camp on Saturday, July 3rd (9am to 3pm) for kids and it will be about Goal Setting and Perseverance. The characters in the movie, TV show, and books have a goal and meet many obstacles along their way and we believe that using them as an example will help teach kids to Never Give Up!

Airbender Jahng Bong/ Bo Staff Seminar!
Special Guest Instructor Mr. Lee Brings it!! We’ll do a Avatar-style Bo Staff seminar with awesome spins and strikes and maybe master the element of WIND!! Learn to use your Bo Staff like Aang the Avatar! We’ll use Bo Staff techniques and a themed weapons training class. Students will learn combinations that they can use to put into forms and make their weapons skills better!!
*Bo Staff NOT Included. Cost $35. Pre-Register Before June 30th and Save $5.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Lunch & Movie
We’ll watch as many episodes of Avatar as we can in 90 minutes. Don’t forget you can bring a friend too!! As long as they’re an Avatar fan!!

Avatar: The Last Airbender Stunt Training
Learn how to act and train just like your favorite Action Hero’s!!

Date: Saturday, July 3rd
Time: 9am – 3pm
Cost: $50 (Includes Lunch)
Friends Train FREE!!

Schedule of Events
9am – 11am – Airbender Jahng Bong/ Bo Staff Seminar! (Jahng Bong NOT Included)
11am – 1pm – Lunch & Movie
1pm – 3pm – Airbender Stunt Training Seminar

Fee: $35 per Seminar or $50 for the Whole day (Includes Lunch). Bo Staff $35.

Put an End to School Yard Bullies – Part ONE

By Shei Franco

Reading, writing, arithmetic, name calling, teasing and pushing. They all have something in common.

You might be surprised to know they all are taught in school. Perhaps only three are actually part of the curriculum, but the rest are just as prevalent. Even if a child is not the victim of harassment, chances are he has witnessed students under attack.

For some parents, the topic of bullying seems irrelevant. After all, the sweetly dressed 5–year-old at the bus stop can’t possibly be a threat. But, according to Lori Linden, an elementary school guidance counselor in Millcreek, Pa., bullying can start at any age. “As early as kindergarten, [there is] pushing in line and making demands to other children,” Linden says.

How Bullying Starts

Teachers and parents need to identify children who bully. Classroom and household sanity depends on it. While most parents concentrate on whether their child is being bullied, they should not ignore the possibility that the bully might belong to them.

“The bully usually exhibits disrespectful behavior, in general, to peers, teachers and others,” says Brien O’Callaghan, a clinical psychologist and marriage and family counselor, in Bethel, Conn. “The disrespect may be obvious or subtle. There is usually an arrogant, know–it–all, sarcastic attitude. There are also usually other signs like academic underachievement, other misbehaviors like stealing and a pattern of making excuses for misbehavior and blaming others.”

While these signs indicate an underlying character issue, O’Callaghan adds that nothing is certain. “It is important to note that it is also possible that the bully will keep a low profile and not be easily identified,” he says.

How to Tell

Most parents do not witness their child being bullied. They believe, in good faith, that a teacher or adult that cares for their child will notify them of any harassment. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.

How, then, can parents know when their child is being bullied? O’Callaghan warns that uncovering the victim is not always easy. He points out the child may feel embarrassed, threatened or may simply believe that her claims will fall on deaf ears.

In the theme of the new Karate Kid movie, students and their buddies will learn how to deal with bullies and defend themselves if anyone tries to hurt, hit, or grab them. Students and their buddies will also learn the negative effects that being a bully has on a kid. We’ll also do some of the techniques and exercises that the main characters from the Karate Kid movies used when training (catching a fly with chopsticks and other fun games).

The first 20 kids and their friends that come to the seminar will get a FREE Karate Kid poster, and other Karate Kid prizes. This seminar will be PACKED, so RSVP right away by calling us at 908.541.9800 or email Info@ATABranchburg.com.

Date: Saturday, June 26th 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Location: ATA Branchburg
Street: 999B US Hwy 202N
City/Town: Branchburg, NJ 08876

How Children Can Discourage Bullying

Children can take steps to discourage bullying. A basic strategy is to hang out with friendly kids at school and to stay away from those who seem not to like them.

Bullying is also less likely to occur when children are in groups and are in areas supervised by adults. For example, children who wish to avoid being bullied can:

* Play or take breaks near adults while at school.

* Walk to school with older brothers and sisters or friends.

* Sit near the bus driver.

These strategies are only effective when schools have firm policies in place against bullying. Staff must be trained and supported in consistently enforcing these policies.

Children who bully look for an easy target. Bullies are less likely to pick on those who:

* Can quickly respond to threats in a self–assured way. Help your child practice what to say if he or she is bullied.

* Act confident and do not seem easily scared. Help your child learn to use strong body language, such as standing up straight, looking other children in the eye, and speaking firmly.

In the theme of the new Karate Kid movie, students and their buddies will learn how to deal with bullies and defend themselves if anyone tries to hurt, hit, or grab them. Students and their buddies will also learn the negative effects that being a bully has on a kid. We’ll also do some of the techniques and exercises that the main characters from the Karate Kid movies used when training (catching a fly with chopsticks and other fun games).

The first 40 kids and their friends that come to the seminar will get a FREE Karate Kid poster, and other Karate Kid prizes. This seminar will be PACKED, so RSVP right away by calling us at 908.541.9800 or email Info@ATABranchburg.com.

Date: Saturday, June 19th & Saturday, June 26th 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Location: ATA Branchburg
Street: 999B US Hwy 202N
City/Town: Branchburg, NJ 08876

Karate Kid Bully Defense Workshop

In the theme of the new Karate Kid movie, students and their buddies will learn how to deal with bullies and defend themselves if anyone tries to hurt, hit, or grab them. Students and their buddies will also learn the negative effects that being a bully has on a kid. We’ll also do some of the techniques and exercises that the main characters from the Karate Kid movies used when training (catching a fly with chopsticks and other fun games).

The first 20 kids and their friends that come to the seminar will get a FREE Karate Kid poster, and other Karate Kid prizes. This seminar will be PACKED, so RSVP right away by calling us at 908.541.9800 or email Info@ATABranchburg.com.

Date: Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Location: ATA Branchburg
Street: 999B US Hwy 202N
City/Town: Branchburg, NJ 08876

Summer Spectacular

“Child Safety: Confidence is the KEY!”

This is an interview about child abuse, child safety and protecting children.

What on earth does self confidence and a solid self image have to do with CHILD SAFETY?!”

That was the start of last night’s radio interview we did. This little note isn’t about how popular we are. We’re sharing this with you to make a point: confidence has everything to do with child safety and keeping kids safe.

So, we shocked the “Shock Jock.”

Confidence is the Number One safety technique we teach. Confidence building is the Number One parenting skill we emphasize.

No matter what the age of your child.
No matter who you are.
No matter where you live.
No matter what your circumstances are.

Helice Bridges of Difference Makers International discovered this years ago. She built an entire world wide organization based on boosting self confidence in individuals. There’s now special Blue Ribbon awards for all ages, people, professions and countries.

Confidence is the foundation for everything in child safety. Confidence building is a very powerful teaching tool, as well. As a parent you also have the very same powerful tool at your disposal. And a great way to apply this parenting tool is with EMPOWERMENT.

When you empower your child, you will truly teach them to make choices for themselves. When they can make good choices for themselves they will be able to assess situations around them and respond in an appropriate manner. They will be able to make THE RIGHT choice when faced with a dangerous situation, when approached by a bully or inappropriate adult or when grabbed or surprised by an extreme predator. Very simply, it is all about teaching your child to make good choices, the best choices, for themselves. Yes, they will truly be able to keep themselves safe for a lifetime.

In its simplest form, empowerment means your child feels like they have a measure of control over their life. They feel they can make their own decisions, good decisions. Most kids don’t feel this ability. Because they feel powerless, kids will engage in a struggle with their parents to get some control of their lives. In doing so it usually comes across as conflict:

No! I don’t want to go!
I don’t like that!
I’m not eating that!
Stop it!
I don’t want to!
Leave me alone!

How to empower your child depends on their age. For children ages 4 to 7, give them alternatives to situations in their lives, let them make some of their own choices. For example, instead of serving them broccoli, ask them to choose between carrots, peas or broccoli or another vegetable as you prepare it. Let them choose the socks they want to wear. Letting them pick a favorite t-shirt can bolster their self-image. Give in to their cries of, “I can do it! I want to do it!”

Kids around 8 to 13 years old crave parental trust. Knowing Mom or Dad trusts them is a powerful confidence booster for kids this age. Empowering your elementary age child means when they do something, you “let go” and trust them to do it. At this age confidence building centers primarily around the issue of trust and you as a parent have to lead the way by example.

When your child reaches high school age, most of your parental work is in place or done. It is simply a time to “guide” your child and confidence boosting comes in the form of respect. Most teenagers need to know their parents respect them. With kids at this age it is very challenging for any parent but demonstrating respect for your child’s choices for themselves, even if you don’t always agree with them, is critical for their self image.

These are pretty simple examples, but this is about as easy as it gets in empowering your child. Giving your child choices, trust and respect is crucial in their development. It is crucial in their ability to keep themselves safe against all kinds of dangers.

All this being said, will your child always make good choices for themselves?

No!

That is where you, Mom and Dad, come into the picture. You, as a mentor to your child, can guide them through the array of choices they will face. You can guide them and teach them about learning to make good choices and their benefits.

And safety? Well, confident kids are not messed with by bullies at school. Confident kids know when that when confronted by an inappropriate request they can to say “NO!” Confident teenagers don’t always bow to peer pressure. Confident adults do not intimidated by the nasty co-worker in the office. It’s called “safety for a lifetime.”

-Preston Jones and Joyce Jackson

P.S. For a limited time only we are offering a very Special ATA S.A.F.E. Course

FREE every Wednesday in November at 5:00pm
In just 4 classes we will be able to dramatically improve your child’s focus and confidence, giving them the power to stand up to bullies and peer pressure and help them stay SAFE AND get BETTER GRADES!

Important: Call us at 1-908-541-9800 right away because there’s a limit of 15 kids.

The Power of Martial Arts and CONFIDENCE
Confidence truly is one of the keys to staying safe and “Stopping The Bully!”
Children who train in the martial arts learn powerful skills to defend themselves,
stand up to Bullies and stay safe in almost any situation. Knowledge truly is power!
Give your children the power, knowledge, skills and CONFIDENCE to stand up for themselves,
stop the bully, resist peer pressure and BE SAFE!

Help! My child needs more confidence

PART ONE
Does your child possess a healthy sense of confidence? Answer yes if your child makes friends easily, accepts leadership opportunities and displays a bright, positive attitude.

But if your child is timid, shy and passive, with few friends and little initiative, your child needs help now.

The problems start small, a child who can’t interact with his or her peers or won’t look an adult in the eye. But as a child grows these problems do, too – and before long this child is the target of bullies, prone to peer pressure and withdrawn in the classroom. Kids like this are called “painfully shy” for good reason.

A child with self-confidence problems needs to improve his or her self-esteem. In this report, we’ll share some ideas on how this can be done.

First, let’s review the five common problems your child may encounter.

Is your child “Timid and shy?”

Children who are quiet and unassertive find it difficult to interact with both peers and adults. They can find themselves overlooked in both school and social settings.

It is difficult for such children to “break out of their shell” in order to build friendships and gain leadership skills, both essential qualities for personal development.

Is your child a “Loner, not a leader?”

Shyness and a lack of self-confidence force children onto the sidelines and away from the action.
Children who fail to participate in activities do not allow their skills to develop, further lowering their self-esteem and insecurity.

Leadership in particular is a quality that must be learned. Children who are not encouraged to build this skill lose out on this powerful opportunity.

Is your child a “Bully magnet?”

As a parent, there is nothing more agonizing than knowing your child is suffering from the emotional abuse of a bully.

If you, too, were bullied as a child, you know yourself that the scars can take a lifetime to heal.

Sadly, children who are quiet, shy and unassuming tend to get bullied. For such children, it is essential that they turn their attitude around and learn the steps they must take to avoid this problem.
If your child has low self-esteem or little confidence, martial arts training offers a great environment to help them build the confidence they will need to succeed at school and in life.

P.S. For a limited time only we are offering a very special “3 Class Confidence Course”

In just 3 Classes we will be able to dramatically improve your child’s focus and confidence, giving them the power to stand up to bullies and peer pressure and help them stay safe and get better grades!

Important: Call us at right away because there’s a limit of 15 kids.