Most martial arts programs rely on striking the attacker with violent punches, kicks, knees and elbows where children can’t control the outcome of their strikes on an aggressor – but the Gracie Bullyproof program takes a different approach.
Children are taught to fight fire with water so you never have to worry about your own child becoming a bully themselves.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Burwood teaches children how to defuse confrontations with words first and never to initiate physical aggression through an emphasis on verbal Jiu Jitsu.
If attacked, they will have the techniques to non-violently neutralise the threat and gain control until help arrives or they are able to negotiate with the aggressor to end the confrontation.
Owner Robbie Singh is a behavioural analyst who provides social skills training in a variety of educational settings during the day and brings those skills to the martial arts setting.
He has been running the Bullyproof program for the last five years and says the children are able to walk away knowing how to interpret the behaviours and intentions of those around them.
By using role play and games they are taught how to tell the difference between harmless jokes and actual harassment and cruelty.
“Our goal is to instil in your child unshakeable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence,” Robbie said.
“We will teach your child to use verbal assertiveness to deter bullies and several non-violent self-defence techniques to stay safe if physically assaulted.”
Catering for children ages 5-13, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts programs because they teach, first and foremost, to defuse confrontations with words and never to instigate physical aggression.
The key difference is that students at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are taught vocal and physical skills in context of the variety of situations bully can occur in.
“It’s all about minimising the impact of bullying and the need to engage in bullying behaviour because of the strong sense of confidence and self value you develop within the class,” he said.
“If you teach children what bullying is they are able to identify it when they are being bullied and catch themselves when they engage in behaviour that could be perceived as bullying by someone else.
“The bottom line is: we will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies without turning them into one.”
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Burwood is one of only three certified Gracie Bullyproof program providers in Australia.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Burwood
Unit 2, 5-13 Sinnott St Burwood VIC 3125
Mobile: 0430 154 012
