Becoming Bully-Proof

Is your son or daughter faking a high temperature every morning, trying to avoid another day at school?

Is your son or daughter faking a high temperature every morning, trying to avoid another day at school? Perhaps he or she is just being a normal kid who wants to sleep in and evade studying, but it is more likely that your child is dealing with a bigger issue – such as the school bully. Bullies can make life miserable for kids, and few circumstances are more frustrating for parents as well.

Dale “Apollo” Cook, World Champion kickboxer and owner of Apollo’s Karate, offers a proven solution to this all-too-common problem. “Martial arts will help your child develop the skills, discipline and confidence it takes to deal with a playground bully,” he says. “It will teach your child how to stay cool under pressure while reaching his or her real potential.”

What’s the secret to stopping a bully? According to Cook, the most important factor is confidence; it is the one quality that can help a youngster face challenges, stay focused on goals, grow as a leader, and stay safe. Confidence blossoms as students master each belt level and know that they can protect themselves. “Martial arts truly instills a high level of confidence in children. They learn how to handle being picked on without letting it hurt their self-esteem or letting the situation escalate into a fight or trouble at school,” says Cook. “Parents are very grateful for this confidence, even more so than the actual self-defense the school teaches.”

Through martial arts classes at Apollo’s Karate, your child will learn the secrets of a bully’s mindset and practical techniques to avoid confrontations. Kids will learn how to control their fears and anxiety and become more aware of their surroundings so that they are able to concentrate on their studies, improve their grades and enjoy their other activities. While Apollo’s does teach the martial arts moves that are sometimes necessary for self-defense and dealing with bully situations, Cook feels that the benefits of building confidence are even more important than the physical aspect of training. “Martial arts teaches kids how to handle bullies without having to fight, as well as how to defend themselves if a fight simply cannot be avoided,” he says. “It is just as much about character development and transformation as it is punching and kicking.”

Martial arts students gain self-esteem through an emphasis on personal dignity, or learning that they deserve the respect of others. Children realize that although they can be disrespected by being made fun of or beat up on, no one can take their sense of self-worth without their permission.

Through intensive and fun karate training, kids also learn discipline, focus and respect for authority. “In martial arts, you’re having a relationship with an instructor, classmates and most importantly, with yourself. This helps to keep you on track to achieve your goals,” says Cook.

Apollo’s’ instructors are all certified black belts and personally trained by Cook. In addition, they participate in the American Council in Martial Arts Instructor Education and Certification Program, remaining abreast on training and teaching issues. Cook himself is a seventh degree black belt and is belted and well-versed in several other martial arts forms.

Apollo’s Karate offers martial arts classes for both children and adults. For more information, give them or call or visit www.apolloskarate.com. They may have just the solution you’re looking for to deal with your child’s bully.

For more information, contact

Apollo’s Karate

51st & Mingo

(918) 627-7070

101st & Memorial

(918) 369-1953

Broken Arrow

(918) 695-8885

Owasso

(918) 695-7070