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There is something that has been going in schoolyards as long as kids have been going to school, and it is a tradition that needs to be stopped. At one time, bullying was not thought of as anything serious, just kids being kids. In many instances, bullying has been encouraged by parents and other authority figures throughout the years.

Today, we are learning just how much damage bullying can do to a kid's psyche, and how that damage can carry on well into their adult years. Even with all that is being done these days to prevent bullying, it still happens, which is why kids who are being bullied need to learn self defense, and not end up becoming bullies themselves, picking on others as they have been picked on.

Build Their Self-Esteem

One way to bully proof your child is to enroll them in martial arts classes. Not only are you going to be giving them a way to protect themselves, you will also be helping to build their self-esteem. Take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for example. This is a type of martial art that pretty much anyone can learn, no matter how large or small they are. Rather than kicking and punching, this type of martial art involves a variety of holds that are used to subdue an opponent. Even smaller children can easily learn how to take down opponents with the techniques they learn. This is going to give them the confidence to be able to stand up to bullies. Often, this is really all it takes, and with any luck, your child will never actually have to use the techniques learned, because bullies will often back down if they realize that those they are trying to bully aren't afraid of them. If the bully does not back down, your child will have the skills needed to be able to keep from getting hurt.

Keep them In Great Physical Shape

Another bonus to having your child take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is that it is going to help him or her stay in great shape. Obesity is becoming a huge problem in children and teenagers these days, mainly due to the fact that with so many computers, video games and other gadgets, they do not actually go outside to be active, and spend hours at a time sitting in front of a screen.

All kids should be getting at least an hour of physical activity every day, and martial arts is a good way to get it. They can take one or two classes a week, and on the off days, they can practice what they have learned. This will ensure that they are getting plenty of exercise, which is going to help them to be healthy and happy.