Bully-proofing kids through martial arts

Two-day workshop teaches those aged four to 11 self-defence to tackle physical bullying

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Children are taught basic martial arts skills to help defend themselves when physically bullied. Instructors also stress that these moves can only be used when the need arises, and should not be abused. ST VIDEO: Benjamin Seetor and Tan Tam Mei
Siblings Matthew Lim (left), nine, and Megan Lim (right), 11, practising the moves during Camp Bully-Proof. Children at the camp are told the martial arts skills they learnt should be used only when the need arises.
Siblings Matthew Lim (above, right), nine, and Megan Lim, 11, practising the moves during Camp Bully-Proof. Children at the camp are told the martial arts skills they learnt should be used only when the need arises. ST PHOTO: BENJAMIN SEETOR
Siblings Matthew Lim (left), nine, and Megan Lim (right), 11, practising the moves during Camp Bully-Proof. Children at the camp are told the martial arts skills they learnt should be used only when the need arises.
Siblings Matthew Lim, nine, and Megan Lim (above), 11, practising the moves during Camp Bully-Proof. Children at the camp are told the martial arts skills they learnt should be used only when the need arises. ST PHOTO: BENJAMIN SEETOR
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If caught in a choke-hold, nine-year-old Matthew Lim is confident he would be able to disarm his attacker.

But the Primary 3 pupil knows that the more important thing for him to do is to escape the danger and tell an adult.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 10, 2018, with the headline Bully-proofing kids through martial arts. Subscribe