Why Bullying Prevention Matters

And How Martial Arts Can Help Your Child

As a new dad, the topic of bullying has taken on a whole new level of importance for me. My son is only 1 year old — but like every parent, I want him to grow up confident, resilient, and able to handle life’s challenges.

Unfortunately, bullying remains a serious problem here in New Zealand. Research shows over 38% of Year 9 students report being bullied on a monthly basis. That’s a staggering number — and a clear sign that as parents, schools, and communities, we need to equip our kids with better tools.

That’s why I was particularly interested in reading “Bullying: Truths, Myths, and What To Do!” by Dr. Greg Moody — a great resource for parents looking to understand and prevent bullying.

What Is Bullying, Really?

One of the key takeaways from the book is a clear definition of bullying — not every conflict is bullying.

Bullying happens when:

• Someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things…
• To someone who has a hard time defending themselves.

Dr. Moody highlights 3 specific elements:

1. Aggressive behavior — causing emotional, mental, or physical harm.
2. Repeated over time — small actions add up over days or weeks.
3. Imbalance of power — the victim feels unable to defend themselves.

Understanding these elements helps parents and kids better recognize bullying — and respond appropriately.

The third element here is key to understand why the common and naive advice - you need to fight back - is not appropriate. There is an imbalance of power that makes it unrealistic.

How Martial Arts Can Help

One of the most valuable insights from Dr. Moody’s book is the role of martial arts in helping prevent bullying — not through violence, but through confidence.

Martial arts training gives kids:

• The confidence to stand tall, make eye contact, and assert themselves
• Practical self-defense skills they hopefully never need to use
• Leadership development and improved body language
• A supportive, respectful environment to grow

This is exactly why we’ve launched our Krav Maga Kids classes here at Krav Maga West Auckland.

We want to give kids real-world skills — both physical and mental — to handle life’s challenges, including bullying.

For Parents: What You Can Do

Dr. Moody also shares several practical strategies for parents:

• Teach the difference between “tattling” and “telling” when reporting bullying
• Stay engaged with your child’s school and be proactive about communication
• Encourage activities (like martial arts) that build resilience and self-esteem

Final Thoughts

As a parent and a Krav Maga instructor, I believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and capable.

If you’d like to learn more about our Kids Classes feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to chat.

Together, we can give our kids the tools they need to stand strong.