Karate experts from a Maitland club will take part in a worldwide seminar next week designed to set up a program to stop bullying.
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Peter Kirkwood and his son David will be part of the seminar where professionals from throughout the world will map out plans aimed at saving a million youngsters from bullies.
“This worldwide seminar takes place on Friday, August 15, with karate clubs from all over the world exchanging their views,” Mr Kirkwood, of Kirkwood’s Institute of Karate, said yesterday.
Following that event, Kirkwood’s will hold a series of free seminars in October, aimed specifically at young children to teach them how to deal with bullies before any physical contact develops.
Mr Kirkwood said his institute was part of the Hyper Martial Arts franchise.
It was one of seven karate clubs in Australia to launch the anti-bullying Fight Club project.
“It’s all about teaching kids anti-bullying techniques by giving them confidence to deal with aggressive kids,” Mr Kirkwood said.
“The Fight Club plan is unique.
“The karate techniques will all be put to music and it’s about putting the fun back into sparring.
“The main object is showing kids how to stand up to bullies, without having to fight, because they know how to conduct themselves.
“If kids have confidence in being able to defend themselves, they can stand up to bullies.”
Mr Kirkwood said the Fight Club franchise was developed in the United States and launched about four months ago.
“Our free anti-bullying seminars starting in October are something we wish to offer the community in Maitland,” he said.
“They will be held one day a week and we ask people to book, as numbers for these events are limited.”
Phone 4933 1377 to book.
