Advocates, experts call for more attention to bullying of special needs-students

By Erica L. Green, The Baltimore Sun
7:33 p.m. EST, December 29, 2011

Special-education advocates are calling for the state to do more to address the bullying of disabled students, saying that a recent lawsuit against the city school system highlights the long-lasting harm that harassment can do to such children.

Experts want officials to strengthen Maryland's anti-bullying laws to provide more detailed rules for educators to follow in reporting incidents and more scrutiny in situations that involve sometimes-fragile students.

"They have targets on their back, and with a child who already has a disability, the damage can be greater," said Ellen Callegary, an attorney and special-education advocate for more than 30 years, who is part of a coalition of advocates pressing for changes at the state level. "There appears to be an inability of school personnel to understand how deeply that is felt."

You can read the rest of this article here at The Baltimore Sun.

Combating bullying through martial arts

One of the missions of my school, is to help every child I can deal with the issue of bullying.  We cover in class, it's part of our school curriculum, I do free workshops for children and adults and I do several presentations in the local schools throughout the year.

I am a BIG believer in how the karate, or the martial arts for that matter, can help most children learn to deal with bullies.  While there is something to learn how to block and strike, more importantly, karate gives children the confidence to stand up, ignore or just plain walk away from bullies.

If you don't believe me, check out the article below; just another successful school that addresses bullying head on and helps kids deal with this important issue.

By Amanda Perez


FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The kids at Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts may be small, but the lessons they're learning there are having a giant impact.

Seven-year-old Makayla Bea has been enrolled the martial arts studio since kindergarten, when her mother noticed she was being bullied by another child. "I never worried until I saw the effects of someone picking on her and she just melted under the pressure. She crumbled. And it did, it broke my heart to watch her do that," said Jenna Bea.

13-year-old Kyle Hopkins also has a personal story. Just weeks after he started martial arts classes, he was attacked by a kid at school. "I turned around and he punched me in the face and then he kicked me in the stomach and threw me down a hill and then he kicked me in the stomach and my friend came down and tackled him to make him stop," said Hopkins.

Kyle and Makayla are just two children who have built up their confidence through martial arts. Their instructor is another. Rudy Carrillo said his mother enrolled him in martial arts because kids were picking on him. "When I signed up I thought I was learning how to fight but learned it was mostly about self-discipline and being able to control myself and my actions," said Carrillo.

Carrillo said the decision was life changing. Now, he owns his own studio, where he spends his days trying to build up kids and their self-esteem. "I hope when children come to our school we help them build the confidence to believe who they are, not so much what they think other people believe of them - which is key," said Carrillo.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

If you know a child that is being bullied that needs help, please email me to arrange for a private lesson. If you can't afford the lesson, than I will do it for FREE!

Yes, free!

This is my mission.

My life is my dojo!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Halloween Safety Tips

Our martial arts school is asking parents, homeowners and drivers throughout our community to join with us to make Halloween safer with these safety tips.

Parents

· Make your child eat dinner before trick-or-treating.

· Children should carry quarters, so they can call home.

· An adult should accompany young children.

· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear watches, preferably those that can be read in the dark.

· Buy or make costumes with flame-retardant material.

· Older children should know where to reach you and when to return home.

· You should know your children’s route for the evening.

· Although tampering is rare, tell your children to bring their candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

· Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Homeowners

· Buy candy that is individually wrapped.

· Consider healthier alternatives for treats: juice boxes, packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini-boxes of raisins, packaged granola bars, and wrapped single-serving packages of microwaveable popcorn that can be popped later.

· Consider non-edible treats for children: pencils, erasers, plastic rings or coins.

· Clear your yard of debris, ladders, dog leashes, flowerpots, etc.

· Make sure your home and yard is well lit.

· Make sure your jack-o-lanterns are away from the path where trick-or-treaters will be walking. Battery-powered jack-o-lantern candles are preferred to real candles.

· Ensure that any decorations can’t be blown into the jack-o-lantern and catch on fire.

· Make sure that your pets are secure for the evening.

· Do not invite any children to come into your home. Prop the door open while handing out candy, never ask them to stand in the doorway.

· If a child needs assistance, ask them for their parent’s phone number and offer to call them.

· If you think a child is in danger, call 911 and stay outside with the child.

Drivers

· Drive carefully over hills, around curves and approaching stop signs or cross walks.

· Enter and exit driveways with caution.

· Watch for children walking in the street in neighborhoods without sidewalks.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio 
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

The Power of One

Sunday, October 2 marks both the United Nations' International Day of Non-Violence and the birthday of one of its biggest proponents: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This video pays tribute to the concept and the man and is called the "Power of One."

Here at SKS, we honor the values and practice of the nonviolent civil actions that changed a nation -- and indeed, the world.

Video from KarmaTube

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

New Bullying Laws Passed In New Jersey

A new law was recently put into effect in New Jersey, after a boy killed himself after being taunted. The video below talks about this new law.

What do you think?

I honestly believe we ALL share in the responsibility of preventing bullying from happening!

My mission is to help prevent as many kids as possible not be bullied. Please make a donation to our foundation so that we can continue our work!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Bully Prevention For Girls

Boys are the only victims of bullying. Girls are too!

Check out this video about bullying:




If you, or someone you know is having a problem with bullying, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am here to help. That is what I do!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratstudio@gmail.com

When Bullying Takes A Toll On Children's Health

Joanna Dolgoff, M.D.

Pediatrician, Child Obesity Specialist, and Author of Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right!

The perception surrounding obesity is that it's caused by a lack of exercise and overeating, however, the condition is often driven by other factors, one of which is bullying. Bullying can spell serious trouble for children's health. Overweight kids are targeted more frequently, often while in gym class or playing sports, creating a vicious cycle that makes it more difficult for them to lose weight. Adding insult to injury, many times, children who are not good at dealing with their emotions become emotional eaters as well. These children are also more likely than others to have an ongoing chronic illness later in life, Irish researchers said recently.

The research team used a sample of 8,568 nine-year-old children and their families from Growing Up in Ireland -- the National Longitudinal Study of Children.

Children completed surveys at school and an interviewer administered questionnaires with parents and children in their homes. The findings revealed that obesity and other weight problems are of major concern in Irish children, with girls being more affected.

Another recent study that examines bullying at a younger age identifies overweight children as the primary target. Researchers at the University of Michigan surveyed 821 children ages eight to 11. In the third grade, 15 percent of the children were overweight and 17 percent were considered obese. A quarter of the 821 students admitted to being bullied; however, 45 percent of their mothers reported that their child had been bullied for his or her weight. The study included responses from children, parents and teachers.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

What Samurai Karate Studio Is All About!

Join me and listen to the video below that describes what Samurai Karate Studio is all about!  It was created by my mentor, teacher and friend, Tom Callos, who has more than 40 years of experience practicing and teaching the martial arts:

I have been training with Master Callos for more than 3 years and I am a proud member of two of the most unique associations for martial artist's and school owners out in the world today. They are The 100 and The UBBT.

Please check out the work we are doing!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Happy Father’s Day: The Benefits of Dads to Children

Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child development expert who appears on television quite frequently, particularly, the Today Show. She also is the creator of Powerful Words, a character development program for children. In honor of father's day, she shares with us an article about fathers.


Happy Father's Day!


By Dr. Robyn on June 17, 2011

I watch my husband with my children in complete awe. They just adore him and he is so taken with them. He’s hilarious and goofy, stern yet gentle, physical yet affectionate and kind. I consider our family so blessed to have him as my children’s Dad. What a Dad he is.

If anyone believes that a father’s influence is any less important that a mother’s, they are certainly mistaken. The presence of involved, engaged fathers in their children’s lives can have enormous social, cognitive, and emotional benefits- whether a father is an everyday fixture in a child’s life or only sees them once in a while.

Benefits of Dads (who are involved and engaged in their children’s lives)

Increased self-confidence, self reliance. Empathy, self control, overall well being and assertiveness

Higher academic achievement

Lower delinquency rates, lower rates of teen violence, failing/dropping out, legal issues

Better career advancement (most notably in fields of science, math and tech for girls is increased)

Score higher on cognitive tests

Improved cognitive ability

More likely to avoid teen pregnancy, early marriage, physical/emotional abuse

Positive risk taking increased, willing to try new things.

More equipped to resist peer pressure—premature sex, smoking, eating disorders (for girls)

Better sociability and better able to work with people in authority (teachers and employers)

(So it’s important for mothers to allow and encourage fathers and children to spend time together)

Are fathers more important in a boy’s life than a girl’s life?

Fathers are vital in both the lives of their sons and their daughters. However, Sometimes Dads forget just how important they are: a Roper Poll commissioned in 2004 by the nonprofit advocacy group Dads and Daughters reported that two-thirds of fathers surveyed didn’t think their active involvement in their daughters’ lives was vital to the daughters’ health and well-being.

Some fathers don’t live with their children full time. Some are in a divorce situation while others must live away do to work needs. How would you tell a father to best stay in touch and connect with their children in these circumstances?

(1) Make parenting a priority: Even when you are away, you are still their Dad. Make sure that you make time to let your children know that you are thinking of them, love them, and are there for them in any way you can be.

(2) Take an interest in what they care about: Make sure you know the names of their best friends, their favorite activities and their current struggles. Open conversation about things that matter to them.

(3) Listen and ask specific questions: If you have limited time, make sure you listen more than you talk. Ask questions about their lives– and make them specific. Instead of asking; “what’s new?” or “How are things?” Ask; “What was something fun that you did with your best friend, Dena, this week?” “What new skill did you learn in martial arts class?” or “What was something that made you smile since we talked on Tuesday?”

(4) Know that the little things count: If you can’t talk for long, call, email, or skype anyway. Even a few minutes to show your children you care is better than nothing at all. Make a little video of yourself telling them how important they are to you or of you wishing them luck on their next big game– even though you can’t be there yourself. If you don’t have phone or internet access, write little notes about things you are thinking or doing or wondering about them– and then send them snail mail so they can always know you are thinking of them.

(5) Spend alone time with your children: When you don’t see your children a great deal, the typical temptation is to lump them together and spend time with everyone at once. However, once in a while, even spending short, focused interactions with one at a time can give them the undivided attention that they need to know you care and to share with you what’s going on in their lives. This time should be scheduled, reliable and predictable, if possible, such that a child knows that every Sunday at 10am s/he has brunch with Dad or every Saturday afternoon, they go for a walk/drive/run/bike ride/martial arts class. As you may have seen in my Today Show segment yesterday, even a little silly rough-housing and “horseplay” with Dad can have great benefits. * A new study tells us that children’s perception of how much time they spent with their fathers had the most impact on bullying behavior. (Vanderbilt U, 2011).

Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads out there. You matter so much– thank you for all that you do.



Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
803-462-9425

What is Bullying

 
The concept of bullying goes back all the way to the days of the one room school house.  For a long time, bullying has been seen as a “rite of passage” or “character building.”  Today, medical professionals, educators and parents know that bullying is much more serious than that and can lead to more severe long term problems for individuals and communities.

What is bullying?

Bullying is generally defined as "an imbalance of power where one person is using that power to intentionally cause harm to another individual".  One of the big distinctions about bullying is these actions are done repeatedly over time.

Bullying can take on many forms:

• Verbal – verbal bullying can be in the form of insults, name calling or teasing.
• Physical – punching, kicking, pushing or shoving are examples of physical bullying.
• Psychological – includes spreading rumors, threatening to bully people who befriend the victim, social intimidation or isolation.
• Cyberbullying – using the internet, text messaging, email or other digital forms to bully someone.
• Sexual – unwanted joke or comments about sexual body parts or orientation.  Inappropriate touching.

As a young boy, I was the victim of repeated bullying by one of the boys in our neighborhood.  He came from a family of bullies and the parents just didn't seem to care, or where ignorant to the fact, that every one of their sons bullied other kids.  I know first hand, the sense of fear and despair associated with bullying and I am committed to helping anyone that is being bullied.

My Commitment

If you, or someone you know is being bullied, I am here to help.  All you need to do is call me at 803-462-9425 or email me at samuraikarate@bellsouth.net and I will help you!

I believe the only way that we can put an end to bullying, is if we all take responsibility and help defeat it!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net










 

Bullying Facts

Look at the latest facts concerning bullying. Scary!
According to the U.S. Department of Education:

• 8 out of 10 students report being bullied during their school days.
• 160,000 students miss school every day due to fear of being picked on or beaten up by a bully.
• Approximately 2 out of 10 students are scared throughout the school day.
• 58% have not told their parents about an online bullying incident.
• 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
• 42% of students have bullied online; 1 in 4 had it happen more than once.
• 21% of students received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages.

We ALL need to take responsibility and report bullying when we see it or communicate to school administrators and teachers.

Help me take a stand against bullying! This is good self defense! Yes?

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net