[opus86]

I dealt with the occasional bully as a kid...Nothing serious, but I never had the confidence to stand up to them. I regret that to this day.

Even though my oldest kid is not quite two years old, I wonder if it would be worthwhile to enroll him in some sort of martial arts program when he hits 5 or 6.

I'd welcome thoughts on this from others.

[Jim Hill]

I put my two boys in Taekwondo at ages 5 and 8 to help them learn self-discipline, body control, and only marginally for self-defense. The progam they’re in reinforces values we teach at home (honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, community and self-control). Now, 5 1/2 years later, they’re both 3rd degree black belts, and believe me, their peers know it and respect it; so far no bullying directed at them in their public school. However, like the gunfighters on TV westerns, I anticipate a day when some bully tries their luck. We’ve also made it quite clear to the school administrators that should our kids be assaulted in school they have been given permission to defend themselves using all available means.

[geologist]

Yes, it is always good to have knowledge of protecting oneself. Make certain to teach and impress that it is not to used for bragging or impressing others, nor hurting them. Power without restraint is dangerous.

It is a good thing to be involved in as an activity (worthwhile) builds confidence, etc, My granddaughter took it and did well and was good at it until she was 16 or so; it is kinda like riding a bicycle, once you have the moves you respond in more effective ways.