Bully Proof Your Karate Kid
Last Thursday 14 of my staff and students and I went to a special preview showing of the new Karate Kid movie. I loved the movie! Jaden Smith did an amazing job. He was very funny and convincing in this role. He’s learned a lot from his mom and dad. There were certain expressions on his face and in his words in the movie that you just know this is Will Smith’s son. Jackie Chan is his normal amazing self. I loved the fact that they did not try to recreate the exact same Karate Kid movie from before. Jaden Smith is not Daniel, but is Dre. And, Jackie Chan is not Mr. Miyagi, but is Mr. Han. Jaden Smith was also very true to form in his martial arts moves. He obviously put in some quality time and effort into preparing for this role.
A bigger message for me in this movie had to do with the subject of bullying. This is a huge problem in today’s society. This movie gives viewers a quick glimpse into what is really happening in the school systems with our own children right now. We never want to encourage our kids to resort to violence in resolving these issues, but you have to ask when is it right for them to defend themselves? The movie puts a great spin on this and settles the issue in a competitive setting. This isn’t always an option, nor is it realistic in most real life situations.
As a martial arts school owner we are constantly confronted with the issue of parents asking “what should my child do?” There is this kid at school that just keeps picking on him. My child keeps walking away because he doesn’t want to hit this bully kid because of the ramifications. He will be in trouble with the school and me as their martial arts instructor. In counseling with my students, I constantly have to remind them that they always have the right to protect themselves from harm. No one should have to accept physical abuse from anyone. We offer a series of bully prevention seminars to help kids deal with these issues. Ultimately, it comes down to confidence. The less confident kids sometimes get picked on the most. How do we build their confidence so this doesn’t happen? Well obviously, martial arts classes are one way. There is just something about knowing that you can take care of yourself that makes you walk taller, speak more confidently and look people in the eye.
Anyway, the movie does an amazing job of teaching some of these lessons. At the very end Dre (Jaden Smith) is hurt and everyone is telling him that he doesn’t need to go on and finish the tournament. However, in his mind he does. He says he will still be afraid if he doesn’t finish this. He doesn’t want to be afraid anymore. I wish I could remember his specific quote, but can’t. I think you get the idea. We have to face those fears head on. Sometimes that means facing the bully head on. Great movie!
For more information about our bully prevention seminars visit our website www.kicks4all.com, or call us at (303) 220-5956. Our next workshop is on June 26 at 10:30 AM. Anyone registering and paying prior to June 12 will receive a free ticket for the Karate Kid movie. You can register and pay for the workshop here:http://www.shop2cart.net/store/kicks4all/index.php?pag=pro&id=16380&PHPSESSID=50e5f7f350c00e1735ed7fefb7785576
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