Self-

[Dave McNeill]

 

   The recent tragedy at Sparks Middle School could not have been prevented even if all the staff had been armed and uniformed armed guards were posted at every door. It happened in seconds and outside of the school buildings. Plus it was perpetrated by a student, the very person the staff and guards were trained to protect. 

    The shootings in Sparks, Nevada could not have been diverted if every child on the playground, at the back of the school, had been highly skilled in the martial arts. You can't block a bullet.

    Martial arts schools need to put emphasis, not on self-defense, but on self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, self-worth, self-control and self-direction. Bullying is not going to stop, but if a youngster was taught these 'self' skills any bullying would have much less impact. 

    If the young shooter had been enrolled in a martial arts school that taught these internal skills this great sorrow may not have been visited on our community. 

    Teaching martial arts to children is not my forte so I am speaking to myself as well as other martial arts instructors: When you next raise your voice to one of your young charges, reflect that your voice may be yet another blow to their feelings of worth. Picking them out for criticism may be yet another cut to their esteem after a full day of misery at school or at home.

Praise, Correct, Praise. 

School owners and instructors - ask everyone you know if there is a child that is having issues with bullying, and offer your services free of charge to that child. 

[Ray A. Fisher]

Total agreement. Thank you for posting

[Chris Hadlock]

Yes, Sir.

[Tom Callos]

Bravo.