How to Deal with Being Bullied

Things To Keep In Mind

Do not blame yourself. It is easy to question whether you are the problem. But no matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel. Be proud of who you are. No matter what anyone may say, there are great things about you. Keep that in mind instead of the disrespectful and hurtful comments and actions you get from those who are bullying you.
Nobody is perfect. It is important to understand that yes, you are not perfect; however, they are not perfect either. The fact is nobody is perfect! Each person has strengths and weaknesses. Good intelligent people are always working on improving themselves, maximizing their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. By understanding this simple and undeniable fact, you have already gained an advantage and have been empowered.
Do not be afraid to get help. Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone who is not personally involved such as teachers and counselors.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE BEING BULLIED - HERE ARE SOME STRATEGIES

(THE MAIN PRIORITY IS ALWAYS YOUR SAFETY)

Cyber

Save every message. The day will come when you'll need this untenable evidence to accuse them and stop them.
Never participate and get involved in a back and forth. What you say on the internet stays there forever. Stay cool and don’t add fuel to the fire.
Identify the person doing it. If the bully is disguised there are ways to figure out the guilty party. Compare such things as the emails, screen names and images to things you’ve received before from people you know. You could also track the IP address. It is best to involve your parents or teachers to help you track the attacker and deal with this.
Approach the cyber attacker in person if you know is doing it. Directly and with confidence ask them to stop. If they cannot hide behind their internet device they might back off. If you are unable to do so or you feel it is not safe and it could result in a physical confrontation, definitely involve an adult such as your parent or teacher. Sometimes adult intervention is needed for the bullying to stop.
Pressing charges is an available option in cases of severe bullying. There are laws that deal with bullying as well as school policies. Involve a parent. They could look into all options and involve the school in finding a resolution. The bully could be suspended, expelled, or even arrested, depending on the severity of his/her actions. Keeping accurate documentation would be a tremendous help in this situation.

Verbal

Tell them to STOP, to BACK OFF. Say it strongly with confidence and intent.
Walk away, do not let them get to you. If you walk away, perhaps they will not get the satisfaction they are looking for. Avoiding the conflict is always the first option.
Report it. If the verbal bullying is continuous report it to the person in charge such as the teacher. If nothing is done involve a parent or a teacher you trust and ask him/her for help.

Physical

Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away if they are being physical. In such cases you need to protect yourself. DO NOT hesitate. Use the necessary force to stop the attack so you are not hurt or injured. Get away when you have the opportunity.
Find a safe place to go, somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher's classroom, or the office. If you are outside school, go to a public place where there are adults in charge.
Stick together principle. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust. There is safety in numbers.

General Rule

Do not go through this alone. Tell an adult that you trust such as a parent or a teacher. Talking to a trustworthy adult that cares about your interests will help you figure out the best way to deal with the problem. Keep in mind, in many cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ELITE GROUP

If you are now or have previously experienced bullying find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join activities such as martial arts, sports, music, drama, art, as well as possibly volunteering in community service and events.

I truly believe that Martial Arts would be one of the best activities to participate in on a continuous basis due to its empowering effect, especially a functional art like our Kali Combat System. If you would like to be part of a great group that trains in a fun positive environment, consider joining our martial arts school.

Stop in, observe or try a free class. We offer an excellent youth program, and we have a great group of kids. In only few months you will see and feel total improvement. For example you will gain confidence, develop patience and discipline, improve your self-esteem, and gain real self-defense skills that will stay with you for life. Those skills will come in handy if you are ever faced with a physical confrontation. The progress will be gradual, yet noticeable, and measurable. You will be empowered physically, mentally, and emotionally, which means you will be much stronger if faced with any type of bullying whether its cyber, verbal, or physical. At the same time you will be participating in a fun healthy activity while making friends with positive kids the same age as yours. I encourage you to bring a parent and come check us out. Join our team and be part of an elite group.

Sifu/Guro Kamille Louis

I took Kenpo in high school, but could not continue after going off to college. I had an interest in getting back into some style of martial arts, especially once I started working as a police officer. Unfortunately, life’s demands caused me to put it off for several more years. I finally decided to research different schools, and different styles of martial arts. I wanted to learn a style that was practical and useful in real life and (law enforcement) situations. I looked into several schools in Medina and Summit counties. After finding the Combat CFMA website, meeting with Sifu Louis, and visiting the school, I knew I found what I was looking for. First, the system that Sifu Louis teaches is perfect for all aspects and ranges of combat. I have learned stand up and ground fighting, as well as weapons fighting and defenses, since the first class. The styles and movements are scientific, yet so simplistic and economic. More importantly, they work! I have effectively used techniques and skills at work without having to think about it. Second, Sifu Louis has a heart of gold and truly cares about each person’s ability to protect themselves. He is a huge supporter of the law enforcement community and understands the types of combat situations we face. I’m truly grateful for finding Combat CFMA. My only regret is not finding it sooner.

- Scott
Law Enforcement / Detective

I have been studying under Sifu Louis for over 6 years. I was looking for a fighting style that translates well to a real life combat scenario. Combat CFMA is so much more than I expected. As a student, we are trained in all ranges of combat and prepared for multiple attackers. Sifu’s unique style has taught me striking, trapping, grappling, locking and takedown skills. I am 57 years old so you are not too old to learn! The skills translate well at any age. Sifu is very impressive as an instructor accredited in multiple martial arts, but is also a great person reflected in the spirit in which he teaches. All skills are taught in a safe environment regardless of gender, age or skill set. I am so happy that I gave Combat CFMA a try. I achieved my black belt this year and have made many friends along the way. If you want to learn an art that prepares you for real life, come in for a visit. You will have fun, learn a great skill and develop friendships too.

- Don G.
Mortgage & Banking - V.P. of National Operations

Rehabbing and getting back to normal daily activities has been difficult for me after spinal surgery. I have found that Tai Chi works my mind and body through slow, gentle, constant motion. Under Sifu Kamille Louis’ instruction, using progressive muscle relaxation, meditative deep breathing and strengthening stances of Tai Chi, I am stronger, more flexible, have better balance and endurance. Most important to me is I have less pain and stiffness as the movements restore my mind and body connection.

- Sharon McClelland
RN, LSW, CCM

When looking for a place to begin training in martial arts, my husband and I looked at several places, and really liked what we saw with the unique style of training at Combat CFMA. I started with my husband in the adult class, and our children started in the youth class. At first, I was intimidated and did not know if this was something I would be able learn. But with the expert help and advice of Sifu Louis, I found myself addicted, and martial arts quickly became a huge part of our lives. I can't say enough good things about Sifu Louis and his combat system. The styles he teaches are practical and realistic for all ranges of fighting, including weapons. The skills I, and my children, have learned have given us greater confidence and improved our self-esteem. His system is very empowering for women and children, and I now trust my abilities to defend myself. Sifu Louis has a great way of making the kids' class fun while also teaching discipline. I like that he always stresses safety while learning so that no one gets hurt while training. If you have the desire to learn, and better yourself mentally and physically, Sifu Louis, and the rest of the Combat CFMA family will provide you with the tools to achieve that.

- Annie R.
Proud Wife and Mother

Since starting Tai Chi with Sifu Louis I’ve noticed my strength, balance and mobility have been improving. I feel re-energized. I walk out of my session feeling refreshed. It’s like I took 30 years off my age! I love this Tai Chi class!

- Jo-Anne
Retired

Sifu Louis and Guro Brenda- we want to thank you for being such excellent teachers. Your love and patience show through in everything you do. We not only consider you teachers but also friends of our family. Meera is loving her class. Just recently she said, "The teachers are so nice. Only 4 more sleeps and then I go to Lil Ninjas!". She is so excited!

- Nancy D.
Proud Grandmother

This is a remarkable martial arts class, one where you can learn some of the best fighting techniques available and excel regardless of your natural coordination levels or prior experience. The Louis Kali Combat System is tailor made to fit the individual’s body mechanics and natural flow of energy. Learning this system has greatly improved my overall confidence as well as being a great way to stay in shape and reduce daily work stress.

- Matt B.
Auditor

Sifu Louis Kali Combat System is the most effective and complete martial art system that I have ever trained in. It is highly practical and deals with the real world. It offers realistic solutions to real life confrontations. The training spans from simple self-defense moves to sophisticated wooden dummy form and techniques. The best thing that I love about the art is that it is very versatile and it covers all ranges of fighting in empty hand as well as weapon, and Sifu maintains a reality-based approach to training and implementation at all times in every class. In my opinion, there is nowhere else you can experience this type of full spectrum of martial arts training.

- Phil L.
Personal Trainer
Previous Full Contact Fighter

Sifu Louis has taught me not only martial arts and Kali Combat, but also what loyalty, respect, and trust really mean. There has only been a very few select people that has had an influence in my life and I am proud to say Sifu Louis is one of them. I cannot express enough how much influence he has had on me and my family. I am both thankful and humbled to call Sifu Louis my teacher and my friend.

- Fred M.
Business Owner
USMC 1989-1993