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Wednesday, February 13, 2002 Bully proofing: Grappling keeps aggressors at bayBy BRET FORBES | News-Journal Correspondent DAYTONA BEACH — Expressing the desire to just get along is often one of the first steps taken in thwarting off a bully's aggression. If that doesn't work, students of the martial arts are then prepared in many ways to defend themselves. Another useful and non-aggressive tactic that is learned in the martial arts is grappling. "If a bully picks on a child, they would trip them and get them to the ground," says Kimber Hill, an instructor at Modern Martial Arts Academy in DeLand. "If students are taught just to kick, punch and block, they're limited as to what they can do. Grappling teaches them to take down and hold the bully until help arrives." Grappling is especially helpful for small children since it's considered a non-violent form of self-defense. The class is usually taught at mixed martial arts academies like this one, which focus on both defensive and offensive strategies of training. To a degree, some area schools are also teaching some of the skills learned in grappling classes. "Two of the parents are guidance counselors at local elementary schools, and they took our curriculum and adopted it to use in their bully-proofing program," said Hill. "They don't teach the physical aspect. It's called, How to Defeat the Bully the Smart Way." One of the first skills learned in the grappling class is voicing verbal de-escalation techniques, Hill said. "If a bully went up to a kid and said something bad, they might use humor or try being clever to avoid a confrontation," she said. Grappling classes, like the other forms taught at the academy, are mostly age and ability specific. Each age group is separated into three training levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced, so that the larger, more experienced students won't overpower and discourage first-timers. Those who love the martial arts and can't seem to get enough training are mainly those taking grappling classes, Hill said. It's just a portion of a progressive training system. Many of these youths go on to compete in tournaments. "I'm taking it to test how far I'm able to go for life and fitness," said Joshua Coulombe, 11. "My goal is to try and be an 8th degree adult black belt. If I'm able to go farther, I'll go farther." Currently Coulombe is a first-degree junior black belt. "I calculated from my age, I'll be a grand master when I'm 83," said the DeLand Middle School student. According to Hill, a third-degree black belt herself, youths who have earned black belts at an early age must retest for adult black belt status between the ages of 16 and 18. Although the first through fifth degrees must be tested for, the sixth degree and up in the mixed martial arts system is actually considered an honorary degree and is based on what contributions a student has given back to the art. Often, it is a lifetime pursuit to become a grand master. "I'll be a ninth or 10th degree black belt, if I'm able to live that long," said Coulombe. Among the other classes being offered at Modern Martial Arts Academy are karate, fitness kickboxing, tai chi, kung fu and other self-defense programs. For information, call (386) 740-7049. Martial arts programs are also taught at FIT Club Gymnastics in Orange City (386) 774-4348; the West Volusia YMCA in DeLand (386) 736-6000; and the Deltona YMCA (386) 532-9622. |
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