As the back-to-school season approaches, household conversations about bullying are becoming more important. That’s one of the many reasons why Mark Harbinson, co-owner and founder of ATA Martial Arts, of Bedford, decided to host a free Kidz’n Power safety and anti-bullying seminar from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 at the studio, 292 Route 101.

“We don’t teach any contact in a basic bullying prevention seminar,” Harbinson said. “We don’t want to push self-defense, because they are not ready to learn that in an hour-and-a-half seminar.”

Harbinson is an ATA-certified bullying prevention trainer. His Kidz’n Power anti-bullying seminar is affiliated with Olweus, a national bullying prevention program. Participants in the safety and anti-bullying seminar can expect lessons in simple break-away self defense, role playing with possible stranger dangers, methods to deal with bullies and bullying, child abduction safety tips, and refreshments and goody bags for all kids attending the seminar.

Founded in November 2007, ATA Martial Arts teaches tae kwon do for age 3-adult. Tae kwon do originated in Korea and incorporates combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise and, in some cases, meditation and philosophy.

Harbinson explained some of the benefits of tae kwon do.

“It depends on your age, but for kids, it teaches them the ability to want to do better in life, whether it be doing better in school or being less rambunctious at home,” Harbinson said. “It’s a tool to teach kids how to be better.”

The safety and anti-
bullying seminar will be open to children ages 8-13 and is intended to help make kids and parents aware of what bullying problems are and how to prevent them from happening.

“This seminar is a building block for our other classes. Many anti-bullying techniques are incorporated throughout the different classes,” Harbinson said.

According to Harbinson, one big lesson that’s part of the safety and anti-bullying seminar is the location of “hot spots” in schools.

“Hot spots are areas where bullying can occur,” Harbinson said. “The restroom and a dark hallway are two examples of hot spots in schools.”

Harbinson said another important lesson is showing students how to look confident.

“A lot of things play into confidence; acting in certain ways will make people believe you are confident,” Harbinson said. “How you stand, eye contact and facial expressions are all examples of how one can show confidence. Another big part of the seminar is teaching kids why bullies select the people who they choose to pick on, and a lot of that has to do with confidence.”

Harbinson has been teaching tae kwon do for about 12 years and has run this safety and anti-bullying seminar in previous years.

“I can’t tell you enough how many parents tell me they’ve noticed a difference in their child after practicing karate,” Harbinson said. “Two of my students were struggling with thoughts of suicide and are now functioning members of society. They both went on to achieve their black belts.” Harbinson said those particular students were targets for bullies at school.

“It’s definitely verbal intimidation; (bullying) is not one-on-one anymore. Instead, it’s trying to make someone feel bad,” Harbinson said. “The leader of the clique wants to pick on the weaker people to feel better about themselves. The purpose of the class is not to make the students strong, but confident.”

Harbinson said karate is a tool for males and females and accepts students from all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information about how to join the free safety and anti-bullying seminar, contact the ATA Martial Arts studio at 472-4022 or bedfordata@aol.com to register.

Katelyn Dobbs can be reached at 594-6549 or kdobbs@nashuatelegraph.com.