Bullying 101

I was browsing through the PTN chat box and discovered that one of our (teen) visitors is being bullied. Here's an important set of information from www.stopbullying.gov about bullying and what (bullied) teens can do about it.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm.

Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that bullying involves:

• Imbalance of Power: people who bully use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied may have a hard time defending themselves
• Intent to Cause Harm: actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
• Repetition: incidents of bullying happen to the same the person over and over by the same person or group

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms. Examples include:

• Verbal: name-calling, teasing
• Social:spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships
• Physical: hitting, punching, shoving
• Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to harm others

An act of bullying may fit into more than one of these groups.

How to Deal with Being Bullied

If you have been bullied, it may affect you in many ways. You may not want to go to school or may find it hard to do your homework. You may be losing sleep, eating more or less than usual, having headaches or stomachaches, or getting sick more often. Know that you do not have to feel this way.

Your Feelings are Important

• 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 they say, there are wonderful things about you. Keep those in mind instead of the disrespectful messages you get from the people who are bullying you.
• Do not be afraid to get help. Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone who is not personally involved. Teachers, counselors, and others are there to help. Seeing a counselor or other professional does not mean there is something wrong with you.

What to Do When You Are Being Bullied

The first priority is always your safety. Here are some strategies for you to consider:

• Tell them to stop.
• Walk away. Do not let them get to you. If you walk away or ignore them, they will not get that satisfaction.
• Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away. If you are being physically hurt, protect yourself so that you can get away.
• Tell an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. In some cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop.
• Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher’s classroom, or the office.
• Stick together. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust.
• Find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join school or community activities such as sports, drama, or art. Volunteer or participate in community service.

A Message from Dr. Paul Lam

Hello Everyone,

Some of you may have heard this exciting news. The biggest medical study using my Tai Chi for Arthritis program produced the result that, "Tai Chi Relieves Arthritis Pain, Improves Reach, Balance, Well-Being". Leigh Callahan, PhD, the study's lead author, associate professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a member of UNC's Thurston Arthritis Research Centre said: "Our study shows that there are significant benefits of the Tai Chi course for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis." Here is a youtube video or alternatively you can read more from this link.

Click here to read more...

Thank you Ed Sevilla for the email!

Kung Fu for Kids

Click on the image to see an intro video

A fun workout for kids, with training tips for students, parents, and teachers

Kung Fu for Kids is an instructional program that teaches children the basics of traditional Kung Fu in a fun and exciting way. It starts with a simple, follow-along workout that introduces calisthenics and the basic stances, blocks, punches and kicks of the YMAA kids curriculum. It ends with a short cool-down routine to help children improve their balance, breathing, and mental focus.

This video features Ben Warner, who has been a children's instructor since 2001, and several students of varying levels from the YMAA Boston class. Nicholas Yang, the President of YMAA, makes corrections while students demonstrate.

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming makes a cameo appearance explaining the meaning of the Shaolin sun-and-moon greeting.

A detail section is also included with more advanced students demonstrating the techniques in greater detail for refined study.

Later sections offer Training Tips for older students, parents, and teachers, including:

• Safety precautions to follow when practicing Kung Fu.
• Benefits and purpose of Kung Fu training for Kids.
• Appropriate time and place to use what has been learned.

The discipline and focus achieved through training Kung Fu extends to many other aspects of everyday activities in life, including academics, sports, music, and literature.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Easy follow-along workout • Cartoon Segways starring Shing (star) • Interviews with Teachers and Parents About the Benefits of Kung Fu for Kids

DVD Booklet, click here.

Have you heard about YMAA?

Hello! I came across a few YMAA instructional DVDs a couple of years back and found them really helpful. Yang's Martial Arts Association (YMAA) is an organization founded by Dr. Jwing-Ming Yang (Chinese: 杨俊敏, pinyin yáng jùn mĭn), a certified Kung Fu Master by the International Kung Fu Federation. He underwent martial arts training (from age fifteen) for thirteen years under the Shaolin White Crane (Bai He) Master Cheng, Gin Gsao (曾金灶). Dr. Yang studied Tai chi chuan under Master Kao Tao (高濤). At age 17, Dr. Yang also began training Long Fist under Master Li, Mao-Ching (李茂清). He taught Taijiquan to his fellow students at Purdue University, the same educational institution where he earned his doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Yang has twice been awarded Man of the Year by Inside Kung Fu Magazine (1990 and 2007), and Kung Fu Artist of the Year by Black Belt Magazine (2003).

Click on the link to learn more about Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

You may want to check YMAA products online or view their product catalog by clicking HERE.
Although I am too late for the November sale, you can still save money when you order a bundle pack. They have the following bundle packs:

1. Tai Chi Starter Bundle (instructional materials plus uniform)
2. Fiction Bundle
3. Understanding Qigong Bundle (I just purchased this one and saved about $70)
4. Chin Na In Depth Bundle
5. Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu
6. Classical Yang Style Taijiquan
7. Taiji Weapons Bundle
8. Kung Fu Weapons Bundle
9. Taiji Sword Bundle

I hope you will find these valuable resources. International shipping charges will cost at least 24.00 USD. Delivery will take about 2 to 4 weeks.