A variety of tools is needed to combat bullying.

A workshop at Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness on Thursday is designed to provide those tools.

The “Bully Proof” workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

It is a free event for children of all ages, but donations will be taken up for Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

The workshop is being held by Sean Gilham, owner of Impact Martial Arts, which holds classes at Cornerstone.

“Growing up, I was a victim of bullying myself when I was young, so I understand the effects bullying can have,” Gilham said.

Gilham said some physical activity—such as defending one’s self against a punch—will be covered but that the workshop focuses on the mental aspect of coping with bullying.

“The majority of it is staying away and just basic awareness,” he said. “I hope they leave with confidence and self-esteem—that’s the biggest thing that someone needs to deal with it.

“It takes confidence to walk away and not react. That’s what they want—a reaction out of you. It takes confidence to tell somebody what is going on.”