By Steven Calhoun/Staff Writer

Impact Martial Arts put on a bullying prevention workshop at Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness Center on Saturday, Aug. 13. Students of all ages learned different ways to prevent and defend against bullying.

The workshop, taught by Sean Gilham, is designed to inform students and start them on a journey to a strong spirit, body and mind. Confidence and self-respect are emphasized before any techniques are learned.

“No one can take your spirit,” said Gilham as he led the class and encouraged students to be confident in who they are.

The class then moved through some statistics about bullying before students were given the chance to learn self-defense techniques. Gilham reminded students that he was not training them to hurt people, but to protect themselves and others.

One student, Jared Shields, has been through many of Gilham’s classes. He said he has used the techniques learned in the class to stop bullying.

“In sixth grade we had a lot of problems with bullying,” said Shields. When asked how he defended himself, he said, “It was verbal and kind of physical. We did some…actual defense [in class] before and I kind of used that as well.”

The training for a strong spirit, body and mind are valuable resources to students, but Gilham stressed a point that he feels is too often forgotten.

“If you’re dealing with bullying, you need someone to talk to,” said Gilham. “The most important thing that a lot of people don’t do is reporting.”

Gilham said that talking to a parent, teacher, counselor or principal is crucial. Seeking help could give the child confidence and keep their spirits up.

Gilham said many children are afraid to defend themselves because often the defender is punished along with the instigator. He prepares his students for this possibility by ensuring them that they could avoid trouble if they tell authority figures about bullying right when it happens.

“You should have all of that backup without getting in trouble. You’ve done all the proper steps: you’ve reported it, they didn’t listen and now you’ve had to defend yourself,” said Gilham.

He noted the history of bullying in Chilton County, and that he has heard of two cases where students have taken their own lives due to bullying.

“This is deep in with the community and deep in with me when we hear things like that,” said Gilham. “If you see [bullying] happening, if you have a friend who’s being bullied…speak out and stand up for yourself. Speak out on the subject and be able to get back to living your life.”