Bully Defense course to be offered at YMCA

Published 2:08 pm Monday, June 26, 2017

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

A 12-week Bully Defense Program for elementary to high school students will be offered at the YMCA of Chilton County beginning June 27 at 5:45 p.m.

Sean Gilham of Impact Martial Arts, who will be teaching the class, said it was the second year for this free program to be offered in Chilton County.

“Our goal is to bring awareness and a movement about the effects of bullying, and we believe that there is no better confidence, then self-defense confidence,” Gilham said. “When a child or anyone knows they can defend themselves, whether it is against physical or verbal bullying, they have a better confidence about themselves. ”

Fitness, self-defense basics, the kinds of bullying and what to do in a bullying situation are some of the topics that will be covered.

“We want to educate them to make their mind, their body and their spirit strong,” Gilham said.

During last year’s program, Gilham said he saw children’s confidence grow. He said children who have experienced bullying or have witnessed it may be apprehensive about attending the program, but it would be a helpful experience.

“After completing this course, you are going to see a change in the child,” Gilham said. “Whether they are experiencing bullying, have witnessed it or they are the bully, you are going to see a change for the better.”

Classes will be held each Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. No pre-registration is required. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.

Bully Defense T-shirts will be available for purchase for $20.

Gilham has taught self-defense in Chilton County for seven years. He has also given talks at local schools about bullying.

The YMCA of Chilton County is located at 405 Ollie Avenue.

More information about the Bully Defense course is available at hyperbullydefense.com.