Do Jiu-Jitsu

The Rifleman was observing the other day the children these days are not allowed to fight. And this may not be a good thing. Back when we were growing up, we knew where everyone stood. Boys, particularly, need to know where they stand in the pecking order. Sometimes, fighting is part of that.

Boys today, in a fit of rage, will attack someone bigger, stronger, and more skilled than they are. The Rifleman cannot recall that happening, as a child.

When, in that fit of rage, the boy has decided to bully someone bigger, stronger, and more skilled than they are, they are somehow surprised when things don't go their way.

Punches, kicks, and takedowns, are all part of fighting. However, for the Youth who has trained in the martial arts, they can be well defended.

The mounted position is the most advantageous position in a fight. For one thing, the person on top can hit his opponent, while the opponent cannot effectively hit back. For youthful practitioners, the mount can be used to frustrate the opponent... no strikes are needed.

Sometimes, when a bully gets the tables turned on him and is under the mount, he will try to grab the groin, or bite. Pinning his arms can be an effective way to keep him from doing any damage. If he continues to struggle and will not concede, a little bit of pressure on the neck can make him intimately aware of his reality.

Sadly, defeating a bully who is younger, smaller, and less skilled, brings no satisfaction to the defender. However, one must realize that the effective use of martial arts to prevent ones attack or from being harmed is worthy of celebration.

Parents of a defeated bully, yelling at a child who is not theirs, that he should come to them if the child needs punishment, is quite comical. Had they been parenting their child to begin with, the whole thing would have been avoided. And if a youth is sharp enough to actually mention this to that adult, then more power to that youth.

Parents of the victorious youth, who stand near their own, while the bully's parents yell and scream, demonstrate wisdom in so doing. It would be unfortunate if the bully's parents elected to engage an actual bullying behavior of their own. Being prepared to handle it, and being present come up while not spurring on any conflict, is a wise decision. Don't agitate the situation, unless absolutely necessary.

Learn jiu-jitsu. Have your children learn jiu-jitsu. The rifleman's son is nicknamed Ninja. The Rifleman did not give him that nickname. Final rule of thumb - don't pick on kids whose nickname is Ninja.

4 - 0
0 punches thrown.
0 chokes applied.
0 arm locks applied.
4 victories via frustration.