Somerville martial arts studio takes on bullying

By Rich Tenorio
SOMERVILLE, MA - Teaching children and adults how to deal with bullies, a Union Square martial arts studio is working on anti-bullying programs for this year.
At Villari’s Self-Defense Center of Somerville, Master Brad Rogers began the year with anti-bullying programs on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Almost 20 people attended, with the majority being children. The session lasted for over two hours.
Master Rogers, who holds a fifth-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate, called bullying a “huge” problem in the US today.
“People take their lives over it,” he said. “A lot of people are handling it the wrong way. Everyone’s focus is on the problem -- bullying -- instead of the solution -- behaviors that deter bullying. Nobody needs to bully anymore if everybody’s friends.”

All together now!

One Pinan ... GO!!!

The karate students of Villari's Self-Defense Center of Somerville, Mass. practiced the One Pinan form as a group on Monday night. Working as a group, you learn to stay in step with your fellow students. This activity helps us become less self-centered and more group-focused.