Warriors of Peace

Concept

The"Warriors of Peace" Program was designed to help children find peaceful solutions to violent confrontations in the school setting. Children feel lost, helpless and alone when confronted by bullies. The program will help build communication between victims, bullies, teachers and parents. While learning self defense, students are taught how to explore their options in different situations and how to "save face" when choosing not to fight. The program teaches Judo and Jujitsu in a fun and safe atmosphere. Bullies benefit, too, and not because they learn to fight better. A 2001 study published in "Adolescence" found that violent behavior decreased among middle school students when they were taking martial arts classes, while their confidence levels rose.Bullies act the way they do because they have low self-esteem, poor social skills, or little respect for themselves or others, Silverman says. The focus on respect and courtesy within martial arts sends the message that you don't have to be mean to earn a person's respect.

Who Is Eligible for the Warriors Of Peace Scholarship?

Warriors of Peace students are students referred to Bushido Judo School by Principals, Guidance Counselors, and teachers. These are students who may suffer academically due to low self-esteem or students with behavioral issues.Each school in Alamance County has the opportunity to refer two students to us under our Scholarship program, free of charge.The Scholarship last for 3 months for each student, and can reapply upon request of those who refer the student. Students in the Warriors of Peace program will have their progress reports and report cards monitored, as well as behavior, through a communication network of school administrators, parents, and instructors of Bushido Judo School, to ensure that the student is making progress academically, behaviorally and socially.Students will set realistic goals for themselves and instructors will work with them personally to ensure that they are striving to meet these goals.

What Happens after the 3 month Scholarship?

Students must participate in 90% of the classes, maintain a minimum of a C average, improve behaviorally in the community, at school, and at home, and participate in fund-raiser and community service projects during the scholarship period.  Students have the opportunity to reapply for the scholarship for another 3 months. Eligibility will depend on program participation and meeting requirements such as maintaining a C average, improved behavior and overall effectiveness of the program. Other students can participate in the program for the regular fee of our Youth Classes.