Introduction

The practice of martial arts among children and young people appears, according to recent studies, to be associated with a reduction in the incidence of school bullying. An increasing body of research suggests that martial arts training can contribute to the development of emotional and social skills that reduce aggressive behaviour and help improve coexistence within the school environment.

But how does this effect occur? And how is it possible that the teaching of a martial art which, at first glance, seems related to violence can in fact reduce it and help prevent bullying in schools?

 

Traditional Kungfu training

In Kung Fu training, as in that of any other traditional martial art, students are not only taught techniques related to self-defence or effectiveness in physical combat—that is, the potential capacity to exercise violence—but also a set of values related to controlling that capacity: discipline, respect, responsibility and self-control.

In this way, a traditional martial arts school also functions as a space for values education, where the construction of personal identity, the development of character, and models of balanced masculinity based on self-control, respect and responsibility are encouraged, rather than domination or aggressiveness.

Among other things, students are taught to control impulsivity, to manage frustration, and to respond with awareness rather than in an aggressive or impulsive manner.

Various studies have found that the regular practice of martial arts can influence the reduction of impulsivity and general aggressiveness, as well as improve emotional control and self-regulation.

An improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence is also frequently observed—psychological aspects that are fundamental in personal development during childhood and adolescence.

 

Kungfu and school bullying

The practice of traditional martial arts such as Kung Fu can transform both the potential aggressor and the potential victim, modifying the dynamics that are often present in situations of school bullying.

In the case of the potential aggressor:

During Kung Fu training, aggression is not only channelled in a socially regulated way, but students also learn to control impulsivity, which may contribute to reducing levels of aggressive behaviour.

Another important factor is the improvement of self-esteem, since many acts of aggression or bullying occur as a way of affirming one’s own identity. In other words, the need to humiliate or belittle others is often felt because one’s own sense of worth is perceived as fragile or threatened.

At the same time, the child encounters adult role models who, although clearly capable of exercising violence as martial artists, do not behave as “alpha males” or bullies. Instead, they act in a respectful and humble manner—that is, as individuals who demonstrate strong mastery over themselves and their emotions, showing that true strength lies in self-control.

In the case of the potential victim:

Learning Kung Fu improves posture, coordination and a person’s overall demeanour, which often makes a child less likely to become a target of bullying, as they project greater confidence and self-assurance.

Furthermore, training strengthens coping skills and conflict-resolution abilities, both at an emotional and interpersonal level.

The reinforcement of self-esteem and the increased sense of personal security also help in managing potential conflicts, since a person who does not adopt a submissive attitude is, again, less likely to be chosen as a victim.

 

The importance of the teaching approach

However, it is important to bear in mind that this process is not automatic. It depends to a large extent on how the martial art is taught and on the pedagogical approach adopted.

Teaching that focuses solely on the physical aspects, lacking an ethical component, or that is excessively centred on winning, competing or dominating, may produce the opposite effects, including an increase in aggressiveness.

For this reason, the role of the instructor is key in the entire process, as they act as a role model and as a channel for the values that children learn throughout their training.

 

Conclusion 

Although more studies are needed to better understand these processes, current scientific literature appears to point in this direction: training in Kung Fu, as well as in other traditional martial arts, helps to reduce levels of school bullying by transforming both the potential victim and the potential aggressor and, in any case, by strengthening self-esteem and instilling positive values in children.

All of this constitutes an argument in favour of introducing martial arts classes as an extracurricular activity, both within schools and outside them, offering young people a healthy leisure alternative based on discipline, respect and personal development.

 

 

Sources:

Kuśnierz C, Niewczas M, Cynarski WJ, Bielec G, Rogowska AM. Latent class analysis of aggression in martial arts and combat sports: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2025 Jul 23;20(7):e0328799. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328799. PMID: 40700371; PMCID: PMC12286348.

Xu, T., & Zhang, G. (2019). Research progress of restraining campus bullying by martial arts training. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 14(2s), 50–52.

Anna Harwood, Michal Lavidor, Yuri Rassovsky, Reducing aggression with martial arts: A meta-analysis of child and youth studies, Aggression and Violent Behavior, Volume 34, 2017, Pages 96-101, ISSN 1359-1789.