EDITORIAL Let's Hear From You Win prizes!
With this 2014 Annual issue we celebrate the third year of the NEW Official Karate Magazine. In order to continue to provide you, our readers, with the very best product possible, we've put together a brief reader's survey. “Not another survey to fill out?” you might ask. Well, just remember that this will help us determine which parts of the magazine you like best, which writers inspire you the most, and even what features you'd like to see us add in future issues. As an added incentive for you to fill out this online reader's survey, we'll enter all the submissions into a drawing to win some valuable prizes. Do it right now while you are thinking about it http://www.officialkaratemag .com/reader-survey/ We have great plans for 2014 and beyond. We won't be able to do it without you. —Thanks, The Editors
We still have a very few copies of the 2012 and 2013 Annual issues. For a limited time you can order one or both of these collector edition magazines for just $14 each, (or both for $25) plus postage and handling. Go to wwofficialkaratemag.com/annuals
ISKA Champions Caitlin Dechelle and Kyle Montagna with their copies of the 2013 OK Annual issue.
How Bullies Choose Their Victims by GM Keith Vitali
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hile there is no single common denominator for the type of child targeted by bullies, a bully will typically search out those who are weaker, smaller, anxious, insecure, cautious, and overtly suffer from low self-esteem. Another child who fits the role of the victim almost automatically is the new kid at school, regardless of his or her personality or physical characteristics. Victims often lack social skills, are isolated from their peers, and rarely defend themselves or retaliate when confronted by bullies. One of the most frequent reasons given for why a particular child has been bullies is that they “didn’t fit in.” Choosing Victims Subconsciously Often children choose their victims subconsciously rather than making a conscious decision to target one child over another. Sometimes the victim is broadcasting signs of weakness, which the bully picks up on. Children who display weak body language transmit signals to the control-minded bully that say I am someone you can pick on. Here’s one of the analogies I share with my students to give them a better understanding of the way bullies choose their victims. I ask them, do you think a bully choses their victim in the following way: A young bully wakes up in the morning, brushes his teeth, gets dressed and heads to the kitchen for breakfast. His mother is making oatmeal and asks her precious child who he intends to pick on today. The bully responds, continued on page 12
Martial Arts Grandmasters International ®
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