Can combat sports curb bullying in schools?

Borneo Post

a day ago

Two young judo students sparring at a 'dojo' (gym) in Kuching. — Photo by Alvin Lau
RECENTLY, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh proposed for the Education Ministry to discuss with the National Combat Sport Federation to find a solution to bullying in schools.
She believed that this could potentially tackle the root cause of aggressive behaviour through proper guidance and giving opportunities for students to channel their energy and aggression through structured activities such as combat sports, which could be more effective than punitive action such as suspension.
Combat sports evolved from martial arts through omitting dangerous techniques, which could seriously injure opponents, and emphasising restraint – making it possible for practitioners to spar and compete in regulated matches with specific rules and scoring system.
Judo, which is taught in Japanese schools, where some make it part of their compulsory curriculum, is the first combat sport to be introduced in the education system.
In 1882, Dr Jigoro Kano who studied jujitsu and various styles of traditional Japanese martial arts, introduced judo by transforming jujitsu into safe, modern, scientific and competitive system.
In 1964, judo was officially recognised as a sport by the International Olympic Council and included in the Olympic Games held in Tokyo that year, paving the way for other martial arts like wushu, silat, karate and taekwondo to be developed as sports and included in international sports competitions.
A strict code of conduct is integrated in combat sports emphasising self-control, respect for others, and discipline.
A well-structured, ethically-grounded, and properly-resourced programme could make combat sports a valuable tool in the fight against bullying.
However, introducing combat sports in schools is a complex proposal and there are risks and challenges that the Education Department and school administration have to take into account.
It can offer both positive and negative outcomes, depending on how the programme is designed, implemented and supervised.
On the positive side, students who take up combat sports can build up confidence and self-esteem, reducing their vulnerability.
For students with aggressive tendencies, combat sports provide a structured and controlled outlet for energy and frustration, which can reduce violent incidents during unsupervised situations like recess or after-school.
Combat sports often involve sparring with partners, or working in teams.
This builds mutual trust, empathy, and friendship – counteracting the isolation that fuels bullying.
During sparring sessions, students learn to manage their emotions better under pressure – a critical life skill that may prevent impulsive aggression or retaliation.
Coaches or instructors can identify students who may be struggling emotionally, or showing signs of violence, through observation during training, and intervene early.
To achieve these positive results, mandatory codes of conduct and lessons on respect must be integrated in combat sports, and training must be carried out under strict supervision by qualified and properly-trained coaches certified by a martial art organisation.
If teaching of combat sports in schools is not properly supervised under certified instructors, students might potentially glorify violence and view combat training as a licence to use violence outside the ring, escalating rather than reducing bullying.
They may use what they have learned to intimidate or hurt others, especially if ethical or moral component is not emphasised in the training.
Those with behavioural issues or poor impulse control might become more dangerous if their aggression is not properly controlled.
Although restrictions and control are emphasised in combat sports, even under supervision, combat sports carry a risk of injury.
There are also practical concerns as implementing such programmes requires trained coaches, protective gear, insurance, and constant oversight – resources that many schools may not have.
Combat sports should be offered as an elective rather than a mandatory component of physical education as it is not everyone's cup of tea, and some parents might object to their children taking it up.
Students who do not want to participate or who are fearful of combat sports might feel excluded or intimidated by those who do.
Hannah Yeoh's proposal is not new – sports like taekwondo, wushu, silat, and judo are already present in some schools.
The Education Department and the National Combat Sport Federation should carry out a comprehensive study on the impact of taking up combat sports on current and former students before taking the next step.