The issue of kids being subjected to “bullying” or violent attack at school, on the streets, parks, playgrounds, public transportation or elsewhere has drawn increased national scrutiny. Congress has held hearings; a raft of new studies have been issued on the effect of bullying and violence on kids; schools have issued zero-tolerance policies. Kids in many government schools have to pass through screening machines to detect guns, knives, weapons.
Now, Olympic Silver Medalist and Mixed Martial Arts Superstar Matt Lindland and other MMA professionals at Team Quest in Portland are extending an informed, practical self-defense helping hand to kids who may be subjected to bullying or violence.
Team Quest, a world renowned MMA training and fitness center co-founded and led in Portland by Oregon-native Matt Lindland, will offer a series of free training sessions educating kids on how to avoid dangerous situations, and to defend themselves against violence or bullying when necessary.
The first of three free seminars is a “Kids Safe Seminar,” scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 5 p.m, at Team Quest, 18206 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97233.
“No child should be subjected to bullying or violence,” said Matt Lindland. “We live in a dangerous world and our kids need to be aware of potential threats that could put them in danger. We are offering this free ‘Kids Safe Seminar’ so kids will know what they can do or say in a dangerous situation. This one-hour class will give kids the tools to be self aware and learn basic skills that could help them avoid dangerous situations.”
Scott McKendry, General Manager of Team Quest in Portland, said the first seminar will be followed by a “Team Quest MMA – “BULLY PROOF” seminar, a one-hour free class on June 2, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. It is aimed at kids ages six and up and will “give the kids the confidence to recognize dangerous situations while being able to defend themselves from bullies,” he said.
The third free event will be a Team Quest “Father & Son MMA Night” on June 4, 2011. The 2-hour class will begin at 4 p.m. McKendry said dads and sons can bond in the free class which is open to kids from the age of six on up, at all skill levels, with no experience required. Following the training, Team Quest will provide free food and prizes, and show the live broadcast of Ultimate Fighter13 Finale, McKendry said.
McKendry said space is limited at the safe kids seminars and, if possible, parents should call to ensure a spot for their kids. (Team Quest: 503-661-4134; and see for more information: www.teamquestmma.net.)
Team Quest has produced a host of MMA champions, contenders, and standout fighters. While they are great fighters and athletes, they are universally also great patriots, like Matt Lindland. They are lending their talents to help parents help their kids to be safe and self-confident in situations of danger, and bullying. I salute them for it. Let the bullies beware of confident, Quest-trained kids.
[Rees Lloyd is a long time civil rights, workers rights, veterans rights attorney, and a member of the Victoria Taft Blogforce.]
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