As Bullying No Way Week takes place from 17–21 August, it is an important opportunity for parents, schools and communities to talk with children about bullying, personal safety and confidence.

At Australian Martial Arts Academy, these are skills we work on every week. Martial arts isn’t about teaching children to fight. It’s about helping them develop confidence, awareness, self-control and the ability to make good decisions under pressure.

AMA Head Instructor Mr Mark Laughran believes learning how to respond to bullying is an important part of a child’s safety education.

“In the same way that swimming lessons are essential for safety, so are the skills to deal with bullying.”

At AMA, students learn that their first response doesn’t need to be physical. They learn to use their voice, set boundaries, de-escalate situations, walk away when appropriate and seek help when they need it. Martial arts training can also help develop confidence, self-esteem and emotional regulation — skills that extend well beyond the dojo.

For AMA Head Instructor Miss Sarah, the importance of these skills is something she has experienced personally as a parent. Her daughter was regularly coming home from school after being hit by another child. Having trained in martial arts for many years, however, Sarah noticed that the experience wasn’t undermining her daughter’s confidence or personality.

“She was aware that this is something that does happen. It wasn’t really affecting her personality. So I was really grateful that I had put her in martial arts.”

Miss Sarah’s experience also highlighted how common bullying can be and how difficult it can be for teachers to prevent every incident, particularly when it happens outside adult supervision.

The goal of martial arts isn’t to encourage children to fight. It’s to give them more tools to deal with difficult situations — including the confidence to speak up, the awareness to recognise when something isn’t right, and the judgement to know when to walk away and ask for help.

Bullying No Way Week provides an opportunity to reinforce these lessons and remind children that being strong isn’t about being aggressive. It’s about being confident, respectful and prepared.

At AMA, we’re committed to helping children develop those qualities both inside and outside the dojo.

Australian Martial Arts Academy has celebrated another successful belt promotion period, with record numbers of students progressing through the ranks across our five Sydney locations.

This winter’s grading season recognised the hard work, commitment and perseverance of students of all ages, from our youngest student, aged just 3 years old, through to our oldest successful candidate, aged 58. Every new belt earned represents weeks and months of dedication, consistent training and the courage to continually improve.

“Each new belt represents the journey and challenges students have overcome. It shows the commitment they have shown to becoming the best version of themselves. We are incredibly proud of every student who stepped onto the mats and gave their very best.”

– Grandmaster Ridvan Manav

The promotion period began with grading events at the Concord, Sylvania and Auburn academies, where a combined 149 students successfully earned their next belt.

Each grading tested students on the techniques, knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the term. More importantly, it showcased the confidence, discipline and resilience that are central to Australian Martial Arts Academy’s teaching philosophy.

According to Mr Mark, the standard displayed throughout the grading season was among the strongest the academy has seen.

“What impressed us most wasn’t just the technical ability of our students, but the confidence, focus and determination they displayed. The quality continues to improve every term, which is a credit to both our students and the families who support them.”

– Mr Mark Laughnan

A major highlight of the promotion period was the Black Belt Grading, an intensive full-day assessment. Conducted only once every six months, this prestigious grading challenges students physically and mentally as they demonstrate years of training and dedication in pursuit of martial arts excellence. On this occasion 96 Students embraced that challenge, and succeeded.

“Black Belt Grading is one of the most significant milestones in a martial artist’s journey. It is not about achieving perfection—it is about demonstrating resilience, character and the willingness to never give up. Every candidate who stepped onto the mats should be proud of what they achieved.”
– Grandmaster Ridvan Manav

The grading period concluded with three sessions at the Marrickville gym, where a further 208 students successfully progressed to their next belt.

Congratulations to every student who earned a new belt this term. Your hard work, commitment and perseverance continue to make Australian Martial Arts Academy a community that inspires excellence both on and off the mats.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our instructors, examiners, volunteers and families whose encouragement and support help make every grading event a memorable experience.