This is a valid and frequent concern and a complex topic. In reality, kids learn how to be aggressive from each other, more than they do from a martial arts class. A holistic martial arts program, like Hiruko’s, does not teach kids to be aggressive. Rather, it teaches children the importance of learning how to follow safety rules, how to use the power of their voices to defuse conflict. It teaches the importance of collaboration and cooperation. It teaches youth how to ask for help when they need it. Hiruko has strict rules for participants about applying lessons learned with friends. Hiruko teaches its participants how to avoid, cope with and manage bullying and aggressive behavior. This said, Hiruko teaches self-awareness, self-advocacy and self-confidence. Although we do not promote, encourage, or applaud aggressive behavior, we teach youth the importance of thinking and making choices. Sometimes, aggression is necessary for self-defense. The goal is to teach youth how to make a distinction between a real threat and a perceived one and how to make the choices that are empowering in the moment but also long-term.