Children’s Anti-Bullying Micro-Course Comes to Canterbury
Joe Ellis, Chairman of the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS), and Chief Instructor of the Kent Karate Schools and Kent Autistic Karate, is bringing his unique take on anti-bullying to Canterbury on 27th April. Ellis, clinically diagnosed autistic as an adult, is passionate about spreading the word to all children and young people, and especially to others on the spectrum.
He will be concentrating on anti-bullying techniques and knowledge needed for protection.
Ellis, a 7th dan black belt said ‘at school I was heavily bullied and my parents decided I should learn karate. The combination of this training, and joining the army, helped me to overcome my shyness and taught me to stand up for myself’. Being diagnosed autistic some years ago has given me even more enthusiasm to help others in a similar position.
Elllis, and wife Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis, 6th Dan, run a chain of educational karate clubs within East Kent. They are proud to be inclusive and equitable, teaching students of all ages, genders, abilities and have a genuine interest in students with special needs and especially those with intellectually high functioning autism including Asperger’s syndrome. Individuals with autism crave routine and rules; and often have difficulties with co-ordination skills such as balance and simple throwing and catching; as well as discomfort in social situations. Karate is an individual activity, but also encourages controlled teamwork and leadership, thus giving these students confidence in themselves, which can benefit all aspects of their life. Anti-Bullying skills are important for all young people. Beale-Ellis also holds a doctorate in educational aspects of autism within informal education and physical activities from Sheffield Hallam University.
NAKMAS is a core member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), and takes part in campaigns run by them. The ABA defines bullying as ‘the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face to face or online’.
Ellis is keen to prepare to people to overcome various forms of bullying, so that they don’t suffer in the same way as he did as a child.
This micro-course takes place on the morning of Saturday 27th April in Kingsmead Leisure Centre.
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact:
Libby Ellison NAKMAS Press/Media Officer
Email: libby.ellison@nakmas.org.uk
Joe Ellis NAKMAS National Chair
Email: joe.ellis@nakmas.org.uk
Mobile: 07976 736404
Tel: 01227 370055
Fax: 01227 370056
Find out more about the Kent Karate Schools at www.kentkarateschools.co.uk and www.facebook.com/kentkarateschools
For more details about Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis and her autism work visit
www.theautisticvoice.co.uk