On the record ... with Shannon Marbutt

Sensei Shannon Marbutt of DeKalb wants to give students the tools they need to handle a bullying situation.

Marbutt will conduct an anti-bullying workshop Friday, March 4, at Lincoln Elementary School in DeKalb. He plans to talk to the students about how to deal with a bullying situation in a non-violent manner.

The cost to attend the workshop is $3 per person, and the proceeds will be donated to the Lincoln Elementary School's Parent Teacher Association.

Marbutt has been teaching martial arts classes for about 18 years. He recently went on the record with MidWeek reporter Dennis Hines to talk about the upcoming seminar, as well as his experiences with the martial arts.

MidWeek: What are some of the things that are going to be discussed during the anti-bullying workshop?

Shannon Marbutt: We're going to be talking about different strategies that you could use to deal with bullying without having to use physical techniques. For example, trying to talk your way out of a situation or talk to a parent, teacher or counselor.

Then the techniques that we're going to cover when we get to the self-defense end of the seminar are non-violent in nature, that don't require punches and kicks. We don't want the child getting in trouble. We will be teaching techniques like getting out of grabs.

MW: What times will the seminar be held?

SM: We have it broken down into two blocks. From 5:30-6:15 p.m., it will be for kindergarten through second grade and 6:15-7 p.m. will be for third through fifth grade. So we got 45 minutes for each block.

MW: What made you decide to conduct this seminar?

SM: Bullying has been on the rise, and it's been in the media for awhile. When I went to the school PTA meetings and brought it up, they seemed to be very supportive of this. Hopefully it takes off, because the main reason for this is because bullying has been going on. I think kids need to know how to handle the situation and try to use their heads to get out of it and talk to their parents or teachers about it.

...I was bullied when I was in school. I know what it's like. I feel if I give them some tools to work with, mentally and physically, hopefully that will develop some confidence in themselves to be able to walk down the hallways without being scared.

MW: If this is successful, will similar seminars be held at other elementary schools?

SM: This is like a pilot program. We will see what type of response we get, and if the response is good, then we will do it at some of the other schools.

MW: Where do you teach martial arts?

SM: At the DeKalb Area Women's Center at 1021 State St. in DeKalb. We offer karate classes for kids and adults. We start kids as young as 4 years old in their own, separate classes, then adults from high school age to people in their 60s.

We are open Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. It depends on the age of the student. Little Dragon classes are about a half hour long.

MW: What do you teach during your classes?

SM: One thing we teach, especially to kids, is respect and discipline. They need that at school and home and in life. They learn various blocks, punches and kicks in class. They also learn not to use it on others.

We try to keep the students engaged and try to keep the classes fun. We try to help them with their coordination, balance and self esteem. ...Martial arts is good for the off season, whether the student is involved with wrestling or basketball. It's a great way to help enhance other sporting activities. We've had comments from parents on how karate has helped improved their child's soccer skills or their wrestling skills, just through some of the things we do in class.

MW: How long have you been teaching martial arts?

SM: I have been teaching on my own since since 1992. I began training when I was about 11 or 12 years of age. I will be 40 next month, so it will be some 30 odd years that I have been involved in martial arts.

MW: Besides the women's center, have you taught anywhere else?

SM: I taught for my instructor for a number of years, then I started for the DeKalb Park District back in 1992. About four years ago, I started teaching out of a church for awhile, then we had to leave because they had other intentions for their music program.

MW: How did you become interested in martial arts?

SM: When I was a kid, I used to watch the martial arts movies. Like how people go to church every Sunday, well every Saturday at 12 o'clock, I would make sure I was at home to watch the karate movies that were on TV.

Then I would watch the local park district karate classes. ...Then at the age of 11 or 12, I started training under grand master (Andrew) Torok. He was a great instructor. I owe a lot of my skills and knowledge to him.

For more information about Marbutt's classes call 815-766-0603.