The Bully Game *Martial Arts Version*

Today in the 4’s and 5’s class at The Academy of Kung Fu we played an old favorite with, The Bully Game. This drill is particularly popular with younger students, and functions to illustrate the importance of quick footwork (for maximum avoidance and on-the-spot grounding) and maintaining an effective cover.

The bully (or bullies if multiple instructors are available) slowly circulates within the confines of a designated area, focus pad (or two pads in the more advanced level) in hand. He, she, or they swing their arms to try and tap nearby students lightly on the shoulder (or head if a good cover has been achieved). Students move within the area in a controlled manner, which necessitates that they keep their focus up and out both to avoid being tagged by the bully, and to prevent colliding into any fellow students.

Up front we teach them how to frame, drop their air, and put up a quality cover (double-frame). We also talk about the benefits of remaining calm, avoiding danger, and supressing the urge to shriek with laughter (generally the hardest piece to maintain)!