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Writer's pictureMelissa Marquais

TKO Teaches Kids to Fight So They Don't Have To, Supported by Internationally Acclaimed Boxing Coach Teddy Atlas.


At TKO The Kindness Objective, one of the things we’re all about is teaching kids how to fight, but not in the way you might think. We’re not encouraging them to run around beating each other up. Instead, we’re focused on empowering them with the skills to defend themselves. When kids know they can stand up for themselves, it changes everything. Suddenly, they walk with confidence, and that’s a game-changer when it comes to dealing with bullies.


The fact of the matter is that bullies can smell fear. They target the kids who seem weak or the ones who are cowering in the corner, hoping to go unnoticed. Bullies choose their victims based on who they think won’t fight back. When a child learns how to defend themselves, they project a different energy—one that says, “I’m not the one to mess with.” Bullies are much less likely to mess with a kid who carries that kind of confidence.


Teaching kids self-defense isn’t about promoting violence; it’s about building strength, both physical and mental. When children know they can handle themselves, they’re less likely to find themselves in situations where they are threatened. Most kids who know how to fight and defend themselves never have to, because they simply aren’t on the radar of the bullies looking for an easy target.


But there’s another key element we emphasize at TKO and that's assertiveness. Being assertive means expressing one’s feelings and needs in a confident, respectful way. It’s about standing your ground without being aggressive. Kids who learn to be assertive set clear boundaries, communicate effectively, and advocate for themselves. This is incredibly powerful, not just in avoiding conflicts, but in all aspects of life.


The transformation we see in kids who train with us is incredible. They start standing taller, speaking louder, and engaging more confidently with others. This newfound self-assuredness often leads to better social interactions. They become the kids who don’t shy away from conversations, who can stand their ground, and who command respect, without having to throw a single punch.


And for those kids who do find themselves in a situation where a fight becomes unavoidable? We can assure you that it’s usually a one-time deal, and it usually ends the bullying right there. The bullies realize that their intimidation tactics don’t work anymore, and they move on to find easier targets. Bullies don't want to get hit either! The moment they get hit back, they'll look for a new target, someone who won’t stand up for themselves.



TKO's Knock-Out Bullying Program focuses on teaching more than just fighting techniques. We emphasize discipline, respect, and self-control. These aren’t just skills for the ring; they’re life skills. When kids learn to channel their energy positively and express themselves assertively, they become stronger not just physically, but also emotionally. They develop resilience and the ability to handle challenges head-on in all areas of their lives.





We are facing an epidemic when it comes to bullying. Youth suicide rates related to bullying continue to skyrocket. Giving kids the tools to defend themselves and be assertive is what makes the difference. By instilling confidence and resilience, we’re not just teaching them how to fight; we’re teaching them how to stand tall in the face of adversity.




World-renowned boxing coach Teddy Atlas (pictured on the right with Mike Tyson)

made a generous donation of $2,000 to TKO in September 2024 to support this program, saying, 'The Dr. Atlas Foundation has been helping to fight the disease of bullying for years, bringing mental health mobile units into needed areas and schools in our communities. We are and will remain committed to attacking this problem in a proactive and not just reactive way. We no longer want to set up memorial scholarships and pay for the funerals of children who have been victims of this pandemic. We applaud the work of TKO The Kindness Objective for their efforts in this area and pledge our continued support for this mission.


So, when you hear about TKO and our mission, know that we’re not just about throwing punches. We’re about building stronger, more confident kids. We’re here to help them become the best versions of themselves, ensuring they don’t just survive but thrive in a world that can sometimes be very tough. Because at the end of the day, every kid deserves to be safe, confident, and capable of standing up for themselves.




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