Bullying is complex and damaging. Children who are picked on often go quiet, stop putting their hand up and start dreading school. At The Warrior Academy we help them stand tall again, without teaching them to become the aggressor.
Our anti-bullying work runs inside every programme at our four academies in Al Quoz, Arjan, Jumeirah Islands and Abu Dhabi (Al Wahda Mall), for children aged 2 to 18.
Built on Not a Victim
Our founder, Sebastian Bates, was bullied as a child. He went on to build The Warrior Academy around the lessons that got him through it, and wrote Not a Victim, a book that takes bullying apart so parents can understand it properly. He has spoken about bullying on UAE radio and in the national press, and our team has mentored hundreds of children through it.
What your child learns
- Confidence. How to walk, speak and hold themselves so they are less likely to be singled out, and how to say no clearly.
- Conduct. Self-control and respect, so a difficult moment is defused with calm rather than made worse.
- Concentration. Staying focused under pressure, in the dojo and in the playground.
- Self-defence. Age-appropriate techniques from karate, taekwondo, jiu jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai, taught as a last resort, never as a first response.
- Getting help. When and how to involve a teacher or parent, so children never feel they have to deal with it alone.
How we track progress
Every child starts with our Breakthrough Area Assessment, a personal report on their confidence, conduct and concentration. Parents then have a monthly one-to-one call with their child’s instructor, so you can see the change at home and at school, not just on the mat.
Small groups, the right instructors
Every programme is capped at 13 children and grouped by age: Little Warriors (2 to 3), Junior Warriors (4 to 6), Senior Warriors (7 to 9), Pre Teens (10 to 12) and Teens (13+). Our instructors are chosen for their ability to mentor young people, not just for their belt rank.
Frequently asked questions
What parents usually ask us when their child is being picked on.
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?
No. Every session builds self-control and respect first. Children learn our A.C.E system: Avoid, Control, Engage, so they know that walking away or asking for help is often the strongest choice, and technique is only ever for protection.
My child is being bullied right now. What should I do first?
Talk to your child’s school, and tell us at the first session so the instructor knows what your child is facing. Through the Breakthrough Area Assessment we set goals around confidence and conduct straight away, and the monthly parent call keeps you in the loop as things improve.
My child is very shy. Is this the right place?
Yes. Many of our students start shy. Small, age-based groups mean nobody is put on the spot, and confidence builds week by week as children master new skills and earn their belts.
What if my child is the one doing the bullying?
Conduct is one of the 3 C’s we train in every session, so children learn respect, self-control and responsibility. Belts are earned through behaviour as well as skill. Read our guide for parents.
What age can my child start?
From age 2 in our Little Warriors programme, right through to the teenage years, grouped by age: Junior Warriors (4 to 6), Senior Warriors (7 to 9), Pre Teens (10 to 12) and Teens (13+).
Which academies run the programme?
All four: Al Quoz, Arjan and Jumeirah Islands in Dubai, and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. Anti-bullying work runs through every programme, so there is nothing extra to book.
How much does it cost, and how do we start?
Memberships start from AED 898 a month. New families start with a VIP Pass for AED 199: an introduction session, a Breakthrough Area Assessment of your child’s confidence, conduct and concentration, and a goal-setting call with their instructor. Claim your VIP Pass.
Do you welcome children with ADHD, autism or sensory differences?
Yes, and they train in our normal programmes alongside their friends. Families can visit before the first session, children can wear ear defenders, and there is a calm break space if they need a moment. See how we coach neurodivergent children.