A-Judo: Bullying Prevention Programme in Physical Education

As part of the training activities, teachers will take part in activities designed to help them incorporate judo teaching units into the curriculum, with a focus on preventing bullying in schools and classrooms.

The following materials and facilities are available to deliver this training:

• A-Judo Manual for Year 6 of Primary Education
• A-Judo Manual for Years 7 and 8 of Secondary Education
• 240 m² open-plan tatami area

The training is delivered by a specialist in the A-Judo Programme who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, a PhD in Sports Psychology and the rank of 6th DAN as a National Judo Master, and is a member of the Motor Behaviour Laboratory at the Centre for Sport Research of the Miguel Hernández University of Elche.

Bullying is a serious problem affecting relationships among pupils in primary and compulsory secondary education. Teachers often lack the training required to address and intervene in such situations. The A-Judo Programme enables Physical Education teachers to deliver lessons specifically and effectively aimed at preventing bullying through an innovative and motivating judo teaching unit for both teachers and pupils. The sessions enable teachers to raise pupils’ awareness of bullying while also strengthening their socio-emotional skills, fostering peaceful school environments and addressing morality, empathy, impulsivity and other related aspects.

In view of the needs identified among primary and compulsory secondary education teachers, these activities are highly recommended for educational centres, with the aim of training their teaching staff and providing them with the tools needed to address the different problems that may arise during the academic year.

Bullying has a substantial personal and human cost and can have dramatic consequences for those subjected to this type of abuse. With appropriate training, teachers and school staff can take action to address the problem and help prevent such incidents from occurring in the educational settings where they work.

• Assessment of bullying behaviours and socio-emotional variables using validated instruments.
• PE teachers learn to adopt an autonomy-supportive interpersonal style, moving away from controlling styles.
• The programme includes games and exercises aimed at developing morality, empathy, prosocial values, impulse control and student resilience.
• The programme is based on the principles of Self-Determination Theory and enables teachers to work on students’ satisfaction of their Basic Psychological Needs and their motivation towards Physical Education.
• The methodology used makes it possible to establish links between what happens in the classroom and other areas of the school where bullying incidents may occur.

Previous studies have demonstrated the validity of the different activities to be carried out, and the research team has extensive experience in this field.

• Primary Education Schools (Year 6).
• Compulsory Secondary Education Schools (Years 7 and 8).
• Regional Departments of Education and Social Welfare.
• Sports Associations and Federations with an educational focus.

Carlos Montero Carretero – University Research Institute Centre for Sport Research