POWELL, Ohio — Across the nation in many schools, clubs, sports teams, and even online, bullying is a reality many kids are facing.

What You Need To Know

• Kim’s Martial Arts Class at Tae Kwon Do Academy held a bullying prevention seminar


• The course taught Martial Arts students the techniques on handling bullies and how to prevent situations from arising


• Studies show bullying affects kids early in their life

According to the CDC, one in every five students in high school reported being bullied, but kids even younger are experiencing it. That's why one school is taking the art of self-defense to the next level.

Kim’s Martial Arts Class at Tae Kwon Do Academy in Powell hosted a bullying prevention seminar. The class taught students the techniques on handling bullies and how to prevent situations from arising, all while getting a good workout in.

Armita Khaksarfard has been a student at the academy for five years.

"It makes me feel not afraid of a bully," she said. "If they come up to me and start bullying me, I'd be like, ‘Oh, I know how to handle this’, and I won't be afraid."

Khaksarfard is only 10 years old, but Master Ryan Kim, Tae Kwon Do instructor, said bullying affects kids even younger.

"The studies actually show that it can start as early as the preschool and bullying can peak at the age of 11 or 12. So, it's important for the kids to learn to develop their voice early and be confident,” said Kim.

Building their confidence from within is also key.

“There are five tenets of Taekwondo, which is courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit, where it leaves no room for the bullying," Kim said.

Khaksarfard's mom has even seen a change in her own daughter.

"She started Tae Kwon Do at age five and now she's ten and she's a lot more confident. So, we're very happy about it,” Neda Yazdani said.

The bullying prevention seminar has also been rolled out to Olentangy Local School District's Tyler Run Elementary and Liberty Middle School.