EDGE Academy fights bullying problem in schools

Milton resident and business owner Michael Chamberland still remembers the bullies in his life growing up in Maine and the effect they had on him and his fellow classmates.

He's also aware bullies have evolved with the times and can now be a relentless force in today's technological age.

With that in mind, Chamberland has integrated a bully program into the curriculum at the EDGE Martial Arts Academy in Milton.

“When we were kids, for the most part, school was a safe haven,” Chamberland said. “Now kids have other concerns to think about. We didn't have cell phones. There's cyberbullying. Once you got on the bus and went home, that's kind of where it stayed. Whereas now, it's on social media, on email, on Facebook. Kids really can't escape it.”

Chamberland uses examples in class to teach children the importance of informing supervising adults of issues. In one of his favorite examples, Chamberland pits one child against several other children in a game of tug-of-war. After being overwhelmed, Chamberland adds parents and adults to the child's side of the rope, symbolizing the support system available to children.

Beginning in October, Chamberland will teach an after-school program at The Jefferson School in Georgetown, but his goal is to plant himself in many public schools. By integrating his philosophy into the school environment, Chamberland says he can better convey his message.

“I believe in kids teaching kids,” he said. “Even though some kids won't be in my class, they'll hear about it from the other students.”

He employs the same technique at his dojo in downtown Milton. He has a student read the script associated with a symbolic banner hanging on the wall. He said kids are more likely to absorb the message from someone their own age than from an adult.

EDGE is an acronym for education, dedication, goals and excellence. It was a concept Chamberland developed while attending the University of Maine.

“I did some training in some nin jitsu and Philippine martial arts at the time,” he said. “I thought about what I got out of it. It was a tremendous education, a dedication to my practice, setting of personal goals, and finding for myself some form of excellence.”

Chamberland is trying to instill the same mindset in his students, whether young or old. He offers classes throughout the week for children and adults, including a women's self-defense class taught by his wife on Wednesday nights.

Chamberland teaches kemm aiki bujutsu, a martial art heavily influenced by Japanese jiu jitsu and grappling. His students do not compete. Rather, the martial arts experience is more about self development, self improvement, self exploration and self expression.

“I want my program to be a place for encouragement, safety and achievement without the threat of win or lose,” he said. “My kids don't get promoted based on a box curriculum. I look at every child for who they are. It's an authentic experience for each child.”

Chamberland is also trying to convey his positive message outside the classroom. He regularly attends Milton Town Council meetings and would like to help put the often-troubled town back in a positive light.

“My endeavor has been, how can we get Milton on a better, more positive page?” he said. “As a business owner, I have a responsibility. Aside from my program, I feel indebted to my community because it's them I'm working with. I want to somehow give back outside of the martial arts.”

He has filmed several YouTube videos, promoting the town as a tourist destination, and he said he plans to continue to work toward improving the town's image.

EDGE Academy is located at 113 Union St. in Milton. For more information, visit www.edgeacademyma.wordpress.com, find them on Facebook or call 302-242-5891.