YOUNGSTERS in West Devon are being encouraged to join a sporting activity as part of an anti-bullying campaign.

The head and founder of the Goju Ryu Jujitsu Association, Umberto Bergonzini of Tavistock, has recently joined the anti-bullying awareness campaign launched by Educational Media.

Educational Media has concentrated its efforts on creating two support initiatives, letstopbullying.co.uk and roadawareness.co.uk

Umberto said: 'When I was informed of the anti-bullying awareness campaign, I wanted to be a part of it and provide my support through the Jujitsu Association.

'Educational Media's aim is to raise public awareness in local communities about these issues which fits very well with association's ethos and the intrinsic nature of Jujitsu. Discipline, order and respect are the mainstays of Jujitsu.

'Jujitsu is a self-defence martial art which was developed in Japan over 2,000 years ago. Jujitsu, having one of the largest syllabi in the martial arts, helps the practitioners, especially the young ones, to improve their learning and concentration.

'It also promotes co-ordination, fitness and confidence.

'Although martial arts classes focus on learning self-defence techniques to defend from physical attacks, they also develop powerful mental skills and also address the issue of how to avoid possible confrontations before they get physical.

'They also instil a huge amount of self-confidence and self-control that can be effective when dealing with bullies.

'Sometimes just knowing that a child is taking Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do or Karate is enough to take them off the list of potential targets for bullies.'

For more information and advice on the anti-bullying awareness campaign visit http://www.letsstopbullying.co.uk">www.letsstopbullying.co.uk

Anyone interested in trying Jujitsu can contact Umberto on 07866 720361 or visit one of the classes in Tavistock. Beginners are always welcome. For more information about classes visit http://www.jujitsu.uk.com">www.jujitsu.uk.com