Dennis Cregier, owner of Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts School in Salem wants to give back to the community. One way he is doing it is by going out to the schools. He and his head children’s instructor Greg Jackson have been running a unique program at the Saltonstall School in Salem where they go every Friday morning for two hours to instruct youngsters not only in mixed martial arts, but respect for each other and their surroundings. The goal is to give the children, ranging in age from seven to 13-years old, confidence, and they focus on awareness of bullying.

“The kids love the program, and we can see a big change in a very short time,” said Jackson, who grew up in Salem and Beverly. It’s a mixed martial arts class, but we teach much more. Bullying is such an important issue these days, and our main goal is to make them all aware of it when it happens to them or a friend.”

The program, which ends this week, is six weeks long and part of the Friday Club program run by volunteers at the school. The 22 children involved get a tasted of martial arts with special emphasis on respect for each other, their teachers, and parents.

“We go beyond martial arts in the teaching, and try to emphasize life skills that will continue beyond the Friday Club. It’s important these kids know what to do when bullying happens to them or one of their peers,” said Jackson, who is 24 years old and attended Beverly High. “We’re training them to learn through Mixed Martial Arts which not only teaches technique, but attention and listening to other people.

“Fighting is only one part of it; discipline, respect, and confidence are the big three. Kids that age are not used to the discipline part, and it can change their life. I did a summer program for kids at the Kernwood Country Club last summer, and really enjoyed it. This is the first time I’ve gone out to a school. It’s a very popular program, and I’d love to do something like this again.”

Jackson said he was very active as a youngster, but got lazy in his teenage years. Since he has been training in mixed martial arts the past five years he’s back in shape.

“I wish there was a program like this when I was a kid,” said Jackson. “I work with kids as young as three and a half at our Studio, and they range all the way up to age 14. You have to use varied techniques and routines with the age groups. I try to make it a lot of fun by doing a lot of different things to keep them interested. It takes dedication and you can’t learn everything about mixed martial arts in a short time, but this is a great way to get them interested.”

“Greg is a very talented and humble person,” said Patricia Cregier, who works with her husband at Dragon Within. “The kids love him, and he’s a well respected instructor.”