Annihilator Annihilator:
I guess that he doesn't need to attack the bully or seek vengence, but just to defend himself if bullied. There's a huge difference.
Yes but defend himself to the point of getting safe. Knocking the guy down and and continuing to punch and kick the snot out of him moves from self defense to aggravated assault /excessive force etc. and ends up being not much better than attacking the guy first.
The best MA instructor I had said your best defense is to get out of or handle a situation without fighting, even if that means running away. Sounds cowardly but if you can run away and avoid having to fight and take the chance you won't win then its the best option. Knowing how to fight tilts the odds you will win but does not guarantee it. Always take the option that give you the best odds, think with your head not your manhood!
If this kid is going to a respectable MA school the instructor will give the mom her money back and kick the kid out. The last thing you want are thugs learning how to be better thugs, or in this case to be creating thugs!