A leading jujitsu instructor has called for martial arts to be taught in schools to reduce the incidence of bullying.

As children prepare to return to the classroom this week, Hoshin Jutsu Australia-Pacific co-founder Rose Smith said bullying could be addressed through techniques practised in martial arts.

"The warrior creed means looking after other people who are weaker than you, standing up for those who can't defend themselves, doing the right thing and behaving in a way that is respectful to yourself and others," she said.

Australian Jujitsu Federation board member Gary Davis said children who studied martial arts were less likely to suffering bullying or become bullies.

"It gives you the confidence to know you can walk away," he said. "You don't have to fight. Even if you walk away you can still protect yourself or protect others."

Martial arts could be particularly beneficial for girls, because   it taught them how to defend themselves while developing personal esteem and self-reliance, he said.

Ms Smith's jujitsu program, aimed at girls, incorporates instruction on respectful manners, study discipline and breaking the cycle of gossip in school groups.

Scott Brailey, who teaches 50 jujitsu students at St Scholastica's College in Glebe, said the sport could impart important life skills.

"The girls certainly come away feeling empowered," he said.

"They know how to use their bodies to protect themselves in a way that doesn't necessarily require physical strength. That is a skill which has long-term value in life."

Maryanne Lia, whose 15-year-old daughter Carmen Liawas third in last year's national championship, said martial arts were ideal for teenage girls.

"A lot of girls drop sport when they enter their teens because they become self-conscious, or they want to focus more on study, but it's exactly the time they should be keeping active," she said.

Ms Smith is lobbying girls' schools with the aim of expanding the program, which has been running for 16 years.

"It's a bit frustrating, because I think a lot of schools don't really understand how important it is for girls to learn how to defend and protect themselves," she said.

"A lot of schools say they have already got too many activities. This is a life-saving activity. It can stop you from being hurt, it can teach you to have a really strong and positive body image and self-confidence."

A spokesman for the Department of Education and Training said schools could incorporate martial arts instruction, provided it met guidelines on sport and physical activity in schools.