Karate is a fun way for children to exercise, as well as learning self defence.
Parents are often worried about martial arts encouraging their children to fight or showing them how to do it more effectively. This is a valid concern, many 'Modern' Martial Arts only teach the students how to fight, where as they should be teaching them how not to fight. With true traditional karate, students are made aware that it is unacceptable to fight unless it is to defend themselves. From the words of the Goju Ryu Karate Founder, Chojun Miyagi :
"Do not be struck by others
Do not strike others
The principle is the peace without incident."
In Japan, the martial arts - Karate, Kendo, Judo and Aikido - have been taught to children for centuries and in school physical education programs for almost 100 years. It is traditional for many, families to start their children in martial arts at about the age of six, not only for the skills learned but also for the discipline of training.
Bullying
Unfortunately bullying is a common problem for many children, in addition to the natural confidence learning to defend yourself brings, we also teach strategies to minimize bullying and what to do if a problem arises.
Stranger Danger
In our classes we teach children about 'stranger danger' with scenarios and strategies to employ if you feel in danger. These strategies include using your voice to attract attention, falling to the ground kicking or screaming and always when possible running away.
Karate Kids: Children and Martial Arts (courtesy of iparenting.com) read article |
