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Karate For Kids - Martial Arts Increase Strength and Self-esteem, By Peggy Middendorf
Originally published in FamilyFun Magazine
The ultimate goal of martial arts does not lie in victory or defeat, but
in the improvement of character of the participants.
- Ginchin Funakoshi
For most people, karate and the martial arts are only about attacking and injuring an opponent or assailant. This notion, however, couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, the martial arts are more about physical training, developing self-control and increasing self-esteem.
It's natural for parents to be concerned when it comes to the martial arts: nearly 50 percent of enthusiasts are children and the opportunity for injury or aggressive behavior does exist. But if parents are willing to take the time to learn what the martial arts are really about, most will agree that they can teach children much more than just kicks and punches.
Benefits For Kids
According to Thomas Nardi, a psychologist and author of KARATE BASICS, almost every child can benefit from martial arts training. The structured drills that involve punching, kicking and yelling can help introverted children overcome shyness and timidity while giving extroverted children a safe, healthy environment in which to compete. Anxious or worried children can become more confident and assertive while overly aggressive children can learn to control their anger and begin to understand that fighting is non-productive. The skills and confidence that martial arts provide may also contribute to a child's feeling of being unique—a part of something out of the ordinary.
Physical Benefits
Beyond general physical conditioning, karate teaches proper body movement and control. Children lacking in coordination may find that martial arts, and the intricate series of movements involved, may help them to better develop balance and fluidity of movement.
Classes typically involve a total body workout with an emphasis on stretching, coordination, flexibility and strength training. And because of the focus on the mental aspects and conditioning, as opposed to brute force, girls are at no disadvantage in the martial arts. Both sexes can and do achieve the ultimate goal—a black belt.
Martial arts training also increases a child's aerobic capacity: A student's pulse rate when performing katas (specific sequences of punches, kicks and other techniques) is comparable to their rate while jogging.
Another benefit, which may sound unusual at first, is teaching children how to fall properly. By learning how to twist the body during a fall and where and how to land, your child is less likely to be injured in common mishaps such as bicycle, sports and play accidents.
Mental Benefits
Self-defense is, of course, the main reason most kids sign up for martial arts lessons. But a good instructor, or sensei, will make it clear that karate is not for bullying or showing off. Aggression is not just downplayed, it's totally discouraged.
When sparring with other students, children must pull their punches which requires a great deal of self-control, self-discipline and practice. Karateka (students of karate) must also memorize complicated movements which can lead to an increase in overall concentration skills.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying the martial arts comes with a child's increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. Students are allowed to set their own goals (moving up in the ranks through belt tests) and attain them at their own pace. This increase in self-esteem and concentration can and will spill over into students' schoolwork. In fact, some instructors monitor their students' report cards as part of the training.
Choosing the Right School
Parents should begin by choosing a style of martial arts. When deciding, take into consideration your child's strengths and weaknesses: A soccer player might enjoy karate because of the emphasis on kicking, whereas a wrestler might prefer judo or aikido.
Another good first step is to attend classes at several different schools. Most dojos have a regular spectator gallery for parents and visitors. While you're there, take into account the following:
- Does the instructor explain the moves clearly?
- Is he patient and encouraging to students?
- Does the instructor seem to enjoy the students and his work?
- What are his qualifications to teach? Instructors should be black belts
and have a minimum of three to five years training with certification.
- If the instructor is foreign, can you and your child clearly understand
him?
- What are the age divisions and skill levels of the classes?
- Are parents welcome at classes and does the sensei encourage parental
involvement?
- What types of safety precautions are in place?
- When do students begin sparring, how is it supervised and is contact
allowed?
- What is the student-teacher ratio? The instructors should be able to give adequate attention with some individual instruction to each child.
You should also take into consideration the appearance of the facility itself. All equipment should be clean and well-maintained, and any weapons should be kept in a secure place and handled properly by the instructors or their assistants.
What to Expect - A Typical Class
The manners, rituals and customs set the tone for the discipline and control that is taught in any given class or dojo. Students come dressed in their gi and, as they enter the dojo, they bow to their sensei who then bows back. Classes typically begin with a period of meditation followed by stretching and warm-up exercises. The lesson is then taught and students practice their skills by working or sparring together. At no time should the sensei have to raise his voice. Instructors must always remain calm and speak quietly. When you are observing a potential dojo, be on the lookout for the following:
- What is the atmosphere at the facility?
- Do the students show respect to the sensei and, in return, does the
instructor respect the students?
- Do students bow as they enter and leave the dojo?
- Does the instructor encourage students without humiliation?
- If sparring or training with weapons is part of the class, what emergency
medical precautions have been made?
- Do the teachers downplay the aggressive side of karate? They must emphasize
that the martial arts are for self-defense, not violence or showing off.
When is Your Child Ready?
Children can begin participating as early as four or five and you should look for a school that has a class specifically for this age group. Children should be grouped together with others their own age and size, especially when sparring. Kids must also have some basic abilities before they begin: the ability to pay attention during the entire class, to concentrate on the ideas present, to follow instructions and to cooperate with others.
How can you tell if a program is not suitable for your child? Warning signs include not concentrating, not keeping up, not bringing equipment to class more than once and being late for class. Starting your child in classes too early may produce frustration for both you and your child. It's important to determine what your child's goals are before signing up.
What Will it Cost?
Karate lessons can be expensive, so read the contract carefully before signing up for any classes. Be sure the contract specifies the length of the course and any extra costs. Also consider:
- Are you signing up for a specific period of time or a series of lessons?
- Are you charged per class or per belt?
- How much do the belt tests cost and how often are they given?
- If your child decides he doesn't want to continue, are you still obligated
to pay the remaining time on the contract?
- Is there a provision for a leave of absence due to illness or injury?
- Is a gi included? Some dojos include a gi (the white uniform) with the
price of the lessons.
- What other types of equipment are required?
- Can I buy my equipment anywhere or do I have to purchase it through
the school?
- Does the dojo encourage students to participate in tournaments and,
if so, what are the fees involved?
- Some schools allow children to try out a few classes before asking for a longer-term commitment and you should ask if trial lessons are available.