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Seven Reasons
Self-Defense Karate
training can be a catalyst to promote self-confidence, assertiveness,
goal orientation, calmness and concentration. According to child education
specialist, Nicholas Cokina's, "Besides the three R's every parent
should ensure that their child knows two things - karate and how to swim".
Contrary to what some
parents believe. Self-Defense/Karate training does not prepare children
for a show-down with a bully; rather, it short circuits the bully -baiting
signals by building self-confidence and self-esteem through the supervised
practice and learning of self defense techniques.
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Defusing Bullies
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| A Bully usually has low self-esteem
and the need to feel powerful causes them to seek out others
weaker then themselves. A Bully senses weakness such as an unwillingness
to look him in the eye, hunched posture, rapid breathing when
confronted and uncertainty in replies. |
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Grace Under Pressure
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| Karate/Self-defense is a practical
course in assertiveness training. The format is simple: apply
a small amount of pressure, teach the student to handle it,
then graduate slowly until the student is comfortable. |
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Goal Orientation
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| Karate offers clear bench marks of
progress that are not found in many modern-day activities. The
Karate/Self-defense belt ranking system bestows a different
color belt for each step up the ladder which provides a constant
sense of achievement. New belt rankings are attained by passing
a test offered at periodic intervals. A by-product of this test
is learning poise in front of the instructor and an audience. |
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Karate, Concentration and Schoolwork
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| Concentration is definitely a by-product
of Karate training. The traditional Kata (a set of prescribed
movements against an imaginary opponent) is a lesson in self-control.
Maintaining a low stance, remembering each intricate move and
delivering it with power requires effort. |
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Role Models
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| Parents will find that Karate promotes
achievement orientation. By emulating the instructor the kids
have a strong, positive role model and learn appropriate use
of their new skills. |
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Physical Benefits
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| A number of professional athletic
teams have used Karate as training to improve performance.
Children lacking coordination may find Karate/Self-defense
to be one of the best activities to develop a balance
and fluid movement. Flexibility is a standard of Karate
training, this makes a young athlete less prone to injury
and more flexible later in life. |
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Fulfilling the Need to Belong
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| A distinct advantage over team
sports is that every child can participate. Unlike team
sports, where a youngster may not make the cut or ends
up on the bench, Karate/Self-defense lets everyone perform
at his or her highest level. Children in Karate are often
leaders in their peer group. They have an investment in
their value system, and things like alcohol, cigarettes
and drugs are viewed as a risk to that investment. |
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