Any child, who starts to learn Karate, arrives to class with a few goals in mind. These goals are as simple as learning a new Karate technique, advancing to the next belt rank, and impressing his or her parents. Once a short-term goal is achieved, confidence settles in, and Karate training is a succession of goals.
Therefore, overcoming obstacles, which routinely occur within martial arts, become ?second nature.? Children, who regularly accomplish goals, within their Karate class, learn to accept adversity, set-backs, and disappointments. Finding solutions ?under fire? is a routine part of a Karate classes for children. This is extremely rewarding and builds a child's self esteem to the core of his or her inner being.
Anger Management
Karate class gives children an outlet for life's daily stress. Children today have too much stress with unstable family units, bullies, peer pressure, and financial worries. The Karate studio serves as a bridge between academic school and the family unit. Children have a safe place to ?vent? their frustrations, when they come into a Karate class.
Many physical education programs, in schools, have been scaled back - and playing out on the street is very unsafe. Karate is safe, physical, and supervised. Kicking and punching bags, or target pads, is just one way for children to get some frustration out of their systems.
Children also learn to count and yell (kia) within the Karate class at appropriate times. The kia is the sound you often hear when a Karate practitioner demonstrates a breaking technique. The ability to vocalize is an empowering experience for children and a natural part of childhood.
Running, jumping, punching, kicking, and screaming are normal, but children are often put on prescriptions for being active. Karate gives children a safe and structured solution for managing anger. Many parents, with children in our Karate classes at our North Providence facility, remark that their children sleep better, are more focused on homework, and are more cooperative after a Karate lesson.
If we spent our childhood years with less physical activity, more stress, and were told to be quiet all the time, we would have anger management issues, as well. Extra energy is a part of youth, and you can easily see this in any species. Youth is full of energy, taking chances, and learning boundaries. This is why ?Karate for Kids? is so valuable in developing character within our children today. There is no equal to Karate training, in structure, or in child development.
? Copyright 2005 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Self-Confidence
Many adults struggle with self esteem, so it is natural that children would also feel a lack of confidence. Also, children of parents who have self-confidence issues will copy their parent's example.
This is one reason why the self-confidence CD we have in our Pro Shop is so popular with adults. This CD is actually a form of self-hypnosis for adults, but Karate is a much more effective self-confidence tool for active children.
So, how does a child find self-confidence through Karate practice? Self esteem is built on a foundation of daily accomplishments that each child experiences within his or her Karate class. This is a form of programming confidence into a child's personality. As a child becomes more proficient at Karate, self-confidence is not far behind, and will carry into all of his or her activities.
Social Skills
There is such a social skill deficit with children these days. Having manners, showing courtesy, and displaying mutual respect are part of every Karate class. It is nice that we have become ?technically advanced,? but we do not have to leave tradition behind. As children grow, the child who displays manners, courtesy, and respect will succeed in life.
A lack of these qualities is considered anti-social, rude, or arrogant ? and rightfully so. Some adults who display these forms of behavior do ?get by,? but diplomacy can carry us a long way. Therefore, social skills are positively reinforced in each Karate lesson.
Let's cover a few bonus benefits that children receive from regular attendance to Karate classes.
Self-Defense
?A fly on the wall? would learn adequate self-defense skills, if it hung around a Karate class long enough. Children who continue to practice Karate will be able to take care of themselves and should develop enough awareness to stay out of trouble.
Nutrition
Any child, or adult, who practices Karate will excel athletically and will watch what they eat. Within any form of mind and body exercise, proper nutrition is contagious.
Meditation
The ?Kata? or (Karate form) is meditation in motion. The adult or child Karate student learns to focus and quiet his or her mind in daily Karate practice. Steady gaze, and breath awareness meditation techniques, is taught to Karate students at our North Providence facility.
Needless to say, children who practice Karate, on a steady basis, will be very well rounded and poised for success in life. If you want to give your child a gift that lasts a lifetime, visit your local martial arts center and find a program that fits your needs. Compare at least two martial arts schools to make an informed decision.
? Copyright 2005 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul M. Jerard Jr. has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Yoga Practice and Anger Control. Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga t. Paul M. Jerard Jr.'s top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.