by admin2 on February 20, 2012
Karate is a discipline that teaches students martial arts moves, proper form, and tests their skills. Students practice body mechanics, posture, and pivoting with their hips. Also covered is the principle of muscle compression and expansion.
In some dojos, students are graded using the Shotokan Karate format. There are three “Ks” that are tested: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring). The requirements become increasingly challenging with each level achieved by the student.
Candidates start by demonstrating the basics required for each level. They then progress to the kata that’s required. This is choreographed, starting with hand techniques that are announced for the lower levels, progressing to both hand and foot techniques that are not announced in the more advanced levels.
Kid karate classes are structured and offer a progressively challenging curriculum for the student. As the student builds character and confidence, they learn to work harder to achieve increasing status as a martial artist. Such a growth mindset can prepare the kid karate student for a fulfilling future with all of their endeavors and resulting successes.
by admin2 on February 12, 2012
There are a number of children who have to deal with the ill effects of bullying on a daily basis. Many of them are singled out by bullies for no apparent reason other than the possibility that they may be seen as an easy target. This could be because of the way the child carries him or herself, or because of less obvious social cues that they could be giving off without even realizing it. This does not mean that bullies have any right to pick on anyone’s kids, but unfortunately it is a reality that many children face. What does this have to do with kids karate?
Kids karate can teach children how to carry themselves with confidence and poise. By learning how to be strong in character in addition to learning self-defense, kids can feel less anxiety about walking down the hallways in school or playing at the neighborhood playground. Kids karate teaches kids self-defense while warning kids against being aggressive or provoking a fight. In fact, many dojos have strict codes of conduct that prohibit the use of martial arts unless it is in self-defense and completely necessary. Many kids karate classes will not allow a child to continue to learn kids karate if they use karate in a way that violates their code of conduct.
Most kids in a kids karate program avoid being bullied because of the confidence they gain alone. When a child is less afraid because they know self-defense, they are less likely to be targeted by bullies.
The following is a link to a studio in Harrisonburg, Virginia that has helped kids to overcome bullying in a way that Focus Kid Karate Academy helps children to gain the skills that can help them in dealing with bullies: Karate and Bullying.
