With the school year nearing its end, it is time for many parents to consider what activities to involve their children in this summer. Karate offers exercise, discipline, and  self-confidence. It also offers socialization and healthy competition for boys and girls. Kids karate also keeps kids on a schedule and maintains a routine in the summer months. If you would like more information on kids karate classes contact Focus Kid Karate Academy in Edina, Minnesota.

Since the 1980′s, the Karate Kid franchise has introduced the youth to the virtues and strength of character that are fundamental to the martial arts. Kid karate is great for children, and the latest installment of the Karate Kid brings a timely and modern adaption to the now classic story. For information on the programs at Focus Kid Karate Academy, simply contact us or stop by our facility in Edina, MN.

Since the dawn of civilization, martial arts has existed for the benefit of kids in a variety of forms. The Nuba Wrestling martial art technique of ancient Egypt helped to teach defense and character to the young of that age. From ancient China to modern-day America, kid karate continues to positively impact our youth. Kid’s karate is a respected extra-curricular activity that represents a lifestyle. Transcending simple sport, karate teaches valuable life lessons such as patience, self-control, and discipline.

Parents often look for programs outside of home and school settings that can enhance their child’s experience in growing to be well-rounded individuals. Kid karate benefits mind, body, and spirit as it allows the proper alignment of all of a child’s faculties. Kid’s karate is adjusted to a child’s skill-level based on the instructor’s one-on-one interaction with the child. Focus Kid Karate Academy has programs that are right for a child of any age or skill level.

Interesting blog post in the New York Times Opinion Pages by Nicholas D. Kristof regarding Lady Gaga’s efforts to fight bullying and promote human rights.

Op-Ed Columnist: Born to Not Get Bullied

Kathleen McCartney, dean of the Graduate School of Education here at Harvard, said that she and her colleagues invited Lady Gaga because they had been searching for ways to address bullying as a neglected area of education — and as a human rights issue. As many as one-fifth of children feel bullied, she said, adding: “If you don’t feel safe as a child, you can’t learn.”

Read the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/opinion/kristof-born-to-not-get-bullied.html

During the past decade, kids karate dojos have turned their sights on teaching martial arts to children with ADD, ADHD, and even kids with Asperger’s and Autism. Karate is an all-natural way to work with the parents and other family members to help the child in need to focus and to channel his or her energy in a positive direction. Kids of all types learn life lessons that stay with them for years into the future. Such an organic approach avoids the possibility of  the side-effects that often accompany medication and other therapies.

Kids karate can instill a sense of accomplishment, especially when a child wins in a competition. One student who recently won at a local tournament admitted that his opponents are not always the sole battle he faces during competition. He said, “I was really excited that I won the event in my category, but I always find nerves can get the better of me, especially in the first fight. It can take me a while to get going. After that, my confidence takes over and I can concentrate a lot better. I’m still young so I want to keep developing. I hope to win further competitions. I have some big events coming up so I need to keep training hard.”

Regardless of whether a child participates in tournaments or not, kids karate builds confidence and poise. Kids of all skill levels and backgrounds can benefit from martial arts programs and classes.

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.

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.

Children these days navigate a complex social world compared to even a generation ago. With so many avenues that connect children and allow them to communicate with each other in both positive and negative ways, it is essential to offer your child a healthy and structured environment that facilitates wholesome interactions other kids. With social networking, texting, and mobile phones adding barriers to one-on-one contact, teaching children to be confident and respectful in a kids karate setting, with their peers, has become even more valuable.

Advantages of Learning Social Skills in Kids Karate

• Small class sizes
• Low teacher-to-student ratio
• Actual face-to-face contact with peers
• Problem-solving social skills
• Comradery

Children interact in a variety of ways in kids karate as they grow together and learn new techniques. They learn about the responsible uses of karate, for exercise and self defense only, and are taught that bullying is never okay. In a world where the nature of communication is changing, kids karate provides a doorway for children to build a strong foundation for their future social interactions.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Overweight children suffer from health problems and added to that, they are often the targets of bullying in their neighborhoods and at school. Since it can be challenging to control their intake of snack foods and other calorie-packed foods, an increasingly popular option rests in teaching children self control while burning calories in a kids karate program.

Even if a child is not overweight, exercise is the number one way to stay fit & healthy. Kid karate classes get kids to exercise while endowing them with confidence and a sense of achievement. At Focus Kids Karate Academy, your child can be taught by a trained expert. The beginning of any form of martial arts training is the relationship between the master and student. Disciplined adherence to the rules of the training school and obedience to the master are aspects of the training process that create lifelong skills for kids.

With unhealthy alternatives for kids lying around almost every corner, it is good to have fun, healthy, options like kids karate that teach kids skills that benefit them mentally and physically.

With most kid karate programs, personal goals are set and worked towards. Mental and physical exercises combine to promote a holistic workout that resonates with students for years after their karate sessions are completed. Karate is an aerobic exercise that teaches self-control and self-discipline. Rooted in the Ancient Orient, Karate has spread all across the globe and into our consciousness. From the time most children are young, their fascination with Martial Arts is undeniable.

Children of all ages and upbringings mimic the karate moves of their favorite gurus. With so much natural energy or “chi” it is important to teach children how to properly manage their “chi”. Most dojos begin by teaching proper conduct and arena etiquette, both valuable life skills that can be transferred to future endeavors. The beginner must also exercise by repetition and build muscle memory, setting the stage for more advanced technique.

As kid karate programs set the stage for learning forms and entering tournaments, your child’s confidence increases. They learn the importance of using Karate only as self-defense and not to harm others needlessly with this art form. Such skills are beneficial on multiple levels and kids enjoy the routine and status of being Martial Artists. Both boys and girls can have a great time building strength in their bodies and minds with Karate.