Karate For Kids – The Benefits

We live in a fast paced world, technology seems to be taking over, so where is it all heading for the kids?

No longer do kids go play in the park, or build a camp in the local woods, instead, they stay cooped up at home, sitting In front of the TV, with the latest offering from the computer games universe. It is so easy for kids to become inactive and end up overweight or even obese!

The kids who go learn karate, not only get much needed exercise and social interaction, karate also encompasses character building and life skills.

Karate is steeped in philosophy as well as ancient fighting techniques. Great karate masters of old, preach character building over fighting. Master Gichin Funakoshi said, “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants“.

A good karate instructor will not only teach karate moves, a good karate school will encourage all the positive life skills like, achievement, humility, determination, respect, effort, etc.

A karateka (someone who practices karate), will be taught to respect their fellow karateka, showing respect to people in the dojo, will lead to the same being shown outside of the karate dojo.

Achievement plays a big part in a good karate dojo, this could be anything from learning a new karate technique or combination, entering a competition or belt test, perfecting a karate kata (form), etc.

Karate classes for kids should be both fun and serious, check out your local kids karate classes and ask if you can observe a typical class. They should encompass all of the above and much more. if they do, encourage your child to have a go.

So, are karate classes for kids, good for them? YES! And I believe it should be compulsory in all schools, but then again, I am a little biased!