Let us take this opportunity to let you
know what our goals are, as martial arts instructors, as they pertain
to the children of our community.
We’ve found the most important
characteristics that can be taught to our children are self-esteem,respect and self-discipline. If these traits are not instilled at an
early age, it might be difficult for them to function in society the
way we would like them to. The question then becomes, “ How does all
this relate to the martial arts?”
We put our instructors through
many hours of training to learn the tools necessary to instill the
characteristics of self-esteem, respect and self-discipline in our
students. This, however, is not done overnight. It takes time, and,
most importantly, it takes communication with the instructor to let
him/her know about the child’s activities, good or bad.
About self defense. It’s nice to be
able to defend oneself, and, if one continues to study with us, he/she
will be able to do so. Our philosophy is to only fight when bodily harm
comes our way. To the instructors, the kicks and punches are not
really as important as what they represent for the children. We look at
kicks and punches as tools to instill and equip our students with the
real weapons of self defense: SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-DISCIPLINE and
RESPECT.
When a child is _already aggressive martial arts will, in time, give the child balance. We
have the ability, through our knowledge of the arts, to take the overly
aggressive child and help him/her to become less aggressive. In
addition, we can take the timid child and, through achievement, help
him/her to become more outgoing.
Coordination and shyness. Martial arts classes
will greatly help with the coordination in a positive manner, without
embarrassing the child. Karate is an individual event; the child
competes in class against no one. They progress at their own speed with
encouragement from their family and instructors.
