Karate for Kids
Karate for Kids. Why didn't I think of that. Karate for Kids has a ring to it. The words karate and kids feel right together. In fact it is even fun to say karate for kids. Karate is cool. And, kids like to do cool things. So why shouldn't kids do karate. I can't think of any reason why not. Instead the opposite is true. More kids, your kid should be doing karate. As a soon to be third degree black belt I want to break down some of the more common misconceptions about karate held by parents.
First, karate creates bullies. This is just untrue. Karate does not make children more aggressive, more violent, mean and uncaring. Martial arts training instills empathy and compassion and a sense of what is right and wrong in how we treat others. Martial arts training by children imbues them with an old fashion moral compass.
Second, karate training is dangerous. Martial arts classes are not dangerous. Most of the class time is spent in fun but challenging athlete building exercises and drills. Bags are hit. Pads are punched. Shields are kicked. Boards are broken. Moves are memorized. And, part of the self control training is that when strikes are practiced on another student, safety gear is used and only the requisite amount of force is permitted.
Third, karate is for boys. This is wrong. At the Seung-ni Martial Arts Academy where I train in Traverse City, Michigan about half the students in the Teen Class are young women. And, in the younger kids classes there is large number of girls practicing martial arts. Self confidence, positive body image, self defense, tactical awareness -- just a few of the reasons moms and dads enroll their daughters into karate.
Fourth, karate is all work and no fun. So far from reality. Kids today love video games. They love the Ninja Warrior TV show. Children love movies about creatures that do martial arts like Kung Fu Panda and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Karate techniques are so much fun to learn, practice, drill and eventually master.
Fifth, karate is too expensive. Although some martial arts schools may charge a lot. There are a great many of awesome, clean, professional martial arts schools that still teach karate for a reasonable price. Parents just need to do a little research and find the one that fits their budget. At the Seung-ni Academy in Traverse City I know the tuition rates range from $69 to $89 per month depending on the particular program and how often the karate kids will be taking class.
Karate for Kids. Kids in Karate. Does not matter the order of the thought. It's a good one. If you live in Northern Michigan come check out my Academy at www.seungnitc.com or give my instructors a call at 231.932.4300. And remember a black belt is just a white belt that never gave up.
