BENEFITS OF KARATE

Martial Arts has a very special place for children and kids. It means so much to then and helps them in their lives in so many different ways. Below are some examples how the martial arts will enrich your kids life.

• Self Esteem: Children develop a better sense of themselves as being stronger and more capable. Parents and psychologists recommend martial arts for boosting a student's self-esteem. Beginners often progress rapidly in a good school--able to perform techniques that seemed superhuman in a few months. This accomplishment and development ("Mom! I broke a board!") gives students pride in themselves and their abilities.

• Physical fitness: Martial arts training develops cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength. Martial artists also enjoy a heightened sense of balance, as well as learning specific skills to avoid injury.

• Goal Setting: Regularly scheduled belt tests provide both short and long term goals.

• Integrity: A strong code of Ethics and Values are taught and followed.

• Indomitable Spirit: Through being encouraged and pushed to excel, students develop strength in the face of adversity- both physical and mental.

• Responsibility: Children are taught and expected to take care of their own and the school's equipment.

• Loyalty: Is stressed heavily, not just to the school but also to their family, friends and ideals.

• Discipline: The regimented environment of a martial arts school instills a deep work ethic and sense of discipline in students.

• Love of Family: Honoring the mother and father is stressed in almost every class

• Individual achievement: Students progress at their own pace in martial arts schools. Rather than suffering the embarrassment of being compared with kids who are better at sports--like hitting a baseball, or shooting baskets--they train with others at their same level (e.g. belt color). As training continues as feeling of accomplishment grows.

• Camaraderie and belonging: Most martial arts schools develop an esprit de corps, a sense of brotherhood (or sisterhood) surrounding the school, its instructors, and students.

• Respect for self and others: The structure of martial arts training is based on mutual respect--students show respect to the instructor, to each fellow student, even upon entering the school. In addition, martial arts training promotes a healthy self-respect--now that your body is capable of these amazing feats, why smoke, drink, or do drugs? You can't because your martial arts progress will be hindered.

• Mental focus: Learning to execute the complex and foreign techniques of martial arts requires extreme mental focus. Students often find this focus is applicable to academic studies as well.

• Security: Lastly, the martial arts provide skills for personal security. For kids who are preyed upon by bullies, the ability to defend themselves allows them peace of mind. In almost all cases, they never have to use.