How Karate can Benefit Children
Children’s Karate classes are not only great for the community but also are an amazing way to improve the lives of kids, their families and schools. This is because of the values Karate imparts to children. Some of these values include:
When students work toward their goals and see themselves succeed, they begin to feel empowered with self-confidence. In this way, karate teaches children that hard work and focus can help them accomplish anything they set out to do. Kids learn how to work with their own strengths and weaknesses and how to believe in their own abilities. They enjoy increased self-assurance, a quality that makes them more confident in other aspects of life.
Karate also teaches children the correct way to fail. Their instructor will warn them that they may not always win when they participate in tournaments or matches, and, on a smaller scale, they may have days when they struggle in class or find it difficult to learn a new move. Instead of getting discouraged, kids in karate learn to view failure as a learning experience. These kids will have the confidence to try more new things when they don’t see failure as something to fear.
One Life Skill of Karate is Respect. Children are taught to respect the masters who came before them, as well as their instructors, their peers and themselves. Quality Karate instructors focus on this value consistently, encouraging students to carry it with them beyond the class. Self-respect and respecting those who are above and below them in status/age are essential character qualities that stick with kids throughout their lives.
The kind of courage that young people learn in karate is one that encompasses a certain spirit of bravery. It is not simply acting without fear, it is channeling an internal energy to act in spite of fear. Courage is a transferable skill that allows students to set goals, overcome challenges and attain success both in the Dojo and in life.
Some young people have inherent leadership qualities, while others develop them with proper mentorship and growth opportunities. Karate is a sport that encourages and stimulates young leaders with chances to help lower-level students reach their goals. With these skills, children can be empowered to make positive decisions and act as role models within their school, family and community.
Discipline is one of the most important karate values because it transfers to other aspects of a child’s life. It goes beyond respect for authority and for those who dispense corrections and punishments. Rather, it focuses on self-discipline practices. In karate, discipline includes the ability to control one’s emotions and short-term desires while working toward more meaningful long-term goals.
The mental and physical challenges of karate training require attentive focus from students. This is important to correctly learn techniques and to properly channel one’s energy and strength. Like other karate values, focus is needed for success beyond the Dojo, as well. When kids learn this skill in their karate class, they can begin to apply it to homework, chores and personal goal-setting as they move into adulthood.
Like other sports, Karate keeps students physically fit. They also learn to value the quality of being fit, as it becomes necessary for reaching their goals and maintaining the other moral values imparted within the Dojo. Karate classes often include cardio workouts, strength training and flexibility drills. Having a healthy body also tends to have a positive impact on other aspects of the child’s life such as increased energy levels throughout the day, the ability to concentrate and the production of the endorphins needed for good moods and healthy social interactions.
These benefits of training will stay with a child far beyond their time in the Dojo. While self-defense skills are one of the more tangible outcomes of karate practice, positive morals contribute to lifelong character-building and the development of the soft skills needed for all-around success.
If you’re ready for your child to experience the many benefits that karate has to offer simply click here to book your Free introductory class with our experienced instructors.
