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KARATE KIDS:
Children and Martial Arts
By Carma Haley
From the
Children Today Web Site
Jackie Chan,
Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Stephen Segal all do
it. The "Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles" did
it, too. And don't forget that you can see it every
weekday on the "Power Ranger" episodes
as well. Demonstrations of martial arts in movies
and on television add an element of excitement and
action. This action is often imitated by young children
on playgrounds, schoolyards or at home with siblings.
If a child shows an interest in "the moves," should
a parent consider enrolling them in a martial arts
program? What benefits would martial arts training
provide? Is it worth it?
"Martial arts, especially those styles that
originated in Japan and Okinawa, are based on the
premise of respect and 'do no harm,'" says Joyce
Roberson, a martial arts expert and author of the "Karate
for Kids" column. "Contrary to the visual
perception of karate being a violent sport, the premiere
dictate of this sport is nonviolence above all else."
Martial arts in the movies may not offer a true
indication of what the "sport" teaches
children and adults as well. Allowing your child
to receive martial arts training is not opening up
a door to violence, it is opening a door to building
a solid foundation of self-esteem and confidence. "Students
learn that respect for others, as a priority, naturally
leads to a respect for self," says Roberson. "This
wonderful philosophy is often at odds to what our
young people learn here in the United States. We
have become obsessed with the 'me first' mentality
which often leads to emotionally unhealthy young
people."
There are various forms, types and styles of martial
arts instruction available. In choosing a program
for children, a parent may need to research the varying
styles and decide which is best suited for their
child's interests, level of development and motivation. "My
expertise is in Shotokan karate," says Roberson. "I
currently help train the 4- to 6-year-old beginning
students and have discovered that this particular
style of karate is very well suited to the very young.
Developmentally these kids have not learned the fine-motor
skills that come with age.  Shotokan, with its wide
sweeping blocks and kicks, provides nicely for these
age-appropriate deficits. The very young can quickly
and easily master the basic moves of this sport,
which in turn increases their motivation to continue."
"Our son is 8 years old. He started karate
at age 7 and now has his green belt," says Anne
Trudelle, an occupational nurse from Port Perry,
Ontario, Canada. "The reason we put our son
in karate was threefold: to increase his self-confidence
and thereby his focus on scholastic skills, increase
his social awareness in that if ever confronted,
he was in receipt of the knowledge of how to protect
himself and others from danger. He also showed interest
in traditional karate. Notice there is no mention
of competitions; there are none in Shotokan. This
appealed to me."
Parents can visit various martial arts facilities
where they can view the techniques, class sizes and
levels of participation to aid in determining which
style and program best suits their child. Instructors
are often open to answering any questions and addressing
concerns that may be brought by parents. "Parents
need to locate a studio in their area and go, sit
and just watch," says Roberson. "I would
recommend going at least twice and watching. There
are a few important tips that I encourage all parents
to watch for. Check to ensure that a black belt instructor,
or at least a very high ranking brown belt, is teaching
the very young. Ensure that the instructor is not
promoting fighting for ages 4 to 6. This is not an
appropriate skill for this age group to be learning.
The concept of "sparring" or fighting is
reserved only for older students who understand the
philosophy of sparring. Parents need to trust their
intuition. For very young students, the instructor
should be incorporating lots of games and activities
into their workouts. If it feels that the instructor
is not having fun and enjoying his young students,
then this is not an appropriate environment for kids
and parents need to keep looking."
In addition to building confidence and self-esteem,
classes in martial arts offers other benefits as
well. According to Roberson, children with learning
difficulty, such as ADHD, hyperactivity or behavior
problems, can benefit from the structure learning
program that martial arts training offers. Parents
of ADHD children tend to agree. "Our son, David,
participated in tae kwon do from ages 9 to 11," says
Karen Jenista, a housewife from Colorado Springs,
Colo. "His psychologist recommended a form of
martial arts to instill self-discipline and self-esteem
in David, issues that were present due to his ADHD.
David progressed to the green-belt level. Participating
in tae kwon do did give David confidence -- in himself
and his abilities. I think it really helped him to
have visible proof of his ability -- the different
colored belts and the awards of his achievements."
There is a shared concern from some parents about
the dangers and negative effects of martial arts
training for young children. The fear of injury,
using the techniques during play or the possibility
of their child causing injury to others has prevented
some parents from enrolling their child in a martial
arts program. "My son has shown an interest
for some time but I haven't given in," says
Karyn Lickey, a nurse's assistant from Richmond,
Va. "I have a fear of him beginning to believe
he is invincible and kicking or hitting another child.
He pretends with karate moves now, what will happen
if he taught how to do the real moves?" According
to Roberson, if a child is given proper instruction
followed by reinforcement by parents, the risk of
being injured or causing injury to another person
does not outweigh the benefits. A parent can learn
what their child learns by watching the classes or
perhaps, taking a class themselves.
"If any parent is looking for very cheap entertainment
for themselves, then karate is it!" says Roberson. "To
see 15 to 20 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds lined up in their
white uniforms, going through movements in unison
and putting their heart into these efforts, can make
a remarkable memory for any parent."
Sports participation, regardless of the sport, is
one way children can learn valuable lessons with
life-long benefits. Karate, as a sport, teaches self-discipline,
builds self-esteem and a level of commitment, which
may otherwise not be there. Maybe those turtles are
on to something. "Karate, more than any other
sport, is a life-long process," says Roberson. "When
kids click with this sport, it will follow them into
adulthood. It can become a way of life, as these
kids continually challenge themselves."
About the Author: Carma Haley is a nurse and iParenting
contributing writer, living in Virginia with her
husband and three sons.
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