Should My Child Take Self Defense Classes? Most parents are deeply concerned about their children's safety, which is why many now consider enrolling children in self defense classes. However, some parents feel that self defense classes may create unforeseen problems for their children. Children who take classes might worry more than is necessary or feel unsafe or distrustful of others after taking self defense classes. The key is to find self defense classes that create a healthy balance between teaching a child how to be safe without scaring the child. When a child should take self defense classes varies with the individual child. Some parents find that they prefer to teach preliminary self defense classes themselves. These should include teaching a child what to do if separated from a parent in public, teaching them not to approach people in cars, and not to talk to unknown adults, among many other subjects. Unless a parent is a martial arts instructor with a very calm personality, teaching a child how to fight off an attacker is not going to be simple. Many child safety experts recommend that children somewhere between the age of 6-12 take self defense classes. Older children, over 12, should also take one again for a refresher and for more practice. Realistically, a theory-based class can only take one so far. Practicing moves to fight off an attacker increases the chances that one will remember what to do if one is attacked. To increase parents’ comfort in the material presented in self defense classes, instructors are usually able to give parents time in advance to review the material. Some classes are even offered for entire families. This can be a great way for a family to be more aware of risky behaviors and child safety in general. One should be wary of self defense classes where material is not easily available or where an instructor won’t answer questions regarding the course. Any person with some knowledge about protecting children knows that you shouldn't allow an unknown person to instruct your children. Self defense instructors should be particularly aware of this. Parents also might want to get recommendations from schools, from local police stations or from other parents about which self defense classes they endorse or recommend. This can help you wade through the many self defense classes offered to children in order to pick the best ones. If your child is enrolled in a self defense class for kids only, consider taking a refresher course yourself. A single self defense course is not a shield from attacks, or a guarantee a child won’t be approached by a harmful person. Learning, and practicing in front of your children can be an excellent model for your kids. Further, discussions of self defense should be ongoing, instead of a one-time event covered by self defense classes. If parents feel their children are not yet ready to participate in self defense courses, there are numerous ways to teach a child basic safety. These come in the form of kid friendly videos, or pamphlets provided freely by many child protection organizations. Parents can easily gain access to self defense information that will help them begin conversations with their children regarding safe behavior. Karate as self-defense Karate is one of the most dynamic of all the martial arts. A trained karateka is able to coordinate mind and body perfectly, thereby allowing the unleashing of tremendous physical power at will. Therefore, it is not the possession of great physical strength that makes a strong karateka; rather it is the ability to coordinate mind and body. Upon developing this ability, even the smallest person finds that he or she has within himself or herself the power to deliver a devastating blow to any would-be attacker. The benefits of karate In our everyday lives we often forget the value of exercise to both our physical and mental health. The practice of karate tones the body, develops coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina. Also, the serious practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one's mental capabilities, and more self-confidence. In this, karate is not an end, but a means to an end. It is an activity in which advancing age is not a hindrance. Rather it encourages proficiency in the keen coordination of mind and body. Why Learn Karate?   Karate is a Healthy Choice Many people think of karate and they visualize dazzling high kicks and dropping into the splits. Not everyone will be physically able to perform these feats that are seen at the movies that typically stereotype karate and we're not going to pretend that we'll be able to make anybody a star. Our purpose is to make sure that you work at a level that is comfortable, yet challenging to yourself. Our workouts consist of a good mixture of cardiovascular endurance, strength training and flexibility exercises that are designed to benefit the whole body. Our instructors continue to research the best training methods known to the fitness world, and we're serious about it. People feel good when their healthy. It may seem like a redundant statement, but it's something that people need reminding of. With a healthy body, you have a healthy mind. Everything from waking up in the morning, and thinking clearly at school or in our jobs in this fast paced society that we live in becomes easier to deal with and more enjoyable when your body and mind are in tune. Awareness and Self Defence The key to self defence does not rely on punching and kicking. As a matter of fact, we discourse physical action in any confrontation unless it is an absolute last resort. Learning to be aware of your surroundings and avoiding dangerous situations is the focus of awareness. Simple things that people probably already know are used as constant reminders so that awareness becomes a natural way of thinking. We don't want people to be paranoid or scared to walk around their own block or to go to school, but many bad situations can be avoided. Concentration and Focus Concentration is something that for many people, has to be taught. Many doctors are now recommending people with A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) and A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit and Hearing Disorder) learn karate because of the concentration skills that are developed through the training drills and the practice of kata - a serious of movements, much like a dance choreography with the use of karate techniques. Balance Balance is a physical, and mental attribute that is developed as a result of karate training. Balance in the physical sense is acquired by performing drills that make you aware of what your body is doing while in motion. Balance as a mental characteristic is developed as you use karate as a mental stimulant. For most people karate will not be as natural as walking so you will have to rationalize your movements as you learn them. With the presence of a good physical and mental balance you will enhance and develop your skills. Control Control is a result of focus, concentration, and confidence. Through the efforts of repetitive karate training people learn their limitations. The more aggressive person may want to push those limitations, which is not a bad thing, but they learn to deal with what they have in front of them. Emotions such as anger and fear may never leave a person completely but by practice, like anything else, you can learn to control them. Respect, Discipline, and Humility Most educated people associate karate with discipline. This is because of the format in which the classes are taught. In karate there is a ranking system which lets people know where they stand. Karate doesn't have to be militaristic to the point it was originally intended (after all it is a martial art developed to defend ones' life) but these values are instilled. Generally a person who enters a karate class will see that people will bow to each other, call the instructor Sensei (teacher) and conform to the rules and guidelines set forth by the club. This makes a person feel rather awkward themselves if they don't conform to their surroundings. If there is a problem child or an adult with an overbearing demeanor they will be dealt with on a personal level. Most difficult people can be taught humility simply by being in an evironment where it is prominent. Goal Orientation People need direction. Most people enter a karate club with visions of wearing a black belt. The realization of reaching that goal can be overwhelming without proper direction. As instructors we help individuals set reasonable goals so that a person can make these ambitions attainable. Instead of thinking about a black belt that may be five or more years down the road, we focus on our ranking system which breaks it down to a few months at a time. At each level the student knows in advance what is expected of them to reach the next level. People that learn the importance of mile marking goals can more readily accept some of lifes challenges and learn to make realistic goals for themselves when there isn't someone there to do it for them. Self Confidence You have to feel good about yourself and you have to trust in your abilities to be confident. Karate teaches you how to handle pressure by applying a little bit at a time. Every individual has certain a limit and once you find it you feel comfortable. Once your comfortable you can start to expand or push those limits and feel good about trying something you never imagined you could before. Karate is an endless learning experience that provides constant challenge keeping you alert and to let your confidence grow. Role Models Like a school teacher, we as karate instructors have a responsibility to our students to instill positive values. Children benefit by the mental stimulation of learning the choreographed moves of the kata and the discipline of conforming to the rules of the club. An adult doesn't have to feel self conscious about getting the physical benefits of the exercise provided. Karate instills the confidence to walk away from confrontation, not to contest it head on. To teach these values at an early age will benefit a child for the rest of their life. On an adult perspective, it can shed a bit of light through the stresses of our daily routines. Constant Supervision & Guidance Karate clubs, unlike many health clubs provide constant instruction by experienced leaders. Most people don't have the discipline to work out by themselves and it's human nature to work on what we already do well rather than to work at what is more difficult. By having the instructors lead a class through a planned routine you get a good balanced workout. Karate also promotes group support by having students work with each other under the guidance of an instructor. This teaches a more experienced student to work their leadership skills by passing along information that they have gathered over the years. A less experienced student will also ask questions that will challenge the senior student. This is a challenge that requires the senior student to put trust in their abilities and in return a adds a real sense of accomplishment. Karate as a Sport Karate as a sport has been on a steady incline since the late 1960s. It provides a method of testing your abilities in a controlled environment. The sparring is fast paced not only for the spectator, but requires precision skill and control by the competitor. In karate you pull your technique, scoring points by showing the judges what you could do in a self defence situation. The kata competition shows a combination of grace and power in technique through a series of choreographed movements that represent the competitor defending themselves in a multi attack environment. Both provide a sense of self accomplishment and build confidence by performing in front of their peers and an audience. Karate is Fun! Not only do you benefit from learning the techniques and routines that karate provides, you do it with other people that share a common interest. Any extra curricular activity you involve yourself with should be a release from the stress or anxiety that is built up in our daily routines. People involved in karate can established friendships for life. Are martial arts right for your child? An alternative to team sports: There are many advantages to participating in martial arts instead of team sports, such as soccer and baseball. If you have a child who does not enjoy team-related activities, martial arts provide a way to learn not only the physical skills of athletics but also the mental skills such as concentration and memory. Confidence builders: Some kids begin martial arts with self-confidence problems, because they are small or fragile or being bullied, and they quickly begin to look and feel more confident. Martial arts training can even be an introduction to good manners. Working out the aggression: Another advantage of the martial arts disciplines, according to instructors, is that they discourage aggressive behavior outside of class. Because children who "bully" others often have self-esteem issues, the martial arts help to strengthen self-confidence.