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Karate Kids
Children and Martial Arts By Carma Haley
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."