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Karate Kids
Children and Martial Arts By Carma Haley
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."