Karate is a premiere developmental form of exercise for people of all ages, but for children it's particularly appropriate. It provides a broad range of physical and mental skills and disciplines that are not necessarily available in other sports. Karate is a whole-body form of sport which does not emphasise a particular part of the body, as do so many others. It is low impact, and develops arms, legs, torso,and mind evenly. Both sides of the body are used equally, which is good for balance and coordination, and the range and breadth of movements helps develop core muscles.
Kuro Obi Martial Arts has age-based classes for children from the age of 3 to 12, allowing them to move between classes as their abilities and ages increase. The structured syllabus starts with the basics and progresses to the more difficult techniques as their abilities improve.
CHILDREN
Children as young as 3 can start learning karate, provided they have the right attentions span. Even though each child has a different learning rate, they can all benefit from the training provided by karate. It provides them with structure and coordination to their movement, physical awareness, the basics of physical and mental self-discipline, a physical outlet for their energies, elementary self-defense, and most importantly, the beginnings of a culture of exercise.
It's important to remember that enrolling your children in a karate class is not just a term-by-term event. Success in karate is a long term effort. This is one of the places your child can learn about long term goals and deferred benefits. Belts and rewards don't come quick and easy at Kuro Obi dojo. They're not handed out to encourage them just because they're kids. Students are expected to earn them, so they can be proud (but not too proud) of their successes. Ultimately that's where the true satisfaction comes from - knowing that you did it yourself. It can be discouraging for a child to see others getting their belts ahead of them, but they must learn that it is effort and patience that pays off. A black belt is a white belt who never quit.
Children kneeling in "seiza" - the beginning and end of class meditation period
TEENAGERS
In light of current research which repeatedly shows that the rate of childhood obesity is increasing rapidly in the developed world, all teenagers should be doing SOME form of sport. Karate is probably one of the better all round options.
Karate training will provide them with balance, coordination, grace, strength, physical and mental awareness and agility, and self-discipline. For boys, it develops their sense of respect for other people, provides a useful outlet for all the energy and strength they have, and offers them a catharsis from the frustrations of growing up. For girls, it empowers them with strength, physical confidence, and strength, while also providing them with the basics of self defense.
All teenagers will benefit from the self-awareness, the friendly competitive environment, the team atmosphere, and the discipline that karate can provide. It is also one of the few competitive activities that can be practiced by both boys and girls at the same time, unlike so many of the team sports.
The under 16s IFKKA team with Hanshi Steve Arneil at the 2006 IFK Junior World Championships in Switzerland
From left to right: John Pegios, Henry Nguyen, Hanshi Steve Arneil, Tristan O'Bree, Alexander Yussof
From left to right: Ciaran Doyle, Tony Le, Hanshi Steve Arneil, Alexander Vij, Robbie Simmons.
Hanshi is holding is newly awarded 10th Dan belt.
