Why kid karate training is important in Houston
Houston kids, like any other city, are battling with screen/electronics addiction, child obesity, and bullying in today’s world. However, in the Bayou City, commutes and traffic can add to the stress of dealing with these issues.
This is why Shotokan karate can be an incredibly important item in a parent’s toolbelt to get past these issues.
Sixth Degree Black Belt Sensei Alex Ndem, a former USA Shotokan National Karate Team member and two-time Karate world champion, offers southwest Houston kid karate classes at two levels in his Meyerland dojo. One class focuses on children ages 5 to 8 years, while the other caters to ages 8 into the teenage years.
A recent University of Texas study says that certain laws establishing minimum physical activity requirements for school students are coming up short when it comes to childhood obesity levels. One reason why you might want to have your little ones do extra exercising outside of your regular school hours.
And speaking of school, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property. That’s not including while at home, with more than one in six high school students reporting being bullied electronically.
Some of those unfortunate bullying circumstances include:
- Physical such as hitting, kicking, and tripping
- Verbal including name-calling and teasing
- Relational/social such as spreading rumors and leaving out of the group
- Damage to property of the victim
To help over come all of this, Sensei Alex teaches the following virtues of Shotokan karate and makes his Houston students recite them at the end of every class.
SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER – BE FAITHFUL – ENDEAVOUR – RESPECT OTHERS – REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR
Parents always look for activities that keep their children physically active and instill valuable life skills. Kid karate training has emerged as a popular choice among parents who seek a holistic approach to their child’s development.
Physical Fitness:
Kid karate training is an excellent way to ensure your child stays physically active. The martial art involves a combination of kicks, punches, and movements that promote flexibility, strength, and agility. Parents can appreciate the significance of fostering a healthy lifestyle from a young age, laying the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
Discipline and Focus:
Karate places a strong emphasis on discipline and concentration. Parents often find that their children develop better focus, improved attention spans, and enhanced self-control through consistent karate practice. These skills benefit them in karate class and can translate into improved behavior at home and school.
Confidence Building:
Kid karate training provides a supportive environment for children to overcome challenges and gradually build confidence. As kids learn new techniques, earn belts, and face different situations, they usually find a new sense of self-assurance. This boost in confidence often extends to various aspects of a child’s life.
Respect and Courtesy:
Karate instills a deep sense of respect for oneself and others. Parents appreciate the values of courtesy, humility, and respect that are inherent in karate teachings. These principles are integrated into the training, promoting positive behavior and creating a more harmonious family environment.
Social Skills and Teamwork:
Kid karate classes provide a social setting where children learn to interact with peers from outside of their school social setting. Parents observe their children developing teamwork skills, fostering camaraderie, and building friendships. This social aspect of karate can be important for a child’s overall social development.
Stress Relief and Emotional Well-being:
In today’s fast-paced world, even children can experience stress. Kid karate training acts as an outlet for emotional expression, allowing children to channel their energy positively. Parents witness their kids learning to cope with stress, frustration, and anxiety, leading to improved emotional well-being.
Self-Defense Skills:
While the primary focus of kid karate training is on personal development, parents appreciate that their children are also acquiring essential self-defense skills. Knowing that their kids have the tools to protect themselves provides parents with a sense of reassurance.
Kid karate training is more than just a physical activity; it’s a transformative experience that positively impacts a child’s character and well-being. Parents play a pivotal role in supporting their children’s journey in karate, witnessing the numerous benefits unfold. From improved physical fitness to enhanced confidence and discipline, karate equips children with valuable life skills that extend far beyond the dojo.
Enrolling your child in karate may just be the empowering and enriching experience both parents and kids need on their shared journey of growth.
