| This is the last article in this series, with | | | | can carry us a long way. Therefore, social |
| the last two life skills, and three | | | | skills are positively reinforced in each |
| additional benefits that children receive | | | | Karate lesson. |
| from attending Karate classes, on a regular | | | | |
| basis. | | | | Let's cover a few bonus benefits that |
| | | | children receive from regular attendance to |
| Self-Confidence | | | | Karate classes. |
| | | | |
| Many adults struggle with self esteem, so it | | | | Self-Defense |
| is natural that children would also feel a | | | | |
| lack of confidence. Also, children of parents | | | | "A fly on the wall" would learn adequate |
| who have self-confidence issues will copy | | | | self-defenseskills, if it hung around a |
| their parent's example. | | | | Karate class long enough. |
| | | | |
| This is one reason why the self-confidence CD | | | | Children who continue to practice Karate will |
| we have in our Pro Shop is so popular with | | | | be able to take care of themselves and should |
| adults. This CD is actually a form of | | | | develop enough awareness to stay out of |
| self-hypnosis for adults, but Karate is a | | | | trouble. |
| much more effective self-confidence tool for | | | | |
| active children. | | | | Nutrition |
| | | | |
| So, how does a child find self-confidence | | | | Any child, or adult, who practices Karate |
| through Karate practice? Self esteem is built | | | | will excel athletically and will watch what |
| on a foundation of daily accomplishments that | | | | they eat. Within any form of mind and body |
| each child experiences within his or her | | | | exercise, proper nutrition is contagious. |
| Karate class. This is a form of programming | | | | |
| confidence into a child's personality. As a | | | | Meditation |
| child becomes more proficient at Karate, | | | | |
| self-confidence is not far behind, and will | | | | The "Kata" or (Karate form) is meditation in |
| carry into all of his or her activities. | | | | motion. The adult or child Karate student |
| | | | learns to focus and quiet his or her mind in |
| Social Skills | | | | daily Karate practice. Steady gaze, and |
| | | | breath awareness meditation techniques, is |
| There is such a social skill deficit with | | | | taught to Karate students at our North |
| children these days. Having manners, showing | | | | Providence facility. |
| courtesy, and displaying mutual respect are | | | | |
| part of every Karate class. It is nice that | | | | Needless to say, children who practice |
| we have become "technically advanced," but we | | | | Karate, on a steady basis, will be very well |
| do not have to leave tradition behind. As | | | | rounded and poised for success in life. If |
| children grow, the child who displays | | | | you want to give your child a gift that lasts |
| manners, courtesy, and respect will succeed | | | | a lifetime, visit your local martial arts |
| in life. | | | | center and find a program that fits your |
| | | | needs. |
| A lack of these qualities is considered | | | | |
| anti-social, rude, or arrogant - and | | | | Compare at least two martial arts schools to |
| rightfully so. Some adults who display these | | | | make an informed decision. |
| forms of behavior do "get by," but diplomacy | | | | |