Sometimes I get asked the question, "Why should I let my kid take karate"? This is a great question. There are several reasons why a child should take or learn karate. I hope that by the end of this article you will see the many benefits of karate for both children and the parent.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Tom Ramsey and I am a Master 5th degree black belt and the owner of Wado-Ki Karate of Virginia LLC. I would like to let you know that it is our mission statement at Wado-Ki Karate to teach students a peaceful way of life through discipline and self respect. Our goal is to teach student how NOT to fight.
Karate is a great way to get a child "off the couch" and to exercise their body and mind. If you have chosen a karate school with a good instructor, the child will learn how important stretching and physical activity is for them and will enjoy doing it. They will also do many drills to develop their right and left brain. The child will develop a great sense of balance and direction. Karate will also teach a child to FOCUS. Yes, focus or to "pay attention". WOW! That alone is worth letting a child take karate. Karate is also a great cross training for other types of sports.
In addition to the physical and mental benefits of karate, the child could learn other life skills. In our schools we have a merit badge program. This is a "learn to earn" program where the child has to learn the meaning of the life skill and demonstrate the skill in class and at home. They are then awarded the badge for that skill. At Wado-Ki Karate we teach the following life skills, Focus, Respect, Discipline, Attitude, Confidence, Family.
As you can see, karate teaches the child a lot about themselves and about life. This is a great benefit not only for the child but for the parents as well. What parent wouldn't want to have a child that displays these characteristics.
If you are looking for a good karate school for your child, I would suggest that you look for one like Wado-Ki Karate, a school that offers a free "trial" class and does not have any type of contracts to sign, for any length of period. Karate should be fun for the child and affordable for the parents. Take your time looking around and interview the instructor for that school, not just the owner. Karate will be an experience that your child will never forget and one that a parent will never regret.
If you are interested in having a FREE trial karate class, please check out our website at: www.tomskarate.com or contact me directly 540-309-3416.
Tom Ramsey
Wado-Ki Karate
Email: tomrams@gmail.com
Phone: 540-309-3416
