Students at the New Paltz Karate Academy show
off their skills at a testing tournament. Karate is a great way for boys and
girls to achieve fitness, focus and self-confidence.
"It is awesome to see how proud they are of their achievements." — Tami Taylor, karate mom
We hear it in the news every day: Our
children are being bullied physically, emotionally, mentally and now even
electronically. It’s enough to make parents want to wrap their children in their
arms and never let them go. But what can you do to instill a sense of personal
safety and confidence in your children so they can navigate the world alone?
I grew up in a different time and place, but
bullying is not new. Adam, my youngest brother, was a scrawny, pimply, timid
kid who was always picked on — not only by his classmates, but by our other
brothers, who took to pummeling him as sport. Nothing changed until he took
karate — then everything did.
Little Adam grew up to become Renshi
McCauley, a sixth-degree black belt, owner of the GoNoSen Karate Dojo in
Peekskill and author of the book The One
Fight You Don’t Want to Lose: Proven Martial Arts Principles for Raising
Successful and Productive Kids.
He’s been teaching karate to kids for 27
years and knows the benefits not only from his own transformation, but from that
of so many he has taught.
Renshi Adam McCauley of Go No Sen Karate Dojo in
Peekskill poses with one of his young students, 7-year-old Brenna Guarino.
“Although the martial arts were designed for
life protection, they have evolved into a whole life character education
program,” he explains. “Each child grows in confidence, self-esteem, focus,
control, discipline, perseverance, determination, dedication and respect, not
to mention loyalty, integrity and awareness.”
Maury Levitz, head instructor of New Paltz
Karate Academy, agrees.
“Our students learn so many skills that they
can use both in the dojo and in the outside world,” says Levitz, who has been
teaching children for 19 years. “Karate gives different things to different
people, depending on their needs. For some, it’s confidence and the ability to
speak up. For others it’s to learn when to be quiet. We play skills games that
teach kids to focus and listen.”
Maury Levitz, head instructor of New Paltz Karate Academy, addresses his students.
Indeed, in a study published in 2004 at
Hofstra University, children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) who also studied karate showed a marked increase in academic
performance, homework completion and class preparation over those with ADHD who
did not practice karate.
Why? According to the study’s author, the
mental discipline, structure and consistency of a martial arts environment is
ideally suited for these children.
Experts say it’s the respect kids learn — whether
from bowing to their Sensei (teacher) or simply standing still to wait for the
next command — that can be the most important benefit, carrying over to school
and helping to improve behavior and grades.
Vivian Taylor, 9, shows what she’s learned at a recent karate
tournament.
Nine-year old Vivian and 5-year-old Violet
have been attending Traditional Okinawan Karate of Pleasant Valley with their
mom, Tami Taylor.
“Violet is a very hyperactive kid and this is
the most focused I have ever seen her,” says Taylor. “When Vivian does
something well in class, she just shines. It’s amazing to see the level of
confidence they have gained. Neither of them is particularly athletic, and yet
both of them are able to be successful and feel good about themselves in this
sport. It is awesome to see how proud they are of their achievements.”
Steve Borland, head instructor of Traditional Okinawan Karate of Pleasant Valley, poses with 7-year-old student Connor Thomas.
Ivan Acosta’s three daughters — Briana, 11,
Cassandra, 8, and Gabriella, 6 — have been studying karate at Levitz’s New
Paltz school about three times a week for years. The older kids started because
their dad was doing it, and Gabriella couldn’t wait to join when she was old
enough (New Paltz and Pleasant Valley accept students after they turn five).
Acosta says his girls are gaining confidence
and the ability to protect themselves, and each has grown in her own way.
“Brie has gained more balance and physical
strength, Cassie has learned to focus more on detail and be more aware of her
surroundings, and Gabby has become more outgoing,” he says. “The girls say they
are getting stronger and know how to protect themselves against bad people and
how to deal with bullies.”
For many like the Taylors and the Acostas,
karate is a family affair. Seven-year-old Connor attends Pleasant Valley Karate
with his dad, George Thomas. “On days when I’m not feeling motivated to
practice, Connor inspires me,” says Thomas. “When Connor is tired and doesn’t
feel like going, I remind him of the karate goals he has set for himself and
reaffirm how far he has gotten through hard work and dedication. Now I’m a
yellow belt and Connor often reminds me that as an orange belt he currently
outranks me.”
You might not be able to protect your
children forever, but with karate they’ll get the life and character-building
skills, as well as the ability to protect themselves.
To find a martial arts school in
your area, visit www.dojolocator.com.
Linda
Freeman is a freelance writer, yoga instructor and swing dance teacher who
lives in Marlboro.
Choosing the right sport for your child