Page 4 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 25

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Karate Komments - Supporting your child in Karate

may seem a bit frightening to some children. art and become “karate literate” enough to be
By Jim Riddell, It is easier for parents to give informed able to help your child.

Seaway Karate Club encouragement in a sport that they themselves 2) Don’t judge your child’s performance –
have previously participated in and have a good leave that up to the instructors. The supportive
understanding of. A parent without a martial art parent must stay positive. A correction by the
he parents of children that are being enrolled background may initially lack understanding of instructor is taken on its technical merit, while
Tin karate classes today were children technical details and methodology of instruction. critism from a parent can negatively affect
themselves when the martial arts began gaining Parents should always feel free to talk with their the child’s progress and development. Stay
acceptance as a mainstream sport in this area. child’s instructor before or after class – questions complimentary, focus on fun and stay committed
Although few of these parents may at some time are always welcome. to goals.
have been involved in a martial art, the majority At Seaway Karate we view this interaction as a 3) Video your child’s kata and technique –
of them were concentrating on hockey, soccer, ‘partnership with parents” which gives us a better review the video pointing out only the positives.
basketball, and various other more traditional understanding of your child’s needs or concerns The child will discover on their own the areas
sports. which can be addressed to help facilate their that can use improvement.

Karate can be a difficult sport for some children development. Behind every child that climbs 4) Re-inforcement at home – the physical
without proper support from their parents. For a the karate ranks and eventually earns the rank skills learned by children are important, but not
child to succeed at karate and earn that coveted of Shodan (First degree black belt) after several as valuable as the life skills – focus, discipline
Black Belt requires perseverance over a period of years of training, are parents, possessing the perseverance and leadership. Using time away
many years. There are often slumps to get through, same attributes needed by the child to achieve from karate to positively reinforce these is a
and children do not yet have the life experience that rank – discipline, focus, commitment, great way to support your child.

to understand that by pushing forward they will sacrifice and perseverance. 5) Help your child have fun – a parent’s
achieve their goals. The necessary repetition and Here are a few tips for Karate parents that may encouragement and positive attitude are
refinement of kata do not make sense to some be helpful. instrumental in ensuring that your child has fun

children who are used to learning something and 1) Attend as many classes as possible. With at class. The art of karate is a blending of fun
then quickly moving on. The self-defense and a parent present a child usually tries extra hard and serious training. Help your child achieve
sparring drills, even though there is no contact to impress. You will learn a few things about the the proper balance.

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