Thoughts from a parent & Sensei…
“It is often frustrating as a parent to see your child take a defeatist view into any given task or activity before they even try, putting in less than they’re capable of because they don’t believe they can succeed. You may be proudly confident that they can achieve more but they can’t be convinced. I have experienced this personally, as a child and as a parent. The discipline of Traditional Karate was the instrument that opened my eyes and taught me that not only could I succeed in Karate, but I could succeed in other areas of my life, through commitment, effort and taking myself beyond my pre-conceived comfort levels.
The Australian Institute of Karate (AKA Tasseikan Dojo) believes in the worth and potential of all children. The Institute’s goal is to provide a valuable foundation and accompaniment to a child’s education and growth into becoming productive member of society – particularly in the area of character development; resilience, persistence, self-discipline, respect, self-worth and confidence, helping to mould a well-rounded and grounded young adult.
Not only is Traditional Karate a great way to exercise and develop phsyiology and motor skills, regular training produces stronger and more flexible bodies, self-defence skills and gives students the confidence to be able to resolve conflict by walking away where possible.”
The Karate Kids classes are a considerable step-up from the introductory level below (Little Dragons 4-7 years). There is an expanded technical curriculum that gives children a more serious window into the basics of controlled self defence. Muscle control and power development are a focus, accompanied by flexibility and strength.
Fun and discipline can come together and work hand in hand
There are lots of laughs and the odd tear in class, as children are pushed to and even beyond their perceived limits, developing persistence in the face of adversity and expanding the students’ views of their own potential.
The grading syllabus is similar to the adult syllabus and on grading day students are expected to perform at the required level. Importantly, not everyone gets a prize. Children are taught that preparation is required for success and from time to time it is important in life to learn the hard lesson of failure for not having committed to preparation for success. As the ‘coloured belts’ progress students may have several attempts to gain a belt, teaching them to view previous failures as a reference for learning and thereby using failure as a motivation for success.