| Karate is much, much more than punching and kicking | | | | karate students get better grades in school than |
| the air. The sport has proven benefits that go well | | | | their inactive peers and approach studies both in the |
| beyond that obvious physical fitness boost. Regular | | | | karate studio and in the classroom with a better |
| practice of karate affects the body, the mind, and | | | | attitude. |
| the soul. | | | | If these mental benefits aren't enough to enroll your |
| Because it is partially based in Eastern philosophy, a | | | | son or daughter at the nearest dojo today, the |
| regular karate practice will give your child a | | | | health benefits are also innumerable. Karate teaches |
| heightened sense of self-awareness and | | | | the body strength and flexibility while balancing organ |
| peer-awareness, as well as a boost in self-confidence. | | | | function. Giving children a regular work-out schedule |
| This is because karate teaches that each individual is | | | | at a young age teaches them a valuable life-skill. The |
| just that; striving to achieve the task at hand | | | | challenges your son or daughter will meet in the dojo |
| regardless of where the others around them sit on | | | | will test their mind...can an 8 year old really break a |
| the bell curve. Through a balanced individual practice | | | | board (many times, the answer is YES). Sparring will |
| within a group, your child will also learn self-discipline | | | | teach your child self-defense while strengthening his |
| and patience. Karate has been found to do wonders | | | | or her body. As with many sports, at some point |
| in aggressive kids and children with ADHD not only | | | | your child will hit a wall and think to him or herself: |
| because it forces them to learn to be patient, but it | | | | "It's too hard, I can't do it." But the body is stronger |
| is also a safe contained environment in which to | | | | than mind allows; forced sparring demands body |
| release their aggression. In all students, regular karate | | | | strength and mental acuity that your child can only |
| practice helps to balance and regulate mood. Most | | | | push through under (perceived) duress. |