ByTanya Glover
Theravive.com Contributor
I am the type of mom who really likes to have her children involved in whatever they can be involved in. As a child, I wanted so much to take dance or gymnastics but the opportunity never afforded itself to me. I think this is why I try to keep my son involved in extracurricular activities so much. Do not mistake me for a stage parent or soccer mom though. Whatever activity my son does he does on his own accord and he enjoys it more than I do! I love to watch anything he is involved in but if he finds no joy in it than we move on. When he turned 4 we tried Tee Ball. He seemed to like to alright for the first week but by the time the season was over (it only lasts 2 months for kids his age) he told me he did not like playing. When fall came we signed up for soccer and for 2 months he enjoyed running around with the other kids but never really gained any momentum as a player. (Yes I know he is only 4!) He said he would like to play again next year but in the meantime I had to find something else for him to be involved in! I gave him the choice between gymnastics and martial arts. Of course he went with the later and I was stuck allowing it. I kept saying to myself “I cannot believe I am letting my son go to a class that will teach him how to fight!” I took him to his first Kobushi-Do class, a form of martial arts that is heavy on the teachings of karate during the formative years of the lessons (ages 3 to 6). I took him to this very first class and I was very happy to find that the things I was picturing were not reality!
I do not know what I expected; maybe that I would walk in the Dojo to find people smacking each other and doing karate chops all over the place? I really was not sure what to expect but it was not what I found! So, for all of you parents out there have kids who would like to take martial arts classes but are apprehensive to allow them too, read on so that maybe I can help to ease your nerves.
Our first night at Kobushi-Do class, the Sensei, also known as Shihan, spoke with the parents and the children about what to expect from the classes. He gave us a list of rules and the class format sheet so everyone would know what to expect each time they came. (Jon goes twice per week). Here is what a child’s Kobushi-Do class looks like:
- Bow in
- Warm up and 1st game time
- Special training
- Rolling
- Grab escapes
- Balance and time training
- 2nd game time
Though it looks pretty simple, there is so much more going on than what you see in those words. The first thing on the list is the bow in. This was the first thing the children learned. They line up in front of Sensei and wait for him to say “Ray”, which means bow, and the children bow back and say “Kobushi-Do”. Now the class can begin. They begin by doing a few laps around the mat and some warm up exercises. Game time can be anything that helps them learn balance or technique. Sometimes it is dodge ball and sometime it is limbo. Sensei has several games for them to play.
Special training really is special. Each week it is something different but it always begins with the Magic Words of Wisdom. There are 18 words/phrases that the children must remember.
- Say “yes/no ma’am/sir” to adults
- Always say thank you and your welcome
- Always say please when you ask for something
- Always remember to say excuse me or pardon me
- Say you are sorry when you make a mistake or hurt someone
- Never lie to parents or teachers
- Never steal
- Treat your parents and teachers with respect
- Do not argue with your brothers or sisters
- Do not talk to or respond to strangers
- Always tell your parents if someone is touching or talking to you in a way that makes you feel funny
- Make sure to clean up after yourself at home and at school
- Always keep your promises
- Share your toys
- Do not treat others meanly
- Never be a bully
- It is better to forgive than to stay angry
These are some fantastic rules to live by! Even though our children have heard them all from us, when it comes from their martial arts teacher it somehow hits home harder. (My son is now the captain of our homes polite police!)
The special training varies from class to class. Last week the children watched a movie called Stranger Beware. This video talked about stranger danger and how to defend yourself against someone who is trying to take you. I was very impressed with the whole thing and amazingly enough, my four year old can recite every rule and defensive move to me about dealing with strangers! That makes a mom feel really good! Next week they will focus on bullying. This is so important with how much things have changed in schools since I was a child. Knowing that my son will be able to stand up to bullies and defend himself also makes me feel good.
So overall, martial arts have been an excellent way for my little boy to get out his energy, get creative and really learn some important life lessons. The main thing you need to do to prepare your child to learn self defense skills is that they are only to be used for self defense. We had to have a serious talk with my son before the classes began. I feel confident that what we said hit home and that he understands. His skills are improving, along with his self-esteem, and I feel good about having him involved in something so special! Maybe you will find out that your child can benefit from this activity as well!