“Karate for your kids is the best thing you can do as a parent” So said the legendary Chuck Norris.
Karate for children hmm, for some parents the whole concept can seem a little alien to take your little ones along to a club that you might perceive will send you children home bruised and battered.
This notion could not be further from the truth, all good clubs will allow any parent coming along for the first time, and sit and watch a regular training session, If a club refuses to let you watch, I personally would find that bit odd and just a little bit suspicious. A good club has nothing to hide.
Ask questions, sounds obvious but unless those questions you may not know the answer too get asked; how will you be able to make an informed decision to choose the right club for your child and just as important you !
Ask for insurance details, ask for association details, ask for proof of grade of the Instructor and most importantly ask If they have a valid DBS (Disclosure and barring service) certificate, this ensures your child is in good hands.
All lessons for juniors at the Whitstable and Faversham Karate club, are always fun, Informative, Instructional and sometimes strict. this ensures they have the best time possible, whilst learning a real life skill that can help improve confidence and awareness of the world around them.
So often children seem to be cosseted from this, competitive world we live in, with school sports days being all about the participation and not the winning or losing. well I’m not sure that is preparing the next generation for the big wide world they will one day be living and working in. I believe a common sense approach to training in Karate, is the best way for your children to learn quicker and appreciate this fantastic pastime for many years to come.
Professor of Sociology, Frank Furedi at the University of Kent, wrote an Article in the Sunday times a few years ago, here is what he said.
“Chris Syrett the Karate Instructor of my 7 year old son, runs a class for a group of boisterous boys and girls at his Faversham club every week. The child that tries the hardest and makes the greatest progress is allowed to wear a Black belt. Desperate to win this prize, all the kids work hard. They all know that even if they don’t win this week, their day may come. Chris does not have a PhD in educational psychology. But he has common sense.”