WHY SHOULD KIDS TAKE KARATE?

The kids will tell you . . . it's fun!  But maybe more important, for the benefits they can reap, such as an overall good feeling about themselves and a positive attitude that exudes the message, 
"Yes, I can!"  Other extraordinary changes can also occur in students of karate-do:  The shy often become more outgoing.  The submissive tend to adopt a more assertive attitude.  The unruly develop a deeper consideration for others.  And the overly aggressive are directed toward self-control and self-discipline.  The confidence that a child derives from karate training is the principal reason for all the previously mentioned benefits.  It is a means of perfecting oneself not only physically but also mentally.

At KARATE STL, safety is paramount!  Until they reach black belt, children have no tournaments, no trophies, NO LOSERS!  The only winner is the child, who competes solely with him/herself.  The method for teaching and motivating each child is subtly unique, taking into careful consideration his/her age, size, strength, skill level and personality, plus any limitations the child may have.  It is believed that this method will inspire students to adopt these same considerations for others.

The head instructor at this dojo is S. A. Basinger, Sensei 5th Dan.  Karate is taught as effective weaponless self-defense.  Since karate is stressed as a martial art rather than a competitive sport, much emphasis is placed on kata . . . and blocking, kicking and punching techniques, the learning of which is necessary for promotions to higher ranks.  Kata, or forms, are defensive and offensive moves (in that order) in a set pattern with an imaginary opponent.  They help the student attain concentration, coordination, balance and control.

Kata are performed solo.  At the more advanced levels, the student applies the kata with three or more partners (bunkai).  Another training method is prearranged sparring (kumite) which enhances timing, reflexes and throwing skills.  Students also engage in carefully monitored and regulated free sparring with emphasis on control as well as respect for, learning from and helping each other.  The striking board (makiwara) and kicking/punching bag are utilized to condition and strengthen the body, as well as to hone technique even further.

Board breaking is learned, as well, but rather than a specific goal itself, it is more a side benefit -- a demonstration of the strength and focus that can be gained as a result of karate training.  

To train in karate is NOT to learn violence but to hopefully prevent and avoid it.  Students are taught not only the enhancement of but also the control of their newly discovered power.  Rather than teaching aggression, karate helps children to channel their abundant energy into socially acceptable behavior and personal competence . . . through encouragement, NOT intimidation!  Anyone can develop power but to learn to properly channel and direct that power, and use it effectively, efficiently and with good judgment is the true art of karate.

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WHY SHOULD TEENS STUDY KARATE?

Don't believe the magic in the movies.  Forget about bashing through brick walls with your bare hands or flying across a room.  Think instead of developing self-confidence, flexibility and an inner calm that can help to complete projects without stress, overcome fears and deal with life's everyday problems . . . while getting a superb workout and having FUN while you're doing it!

Many teens begin studying karate for weaponless self-defense and, to be sure, it has practical applications on the street.  But most find that their reasons for staying expand and evolve.  They attain power and focus they never knew they could possess.  Training in karate is NOT to learn violence but to prevent and avoid it.  Karate can be as fluid as water and fierce as a tornado but it depends more on skill and attitude than on muscles or size.  It's not about macho displays of strength but about achieving a sense of security and accomplishment.  Feel good about yourself. . . starting today!

The style of martial art taught at KARATE STL is not based on intimidation or hostility.  It teaches power through respect for, learning from and helping each other.  Safety is paramount!  It can be a life-long source of physical and mental excellence.

Since karate is stressed as a martial art rather than a competitive sport, much emphasis is placed on kata -- "the heart of the art" -- and blocking, kicking, punching and throwing skills, the learning of which is necessary for promotions to higher ranks. 

Kata, or forms, are combinations of movements that employ various techniques of defense and offense (in that order), and are usually performed solo.  They range from slow-motion gestures to explosive bursts of energy, resulting in increased concentration, speed, balance and control.  Then at the more advanced levels, the student applies the kata with three or more partners (bunkai).  Another training method is prearranged sparring (kumite) which enhances timing, reflexes and throwing skills.  Students engage in carefully monitored and regulated free sparring with emphasis on control.  The striking board (makiwara) and kicking/punching bag are also utilized to condition and strengthen the body, as well as to hone technique even further.

Board breaking is learned, as well, but rather than a specific goal itself, it is more a peripheral benefit -- a confirmation of the strength and focus that can be gained as a result of karate training.

LOSING YOUR TEMPER

There was a boy with a bad temper.  His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence.  The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  Then it gradually dwindled down.  Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.  His father then suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.  The days passed and finally all the nails were gone. 

The father said, "You have done well, my son, I am very proud of you.  But look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.  When you say and do things in anger, they leave a scar just like these.  You can put a knife in someone and draw it out, but it won't matter how many times you say, 'I'm sorry,' the wound is still there.  And never forget, a verbal wound can be as bad as a physical one."
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