Karate tends to draw many kids who struggle with attention issues like ADD or ADHD. This isn't surprising since what we teach is focus, discipline and respect. Karate also draws a lot of kids who don't do well in, or just don't like, team sports. As a more one-on-one type of learning environment in a karate class, kids do their work by the teacher's instruction on their own without the need of their classmates (or teammates).
However, as the fall sports like football and soccer come to a close the big question is what should your children be doing next? Karate is very attractive to those who want their kids still moving as the months get colder, but feel being inside is better for them. No parents enjoy standing on the sidelines in the cold, but these are the sacrifices we make for our kids! Karate is indoors and has chairs for the parents (big sales pitch).
In karate we get to kick and punch bags. We move around on our feet and we exert our energy by kiai-ing. What is a 'kiai'? 'Ki' means 'energy' in Japanese. 'Ai' means in a positive or harmonious way. So to ki-ai is to move energy outward in a positive way. This is why we yell when we hit a punching pad--more energy comes out by doing so.
So what better way is there than to move energy in a positive way? Take a karate class! Especially as the winter months draw in and the kids get overwhelmed with cabin fever...or more accurately parents! Keep those kid's bodies moving, don't let TV or Wii become their next activity. Kiai!
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