Jodie Sheppard, Australia

Jodie Sheppard shares with ‘GKR Stories’ this week how she returned to training after time off and as a result of her hard work and dedication has accomplished some massive achievements.

“A lot of my story is centred around a dramatic weight loss and the impact that karate has had on my life.  At my heaviest, I was 145kg and terribly unhealthy. I am proud to say that I am now down to around 67kg, with the biggest change happening in the last couple of years. 

I started training with GKR Karate many years ago, and after taking some time off I returned to training around COVID time. I was driven to return by wanting to reach my original goal of black belt and to be able to defend myself and feel more confident. I was a bit rusty at first, but I kept pushing myself and didn’t talk myself out of going to class on nights where I didn’t feel like it.

I avoided going to a gym because I was concerned about people watching or judging me, but I have never had that concern attending a GKR Karate class. I love that you can go at your own pace, do what you can and push yourself a little bit further each class.

I also never thought I would enjoy sparring or compete in kumite at a tournament.  However, I came second at the GKR Karate Australian Titles which was a super proud moment. I am planning on entering the 2024 World Cup also, which would have been unthinkable many years ago!

The flow-on effects in my life outside of karate have been amazing.  With two small boys, I find that it is much easier coping with day-to-day activities.  I am not waking up in the morning with a sore back or struggling to get up a few flights of stairs, and I am not out of breath just walking down the block.  I’ve got more energy and pep in my step; karate has boosted my confidence and self-belief in what I can achieve.

I am now heavily involved in GKR Karate, and I love feeling part of this big family club where I have made lifelong friends.  If I am feeling a bit down about myself, or not quite hitting goals, I have people to pick me up and push me to get back on track. I can go into a class and the people there are happy to see me, and I am happy to see them, we train, have a chat and and then go home, I love it.

Since 2021 I’ve lost about 40kg and last December I graded to my Black Belt. My life has really changed in so many ways and I am excited to see what my future karate journey holds.”

Watch Jodie tell her story in the video below…

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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Have you heard….?

There’s certainly a lot happening in the GKR world this year as we celebrate our 40^th Birthday as a club and prepare for the fast approaching GKR Karate World Cup. In the last month alone, there’s also been a number of new initiatives launched, announcements made and achievements recognised, so we thought we’d take a minute to catch you up in case you missed some of it.

World Cup Entries

With the World Cup 2024 only five weeks away, the excitement is building in dojos across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.  We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Netball Central in the Sydney Olympic Park Precinct in August, but don’t forget…entries and merch orders close this Sunday 7^th July.

Click here to enter & purchase your merch

World Cup After Party and GKR 40^th Anniversary Event

At the end of the World Cup on Sunday evening, we will be holding a celebratory after party open to all GKR students and families. The event runs from 5pm to 10pm and will be held at the World Cup venue. Due to catering requirements, all tickets must be pre-booked and the deadline for RSVP is Sunday 28^th July.

Click here for more information

World Cup Photographers – Expressions of Interest

Are you passionate about karate and photography, and have access to a digital SLR camera? Will you be attending the GKR World Cup in Sydney in August?

We are seeking expressions of interest from photography enthusiasts attending the World Cup this year who would like to use their skills to photograph competitors and upload them to our event image platform. We have a limited number of positions available for event photographers with income opportunities available for those photographers selected.

If this sounds like something for you, or, someone you know, please click the link below.

World Cup photography information

Stop Domestic Violence Campaign

In June, we launched our ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence – Purple Belt Campaign’ and announced our support for the following domestic violence charities; RizeUp in Australia, Shine in New Zealand and Refuge in the United Kingdom.  The support from the GKR community towards this very worthwhile cause has been heartwarming and we look forward to seeing a sea of purple belts in all classes in October.  To read more about our chosen charities and how to order your purple belt, click the button below

Stop Domestic Violence Campaign Information

GKR Stories

We also premiered our first chapter of ‘GKR Stories’ hearing from Josh Nixon and then soon after from Jenni.  Josh and Jenni’s courageous stories have inspired countless people in and out of the dojo, and we are grateful for their willingness to share with us.  If you haven’t seen ‘GKR Stories’ yet, or, if you have your own story you would like to tell, click here.

GKR Stories

TikTok

GKR is now on TikTok!  You may not see your favourite instructor taking on the latest ‘TikTok challenge’ but you will see all the latest GKR content @gkrkarateofficial

GKR Karate on TikTok

Acknowledgements

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors who are supporting the GKR Karate World Cup 2024:

GOLD SPONSORS

The post GKR News – July 2024 appeared first on GKR Karate.

Jenni, Australia

This week, ‘GKR Stories’ is shining a light on domestic and family violence and the impact it has on survivors. Jenni courageously shares her story to help others struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel. We are grateful to Jenni for allowing us to share her story.

**Content Warning – this story describes details of Jenni’s personal experience with domestic violence

“Telling my story is something that is still very difficult for me to do, but it is necessary for my own personal healing and for raising awareness so that others can find the light at the end of the tunnel that I found.

Twenty-eight years ago, I enrolled in karate with GKR for my fitness and self-defence. I met my ex-partner at that time and was with him for 24 years. Ironically, he made sure that I quit karate before achieving my black belt. Over those years, he belittled me and my children and made me feel worthless and useless. He exploded in fits of rage and smashed things around him and us. We were scared, but he conditioned us to feel as though we were lucky to have him. Domestic or family violence comes in many forms and unfortunately, I experienced almost every single one.
I was constantly put down in front of family, friends, students and in private. On one occasion when I tried to call for help, he smashed both the landline phone and my mobile phone. He took my karate certificates, my treasured belt signed by Kancho and other GKR memorabilia, including my uniforms and set fire to them. Karate was very important to me, anyone who knows me knows that it is my passion. I loved teaching and loved my training even more. I ended up quitting karate and didn’t train for 15 years. Everything about my life became about him. I was miserable, defeated and felt worthless.

Eventually, my partner allowed me to try karate again alongside him. Little did I realise that walking back into a GKR dojo was about to change my life. My Sensei (Dave), asked me about my goals. I didn’t have any. He quickly realised that everything I did, I was doing for my partner more so than myself. Sensei Dave and a fellow student’s parent (Daz) noticed that I was experiencing verbal abuse from my partner during class. He would also try and make me stop training or take breaks away from the class. Sensei Dave and Daz, who became my closest friends intercepted and protected me at every opportunity they had. They showed belief in me and helped build my confidence. My fellow student, Axel who was only 16 years old stood with me in class and pushed me to believe in myself and to keep going. These friends convinced me to stand up for myself, knowing I had them as a safety net to call on if ever it was needed.

Sensei Dave set a goal for me to get my Shodan-ho. He introduced me to Personal Development and recommended books for me to read. In December of 2022, I had the amazing and unforgettable day of grading. Finally, my goal was being achieved after 28-years. At my grading, the person who was supposed to be my biggest supporter, my partner, told everyone around him that I was useless, that I didn’t deserve the belt and that I wouldn’t even be there if it wasn’t for him. Once I was presented with my certificate and belt, he announced loudly in front of everyone ….. ‘That belt means nothing; I can still put your head through a wall’. Again, I felt threatened, and humiliated. He also tried to stop me from celebrating and even demanded that I take the belt off. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

From that day on, I gradually started to stand up to him. It was the scariest time of my life. For the next 3 months I grew more confident. I trained harder and became stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. My friends and Sensei Dave stayed close to make sure I was protected and that I felt safe. Then, finally after 24 years, I got the courage to tell him enough was enough. I told him to leave. My body and my voice shook but I looked him straight in the face with my son standing by me and I told him to leave. Within a week he packed his things and left.

I have since graded to Shodan, I train, teach, and I have also become a Membership Consultant part-time for GKR. GKR and karate empowered me to change my situation. It wasn’t just the karate or the techniques. It wasn’t just the benefits you obtain from karate, although they played a big part. It was the family and lifelong friendships fostered in this environment that gave me the security, confidence, belief, and most of all courage to change it.

I’m free now to live my life and enjoy and appreciate each day.

Speak. Even if your voice shakes.

Help is available.”

Watch Jenni tell her story in the video below…

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence and needs to talk with someone call 1800-RESPECT (1800 737 732) in Australia, 0508 744 633 Shine Helpline in New Zealand or 0808 2000 247 for the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline in the United Kingdom.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand or 999 in the United Kingdom.

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

The post GKR Stories – Jenni appeared first on GKR Karate.

Dear Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying your karate training.

Each year, we aim to cast our attention towards a specific community issue with a view to raising both funds and awareness for the cause. As strong advocates for non-violence and anti-bullying, we have been working on developing a partnership with a major national charity that assists victim-survivors of domestic violence.

I am therefore pleased to announce our new fundraising campaign in aid of Refuge and our accompanying ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence’ – Purple Belt Campaign.

Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK which supports thousands of survivors to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives.

While acknowledging that domestic and family violence is predominately gender-based, affecting women and children disproportionately, GKR Karate, in solidarity with Refuge, unequivocally condemns violence in any form, against anyone.

Each year, Refuge directly helps thousands of women and their children who experience abuse to become safer through their frontline services and programs. Refuge works hard to address all aspects of domestic and family violence issues, from safety and recovery to providing meaningful support and assistance to victim-survivors.

Please join us and show your support for Refuge and our ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence’ campaign by pre-ordering online, a specially designed Purple Belt – a colour universally recognised as representing domestic violence awareness. Profits from the sale of our Purple Belts in the UK will be donated directly to Refuge to assist with their refuge accommodation, community outreach support, independent advocacy, culturally specific services and support for children. These purple belts can be worn in classes during the month of October to help us draw additional attention to this great cause

Simply click on the order button below to place your order online.

As these are a pre order, the cut off date for ordering your belt is Sunday 11th August 2024. This will allow us enough time to have your special purple belt made and sent directly to you in time.

Purple Belts are available in sizes 2, 4 and 6.

These will be posted directly to you so that you receive them 1-2 weeks before the October campaign.

We are confident that aligning ourselves with such a worthy cause, will help to reinforce GKR Karate’s core values whilst also doing our part to provide aid where it is desperately needed.

To read more about the amazing work Refuge does go to https://refuge.org.uk

Gavin Samin
Assistant Chief Instructor
GKR KARATE

The post GKR Karate UK – Stop Domestic & Family Violence Campaign appeared first on GKR Karate.

Each year, we aim to cast our attention towards a specific community issue with a view to raising both funds and awareness for the cause. As strong advocates for non-violence and anti-bullying, we have been working on developing a partnership with a major national charity that provides assistance to families and individuals affected by family violence.

I am therefore pleased to announce our new partnership with Shine and our accompanying ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence’ – Purple Belt Campaign.

Shine is a leading specialist family violence service provider in New Zealand dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic and family violence, regardless of their gender. While acknowledging that domestic and family violence is predominately gender-based, affecting women and children disproportionately, GKR Karate, in solidarity with Shine, unequivocally condemns violence in any form, against anyone.

Each year, Shine directly helps thousands of adults and children who experience abuse to become safer through frontline services and programmes. Shine works hard to address all aspects of domestic and family violence issues, from safety and recovery to providing meaningful support and assistance to everyone.

Please join us and show your support for Shine and our ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence’ campaign by pre-ordering online, a specially designed Purple Belt – a colour universally recognised as representing domestic and family violence awareness. Profits from the sale of our Purple Belts in New Zealand will be donated directly to Shine to assist with their valuable Shine Helpline, advocacy, KIDShine, Safe Housing, Whānau Resilience and Non-Violence and Safety programmes. These purple belts can be worn in classes during the month of October to help us draw additional attention to this great cause.

Simply click on the order button below to place your order online.

As these are a pre order, the cut off date for ordering your belt is Sunday 11th August 2024. This will allow us enough time to have your special purple belt made and sent directly to you in time.

Purple Belts are available in sizes 2, 4 and 6.

These will be posted directly to you so that you receive them 1-2 weeks before the October campaign.

We are confident that aligning ourselves with such a worthy cause, will help to reinforce GKR Karate’s core values whilst also doing our part to provide aid where it is desperately needed.

To read more about the amazing work Shine does go to https://2shine.org.nz  

Gavin Samin
Assistant Chief Instructor
GKR KARATE

The post GKR Karate New Zealand – Stop Domestic & Family Violence Campaign appeared first on GKR Karate.

Getting Out Of Your Karate Comfort Zone – It’s A Great Big GKR World Out There

As most students know, GKR is a worldwide organisation, with over 2500 classes weekly across three countries (www.gkrkarate.com). Yet, with so many training options available, many of us don’t venture further afield than our region, or even our regular dojo. With so much to offer, why do so many of us limit what we experience and why is that an opportunity missed?

The Comfort Zone

A comfort zone sounds like a nice place to be, like a cosy bed or comfy sofa, so, it’s no surprise that we may want to stay in it. Moving out of your comfort zone can create feelings of anxiety and stress, making it challenging to take that first uncomfortable step into the unknown. There’s a certainty about what you’re used to, you can control it and it’s unlikely to surprise you. From a karate perspective, attending the same dojos and training with the same people is much easier and less stressful than trying something new.

If the comfort zone feels so good, why leave?

If it might cause you to feel stressed anxious and a little bit scared, why would you push yourself to do something new and different with your karate? Well, there’s a number of reasons why, which could benefit your karate and other aspects of your life.

• You might find something you like! – In simple terms, we do karate because we like it. Yet, if we’d not stepped out of our comfort zone and attended our first class, we wouldn’t be involved now. The same applies to other experiences. Maybe tournaments, or national seminars seem scary to you, but what if you find that you absolutely love them and can’t believe you waited this long to attend?
• Extend your learning – However great your main instructor or instructors are, there’s always something new to learn. A new instructor may tell you something you didn’t previously know, they may show you a new way to train, or a new way to think about your training. Similarly, training alongside people you aren’t familiar with will help you develop, as you observe their approach to karate and work with them in pairs or groups. It’s also useful to remember that even the most experienced instructors don’t know everything. All teachers, at all levels, have something different to offer.
• You are capable of more! – Pushing yourself to experience things outside your comfort zone is great for your mindset. Taking a leap into something new is an achievement in itself and will give you confidence and improve your self-esteem. In most cases, you will also find that it wasn’t anywhere near as scary as you thought. These experiences also make you better prepared for times when you can’t avoid the nervous situation, such as your karate gradings, or, possibly something more general, such as a presentation at school or work. By taking difficult steps when it is your choice, you are building your resilience muscle.
• Achieve your potential – Maybe you could be a National or World Cup champion, but you’ll never know if you don’t enter your first tournament. You could be an incredible instructor, if only you agree to get involved. Similarly, our lives outside the dojo are full of these potential opportunities that you might miss if you don’t take that first step. Maybe you try and it doesn’t work out, but now you know more about who you are and won’t have the regret that comes with never finding out.

Sounds great, so what can I do?

GKR has so many opportunities to expand your karate horizons and it depends on what you are used to as to what would be your next step. So, let’s start with cross training:

• Find an additional dojo – The simplest and easiest way to push your karate boundaries is to train with different instructors and in different locations. Most regions will have additional classes you can attend with new instructors and students to work with. Visiting a new dojo for the first time can feel a bit like when you attended your first karate class, but just like that, it will be no time at all until it feels comfortable.
• Seminars – You will probably have seminars in your region, focused on kata, tournaments, or self-defence. These are a good place to start. However, GKR also runs seminars in your zone, or nationally. These are a chance to train with GKR’s finest and most experienced instructors, including Kancho, Kyoshi Gavin and Kyoshi Anthony. Seminars provide an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons, with so much on offer and opportunities to learn. Finally, if you are brown belt or above, there’s black belt camp which includes multiple seminars over one weekend and is a great way to meet and train with karateka from multiple different regions.
• Competitions – When it comes to competitions, we all have different views. However, they are an incredible learning experience and if you’ve never done one before, you should definitely try it, at least once. Few things push your kata or sparring forward faster than knowing you will be performing at a tournament. It focuses your mind on analysing and improving your own karate by a certain date. Furthermore, doing your kata and sparring with an audience is excellent training for future gradings.
• Instruct – As a GKR student, you’ve probably passed on your knowledge to others in the dojo at some point. Often this is during kata practise, or partner work. However, helping out formally, as a Sempai or a Sensei, is a great way of reinforcing your karate understanding. There are few things that test your kata knowledge better than teaching it to a room full of students. There will almost always be a question that you hadn’t thought of before, that will require further investigation. In addition, instructing has a host of benefits beyond your own karate, including the pleasure of seeing students improve their own karate.
• Online Academy – Did you know GKR launched an Online Karate & Fitness Academy this year? This gives existing students a perfect opportunity to try a new class with a new Sensei, from the comfort of their home. Eliminating any issues that may arise with extra travel to an additional dojo. There are scheduled live streamed classes available as well as on-demand content which can be viewed at any time. You can join the Online Academy for as little as $5 a week or £10 per month! For more information or to upgrade your existing membership – Click Here

Expanding your karate horizons will improve not just your karate, but also your confidence, mindset and resilience. If you want to push your boundaries, then make a plan now. Don’t wait until the last minute to get involved in a seminar or a competition. Save the date in your diary and get it booked in advance. There’s a great big GKR world out there to experience.

Mike Norton – Senior Instructor, Region 26 UK

The post Getting Out Of Your Karate Comfort Zone appeared first on GKR Karate.

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying your karate training. Each year, we aim to cast our attention towards a specific community issue with a view to raising both funds and awareness for the cause. As strong advocates for non-violence and anti-bullying, we have been working on developing a partnership with a major national charity that assists victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. I am therefore pleased to announce our new partnership with RizeUp Australia and our accompanying ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence’ – Purple Belt Campaign.

RizeUp Australia is a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic and family violence, regardless of their gender. Their mission is to provide comprehensive assistance and create a safe, supportive environment for every individual impacted by domestic and family violence, ensuring no one is left behind. RizeUp acknowledges that such violence is predominantly gender-based, affecting women and children disproportionately. However, GKR Karate, in solidarity with RizeUp Australia, unequivocally condemns violence in any form, against anyone.

RizeUp have created various networks and programs to connect victim-survivors to specialist services which includes access to therapeutic counselling, support programs for traumatised children, and logistical assistance for those fleeing a violent household. Their flagship program furnishes homes for victim-survivors and their families and helps them re-build their lives after escaping a violent environment.

PLEASE JOIN US AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ‘RIZEUP AUSTRALIA’ AND OUR ‘STOP DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE’ CAMPAIGN

Our specially designed Purple Belts are now available for pre-order online. Purple is universally recognised as representing domestic violence awareness.  These purple belts can be worn in classes during the month of October to help us draw additional attention to this great cause.

Click the button below to order your belt

We also have a special Karate Bear available to order in support for this cause. Profits from the sale of our purple belts and Karate Bears in Australia will be donated directly to RizeUp to assist with their valuable ‘Rapid Response’, ‘Youth Enrichment Support’ and ‘Homes’ programs. We are confident that aligning ourselves with such a worthy cause will help to reinforce GKR Karate’s core values whilst also doing our part to provide aid where it is desperately needed.

As our Purple Belts are a pre order, the cut off date for ordering your belt is Sunday 11th August 2024. This will allow us enough time to have your special purple belt made and sent directly to you in time. Purple Belts are available in sizes 2, 4 and 6. These will be posted directly to you so that you receive them 1-2 weeks before the October campaign.

To read more about the amazing work RizeUp does go to www.rizeup.com.au.

Kind regards
Gavin Samin
Assistant Chief Instructor

The post GKR Karate – Rizeup Australia, Stop Domestic & Family Violence appeared first on GKR Karate.

We were thrilled with the final results of our hugely successful 2023 Pink Belt Campaign. The Campaign was designed to raise awareness and much-needed funds for cancer research, sufferers, and their families. This was an incredible team effort from all parts of the GKR Karate world, and we should be very proud of our collective efforts. Thank you so much for your support and commitment to this worthy cause.

$70,178 raised for the Cancer Council of Australia

$20,283 raised for the Cancer Society of New Zealand

£10,707 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support

• 876 journeys with volunteer drivers to patient treatments
• 657 calls from cancer nurses to offer advice
• 412 psychology sessions
• 196 home visits from cancer nurses
• 117 free nights’ accommodation at Auckland Domain Lodge for patients and their families

Kyoshi Shihan Gavin Samin accepting the certificate on behalf of the Cancer Society of New Zealand

We were also awarded a certificate of appreciation for our generous donation to the Cancer Council of Australia. Our fundraising efforts will help in ongoing research, education and support for those who are affected by cancer. Sensei Cherie Fenlon was able to meet with a representative of the Cancer Council at Cameron Park dojo to present the donation cheque and accept this certificate.

Sensei Cherie Fenlon & the Cameron Park team presenting the donation to the Cancer Council of Australia

The post Pink Belt Campaign appeared first on GKR Karate.

Josh Nixon, Australia

Welcome to the first chapter of our ‘GKR Stories’ series.  This week, we hear the amazing story of Josh Nixon, who is an instructor and student from Brisbane, Australia. Josh shares his courageous journey after a life-changing injury and the inspirational measures he has taken to continue on his karate pathway.  Learn more about Josh’s incredible story below…

“About 10 years into my karate journey, in the middle of covid, I sustained a back injury that led to permanent nerve damage in my right leg, which has left me unable to walk without a cane and having to use a wheelchair for any distance over about 500 metres.

Despite effectively losing a limb, I have adapted my karate to suit my inabilities, and have modified our entire GKR curriculum to fit with using a cane: all 15 kata and the entire grading syllabus (not to mention all of the bunkai, training drills, and combinations that I have developed). I also graded to my 3rd Dan Black belt on my cane.

I still train three times a week, teach my class every Friday and compete in every tournament I can – even though sadly I’m not allowed to participate in kumite and whack people with my cane.

My injury and disability hasn’t stopped me from doing karate, it’s made me adapt and overcome, identify where I’m strong and develop a functional method of karate that works in spite of what I’ve lost.

Karate has helped me develop my body, mind, and spirit, and has given me a lot of confidence – both before and after my injury – to know that I can tackle whatever comes my way. For me, my disability isn’t an excuse to limit myself, it’s a motivation to become greater and achieve more.”

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

The post GKR Stories – Josh Nixon appeared first on GKR Karate.

Parents play a crucial role in motivating children to explore new activities and serve as important role models in their lives.  Participating in organised sports from a young age positively impacts children’s physical development as they learn various skills and movements.

As toddlers and children learn to roll, walk, talk, and develop hand-eye coordination, activities like kinder gym play a significant role in helping to develop these important skills.  However, it is also important to note the unique benefits of martial arts in this critical stage of development.

Tailored to suit age and ability level, karate classes for toddlers and children feature engaging exercises, games, and drills that teach basic karate techniques.  More than just physical skills, these classes imbue young learners with discipline, respect, and perseverance – skills that serve them well inside and outside of karate classes.

At GKR Karate, we have seen firsthand how martial arts training can enhance a child’s physical fitness across several dimensions – including cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.  Karate is not just about building skills; it’s about setting a foundation for a healthy, active life.

Improved Physical Fitness and Coordination

Karate is a martial art that can provide numerous benefits to toddlers and children.  Regular karate practice can significantly improve a child’s physical fitness and coordination.  Karate training involves exercises and techniques that target different muscle groups and promote flexibility, balance, and stamina.

During practise, students perform various movements such as kicks, punches, and blocks.  Constantly repeating these movements helps to improve balance, coordination, and agility, which can help prevent falls and injuries.

Increased Focus and Discipline

Karate classes are an excellent environment for teaching children the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline.  As young children learn to pay attention and follow instructions in class, their ability to concentrate and adhere to directions significantly improves.  This discipline extends beyond the class environment and instils a strong foundation for academic learning and everyday interactions.  The structured nature of karate classes, where students must wait their turn, respect others’ space during exercises, and persist through challenging tasks, also helps to develop patience and impulse control.

Skills learned in karate classes positively impact future success in all areas of life, including in educational settings, social situations, and at home.  By cultivating habits early, toddlers and children learn martial arts and gain a toolkit that fosters a disciplined and thoughtful approach to challenges they will encounter as they grow.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Karate instructors are skilled in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that champions each child’s progress and celebrates their achievements, big and small.  This approach creates a sense of accomplishment and pride in the student’s abilities, bolstering their self-esteem and confidence each time they learn a new move, earn a new belt, or step outside their comfort zone.

Karate also improves confidence in physical skills, builds resilience, and prepares children to navigate challenges they may face with inner strength and determination.  By providing positive reinforcement in class, instructors assist in building a solid base of self-worth that children will enjoy for years to come.

Click here to read in more detail how karate helps build self-confidence in children.

Partner Activities and Socialisation

Karate classes offer a structured and well-organised environment where toddlers and children can develop physically, socially, and emotionally.  Engaging with peers through partner drills and practical self-defence scenarios increases students’ social skills and teaches them the virtues of cooperation, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving.  These activities require students to listen, respond, and adapt to others while providing beneficial social interaction and teamwork opportunities.

Additionally, taking turns during class exercises requires patience and teaches the importance of respecting other people’s opportunities to learn and showcase their skills.  This aspect of karate training helps young children understand the value of waiting and sharing space, which is essential for developing empathy and social etiquette.  Combining structured physical and social interactions in karate classes supports holistic development, making toddlers and children better prepared to handle the complexities of social dynamics as they grow.

Self-Defence Skills

Self-defence is a vital component of any martial arts, it equips students with the confidence and age-appropriate skills to navigate difficult situations safely. Karate training fosters an understanding in children about controlling their actions and recognising their impact on others, cultivating a growing sense of respect and responsibility within the community.  It also promotes situational awareness, teaching students to remain alert and cautious in different surroundings, which is imperative for personal safety.  With regular practise, children can respond quickly and efficiently to different scenarios, significantly increasing their safety and well-being.

Cultural Education

Karate offers physical and cognitive benefits and provides a unique cultural education that enriches a child’s understanding of the world.  As students learn karate, they learn more about Japanese customs, language and etiquette through using Japanese and English terminology in class and the reason behind karate’s customary bow.

Exposure to a new culture at a young age helps bring a sense of global awareness and respect for diversity to even the youngest minds.  It encourages young learners to appreciate cultural differences; respect; self-discipline; and values central to karate’s philosophy.

Why Should My Child do Karate?

Karate offers many benefits for toddlers and children, encompassing physical, cognitive, and emotional development.  Physically, it enhances their strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, establishing a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.  Cognitively, karate sharpens students’ focus, concentration, and decision-making skills, pivotal for future academic success and daily problem-solving.  Emotionally, it builds confidence and self-esteem, teaching children the importance of perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline.

If you’re interested in karate for your toddler or child, we have exciting news.  Our full-time centres offer Yoji classes for students aged 3 and above, specifically designed for young children eager to explore the world of martial arts. These classes help children develop skills in a fun and supportive environment.  To find the nearest location offering Yoji classes, use the location finder on our website.  Get ready to watch your little one embark on an exciting journey of growth, discipline and learning in a martial arts environment.

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