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We realize that the activity of a child to be able to defend themselves is
important, but far more important are the tools the child will need to develop
into a well rounded adult. Therefore, children learn respect, courtesy, and
self control while participating in a good exercise program. As students of
the martial arts they build confidence and self esteem while they progress
through the program. Each of these characteristics improves attitudes and
grades. Our objective is to help children improve in each of these areas:
1. Sincerity, respect, and self control
2. Individual effort and self confidence
3. Character and self esteem
4. Concentration and self discipline
As children successfully accomplish and reach for new goals, their confidence
levels grow, their self esteem is enhanced, and the need to be self disciplined
becomes an accepted standard. As part of our program, we have included visible
as well as intangible rewards for our students. The visible rewards include
different colored belts that are symbols of ever increasing levels of expertise
in the martial arts, patches for the accomplishment of specific projects (such
as honor roll), and different colored uniforms for the achievement of greater
levels of dedication and training. However, even more important that these are
the intangible rewards of praise for a job well done, the encouragement to
continue when things seem difficult, and the verbal acknowledgment of goals
reached and awards earned. Each of these enhances the child's character and
contributes to their own self worth.
By using a structured program of instruction our students learn to think
instead of panic in a threatening or potentially dangerous situation. In many
instances, the knowledge of what one can do if challenged generates enough
courage to avoid trouble. However, if trouble cannot be avoided, our students
learn to defend themselves from "bullies" and other would be assailants. Our
students are taught to be defensive in their actions and are trained to avoid
the desire to become aggressive with others. The programs are designed to
enhance performance in other sports by improving coordination and
concentration. In addition, our unique program of learning includes
education in history, geography, and anatomy. |
