The martial art; Karate is a part of the curriculum in Dar Al Majd International School for the Primary students. It enhances their development in skills and principles that needs to be used in personal growth and self defense. This art begins and ends with courtesy; a value to be learnt by all. Students undergo this training by Professionals who come over during the scheduled period and conduct classes. This striking art using punching, kicking, knee and Elbow Strilbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands, grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are some of the styles taught in the school. At the end of every Academic session the student undergoes an exam and moves over to the next level of ‘Belt’.
The word Karate derives its name from the Japanese word meaning "empty hands." Karate grew as a form of self-defence in the 17th century when carrying weapons was banned in Japan.
While Karate evolved two hundred years ago in Okinawa Japan, few know of its linkage to India. It is believed that more than a thousand years ago an Indian Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma introduced a style of temple boxing to the Chinese, with exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body. As trade between China and the island nation grew, Chinese families settled in Okinawa, and thus began the influence of Chinese martial arts on the Japanese style of Karate.
Karate training is imparted in a very structured environment, with the student paying obeisance to the instructor before the start and at the end of each class. The student must practice and demonstrate the ability to master a certain number of Karate exercises before they can earn a belt, and move to the next level of Karate training.
Karate training offers many benefits for young children. Improved physical fitness, superior mind-body coordination, and self-discipline are just some of the characteristics of a martial art practitioner, that immediately come to mind. Let's look at these benefits of Karate training for children in some details.
Physical safety and health: We live in times when parents have two key concerns about their children - their physical safety and health. Enrolling your child for learning Karate addresses both these problems to a great extent.Karate teaches your child the art of self-defence, which is a skill that every boy and girl must possess. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, excessive pressures of academics, and limited opportunities to play active sports, are the leading causes of child obesity today. Practicing a sport like Karate helps your child get the necessary physical exercise in an exciting way, and also aids their physical/ mental development.
Self-discipline: Karate training requires a lot of focus and discipline. Each student has to learn a curriculum, go through a certain number of hours of training, prepare for and take a test before he/ she can progress to the next level. To be fit, they also have to focus on their diet - what they must eat, and what they must avoid. All this requires a lot of self-discipline, and it's a habit that is reinforced throughout the Karate training as your child progresses from one level to the next.
Respect for others and self: Some parents think that enrolling their child for martial arts puts the child at risk of becoming a bully, or increases chances of them picking fights at school to show-off their newly acquired fighting skills. This belief cannot be further from the truth.One of the fundamental principles of martial arts like Karate is respect. Students must respect their opponent (someone is always bigger and stronger) and treat the other students with respect as well. They must bow to their Karate teacher before and after each session. The right Karate tutor will help instil the value that regard for others comes from a deep sense of self-understanding.