What’s the point of learning a Martial Art?
A question that some may consider obvious you may ask however it does run deeper than face value. Many people take the Martial Arts path at various stages in life and for ever increasing reasons.
I’ve found that there are three age group categories where students make the decision to give it a try.
Firstly there are the Infants (4 – 8yr olds). Most are there as a physical activity however what should be taught at this age encompasses much more. Obviously there must be the “fun” element of involvement, after all, young children are no diff erent than everyone else, If it’s not enjoyable then they’ll not want to pursue an activity.
That said, classes need to maintain a level of discipline inherent of Martial Arts. No discipline in classes with children WILL result in poor standards and lesson anarchy. Therefore, skilled instructors should be able to fi nd a balance between teaching a productive, enjoyable class without ruling it with an iron glove but I digress. Most of the infant students in my class are, as I say, there for an enjoyable time but, there are fundamental goals we aim to install before they reach graduation to the Junior class.
We actively teach key skills that will carry a student forward into a more Karate- orientated junior session. Balance, hand-eye coordination, confi dence and dojo discipline are all primary objectives but these need to be coupled with the basic foundation skills of Karate. We need to ensure we have Infants at a level of competence involving basic punching, blocking, sparring & kicking skills that will stand them in good stead by the time they graduate.
Juniors are a slightly diff erent group altogether.
Surprisingly there are not
many in the dojo that are there for the self-defence aspect (some, but not many), mostly they’re in class because they enjoy the whole experience. Confi dence, physical exercise, and discipline are the quick wins but breaking this down you’ll fi nd that boys like to be boys. The whole rough side to sparring, groundwork and padwork go hand in glove (pardon the pun) with adolescent males. Girls, however, are diff erent. They tend to excel in areas outside of brute force and all those male attributes that people associate with a fi ghting art, these things being Kata’s (preset routine of combined moves) – Girls are exceptionally better at this than boys in my opinion. Clearly, knowing that we’re teaching young ladies how to look after themselves is great but they tend not to be as assertive as boys in most cases.
Adults are a completely diverse group. Many of the seniors are parents of the children I teach so their point for training varies. Some are there to get fi t whilst others are learning to support their off spring. All of them however are keen to learn the self-defence aspects which in turn encourages newcomers to join the dojo.
In summary, the “point” of learning Martial Arts is a personal one. Whether it’s for fi tness, confi dence, self-defence or simply to inspire your children, fi nd a personal reason, try a reputable dojo and see if it’s for you. If it is, set your goals and stick to them! Martial Arts is a personal challenge. Remember, a Black Belt is simply a White Belt student that never quit!
By Sensei Rob Wood Please mention thewire when responding to adverts 59
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