Why is Karate So Important in Development of Character.

Shihan Hojati's Family 2005

Have you noticed the passion by which your instructor speaks of karate, their love for the art, and the need to stay with it, is so crystal clear. However,when it comes to kids, many parents can not understand why karate is so important, and why their instructor is so insistent in keeping you involved.

The reason that karate instructors, are so driven, is that they are instructors, not
coaches. This is because karate is not a sport, it is an art form, and should be part of every child’s educational curriculum.

In Japan, every child at the age of six or younger, is introduced to martial arts.As they get older, they move from one martial art to may be one more. If the child is not good for martial arts, then he/she is handed-down to “western sports.”

Being in martial arts is an educational necessity, and a privilege. In the United States, generally the situation is reversed. Most athletic people are encouraged to practice western sports, and those who don’t fit the norm, are introduced to martial arts, so they have something to do.

When the child that lacked coordination, social skills, teamwork,concentration, agility, and stamina, learns that from karate, he/she is pulled from karate for the sake of the team sports. The true potential of the child in an art form is forsaken for the sport, and possible social status.

Karate takes time, and teaches physical attributes, such as flexibility, stamina, coordination, timing, agility, fitness, offers competition and promotes lifetime physical fitness,and let’s not forget self-defense. In this, it meets and surpasses any western sport.

But, karate also teaches perseverance, dedication, loyalty, taking pride in one’s work, confidence to try new things, expand one’s comfort zone, as well as dedication to family, and being just, fair and forgiving. In short it teaches leadership. In this, no other sport and activity can match or meet what karate teaches. Your karate
instructor knows this.