There are several reasons why a blended Karate system is the best martial art for children. Some issues revolve around practicality, but others are focused on the developmental level of different age groups of kids and integrated virtue training. This is true in Knoxville like the many other places around the world I have taught.
A blended Karate style is the best martial art for kids because of its use of the high percentage basic techniques from the three categories of the martial arts: striking, grappling, and weapons. There is also the virtue based self improvement aspect some new and sport styles have jettisoned.
I am not saying in the least that there is not merit in most every style of martial art. This goes for children's instruction as well. What I am saying is that when it is our kids we are talking about, major omissions and flaws should not be looked over in leu of other benefits.
Why Is A Blended Karate System More Practical?
Without going through a list of the many styles and their shortcomings it is easier to tell you why blended Karate systems have a more practical approach.
- With self perfection as the central element in Karate and its emphasis on defense rather than aggressiveness, traditional Karate forms the perfect base for children.
- The blended side comes in when other styles are 'blended in' to augment the more simple aspects of grappling and weapons training found in most traditional Karate.
- For children, the basics of these multiple systems are added to the virtue based foundation of a traditional Karate system and offer them the best forms of bully prevention, stranger awareness, and self improvement when compared to other more limited systems.
Why Is Over Emphasizing Sport In The Martial Arts Bad For Kids?
With many sport styles the emphasis becomes about winning within their predefined system rather than self defense or self improvement.
- For example, sport Brazilian JiuJitsu requires a gi, doesn't allow striking of any kind, de-incentivizes throws, and has no solution for weapon use (improvised or otherwise).
I am not picking on BJJ, I have studied it with some of the most celebrated professors of it in the world. There are other styles that do similar things.
- Sport Taekwondo for instance disallows many techniques found in grappling, weapons, and even most hand techniques. Kicking is the primary and arguably the only technique category utilized.
What Is The Need For Age Appropriate Martial Arts For Kids?
Don't get me wrong, these other styles can be used effectively for self defense if done right, but the bigger issue is the virtue based instruction that is inherently lacking in most sport training.
The moral barrier to entry found in family based traditional martial arts throughout history is sadly absent in many modern mixed martial arts and sports based systems.
I have found and so have many studies that teaching dangerous or risky techniques to younger children is not a good idea. Their moral compass is just not fully developed, and will not be for many years.
Simply teaching a martial art does not convey character or moral fiber. This has to be done by teaching the right style and system by the right instructor.
