Character development through karate at Sandton
Karate teaches children to be aware of their surroundings, enabling them to identify potential threats and make informed decisions about their safety.
Birgit Jabour says that karate for children is a martial art that focuses on physical fitness, self-discipline, respect, and self-defence.
The Bryanston-based fighter who won last year’s KSI World Masters championships for kata and silver for kumite free-style fighting believes that children can only benefit from embodying the principles of karate.
“I believe that I have karate in my blood; I have been doing it since the age of 11 years old and I can speak about how it changes a lot of aspects of a young person’s life.”
She added that children who progress in their karate training and achieve new belts gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
“Learning and mastering techniques can boost self-esteem, encouraging a positive self-image.”
Jabour stated that at Sandton Shukoka Karate Club, where she teaches, she instills respect in children.
“Karate places a strong emphasis on respect for instructors, fellow students, and the art itself. We teach children to bow before entering and leaving the training area, as well as to show respect to their training partners.”
She explained that it teaches children to respect themselves, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal integrity and making positive choices.
“With karate, we can go on and on, but most importantly, it provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, fostering teamwork and cooperation, and their little partner drills and sparring exercises help develop their social skills.”
The karate lover concluded that the children often work together to achieve common goals, creating a sense of camaraderie within the karate community.
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