This is just a small list and there is a far greater list within and beyond that summary.

Let's now have a look at Parent's most frequently asked questions relating to Karate.

Q:    What is the earliest age my child can begin karate training?

A:

As a good rule of thumb, the average age I believe a child should begin karate training is 6 years.

If little Billy seems to want to get into some form of activity, and, as a parent, you'd like to sharpen some of the motor skills while he's still too young for Karate, I'd be inclined to introduce the child to Swimming This will produce many of the same physical results as karate, and would serve as a reasonable preparatory activity that will assist Karate training when the child is old enough to begin training.

Q:    I have a 14 year old boy who  seems to be a little uncoordinated and self-conscious. Does that mean he'd be no good for Karate?

A:    Quite the contrary in fact. This is quite normal.

When a boy reaches that crucial hormonal minefield between 11 and 16, the most obvious sign that things are changing will be a spurt of physical growth.

As this growth is mainly skeletal, his motor-skills, however impressive prior, will take a bit of a downturn at this time. That's because the skeleton will grow faster than the motor-skills will be able to adapt to the physical change. They will eventually catch up but here's the good news... Karate training throughout this period will assist in a number of ways. 

It will sharpen those motor-skills and accelerate that "catch-up" process. It will assist in the development of those muscles that begin to take shape during this time. It will assist in maintaining the youthful flexibility of the joints while the growth occurs. Most of all, it provides an excellent understanding of the affects of the chemical changes occurring, which lead to feelings of anxiety, confusion, aggression that are associated with this period, which will help your "young man" maintain control and self-esteem. Of course, there's also the friendly environment where a young-adult can feel he belongs, and be himself with total comfort.

Q:     I want my daughter to learn to defend herself but my first thoughts of Karate are very "Gung-Ho". Will she sacrifice her femininity in order to protect herself?

A:    Certainly Martial Arts are portrayed in Hollywood and on T.V. as merely ways for people to beat each other up. Like most things in the movies, that's all fake and couldn't be further from the truth

Have no fear! Girls remain very petite when training in karate but they learn to pack a wallop, when necessary. 

Q:    I've tried numerous activities and sports my children show an interest in but they never stick to anything. What if I spend all the money on gear and they don't like it?

A:    I won't lie to you, Karate is not for absolutely everyone. It's a personal choice.

What I recommend is that you and your child go along and watch a class in progress first. If your child likes it, by all means join in and just wear loose trousers and t-shirt for the first month. If after a month of dedicated attendance your child is still enthusiastic, you're on a winner and you can go ahead and buy the uniform. The uniform (Gi) will probably serve to fuel the fire and make them want to keep it up once they look the part.

If you want a really valuable tip, why not begin Karate with your child? There's no restriction on skill, size, shape or age.

Q:    Is there a chance my child could get hurt doing Karate?

A:     There are far higher incidents of injury in soccer, rugby, basketball, cycling, skating, surfing and hockey than Karate.

To put your mind at ease, we practice "Non-Contact" Karate. That is to say, there are no "strikes" or "blows" delivered greater than "touch-only" to the body, and none at all to the head or neck area. We teach "control" in all defence situations and when there's any risk of contact occurring during an activity, we use specially designed protective gear to be extra sure there's little chance of an injury.

Q:    My child needs lots of encouragement and a feeling of either "achievement" or "Advancement" to go on. How does your Karate deal with these needs?

A:    The grading and advancement policies of each Dojo differ slightly from place to place. There is also the development speed of the individual to be considered.

Essentially, we understand the importance of the child's development, and how praise and reward nourishes them as much as the training itself.

The requirements for each grading are very realistic and can easily be achieved by any student, provided they keep up the attendance and the practice.

To safeguard against a student's hopes or expectations being squashed, a Dojo Instructor will carefully monitor the progress of each student individually during each training period (usually 3 to 4 months between gradings). During this time, the Instructor will easily identify any potential shortfall of the students requirements, and work with them to ensure they'll be ready for their next grading. Only those students who are truly capable of passing the examination or assessment will be invited to attend.

We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your own training, or your children's training at any time.

This e-mail address will connect you straight with our PC - sjkkarate@yahoo.co.uk and I promise to get back to you straight away. 

Enjoy Your Karate

David Alleyn - School of Japanese Karate (Shotokan International)

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THE ABOVE HAS BEEN USED WITH THE KIND PERMISSION OF SENSEI  ELLIOT KLEINER - KARATE UNION OF AUSTRALIA.

  (www.kua.com.au)