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Home » Blog » Captain America | Why Kids Need Superheroes

Captain America | Why Kids Need Superheroes

August 2, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

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Captain America with his mighty shield.

Captain America with his mighty shield was my favorite superhero.

Each generation has a superhero. My hero was Captain America. His muscular physique, red white and blue outfit, and mighty shield had me captivated immmediately. My friend Shawn, who had a habit of drooling, was Mighty Thor, and I of course was Captain America, so we rarely fought each other. Instead, we ran about the neighbourhood, fighting our battles with imaginary villains, solving the world’s problems, and doing good in general.

Around the same time, the kid next door thought he was Batman, put on his cape and proceeded to jump off the roof, breaking his arm.

The Green Hornet and his sidekick Kato, who was played by the great Bruce Lee, got my brother and I real fired up. We kicked and punched in the air at each other yelling “Hai, Hai, Hai!” for hours. We drove our parents nuts with the noise and destruction of furniture. All in all, it was good clean fun.

In time, I found other heroes as I grew up. My father was a big hero. A stocky, powerful ex-U.S. Marine, he worked in construction most of his life. I have seen few men as strong in my time. The day the neighborhood punks, Rex and Cole, who terrorized our neighborhood, made the mistake of beating on my brother and I would be one that I will always remember.

As my sister ran screaming into the house to let dad know what was going on, I thought to myself “I hope he gets here quick!” A deep, thundering “Hey!” came from above and I looked up to see my dad moving in, fearlessly toward the oldest bully, Rex, who was about 18. He glared at my dad and said, “What are you going to do, fatman”? Dad was big, and yes he had a little paunch, but he was no fat man, and he certainly didn’t move like one as he exploded forth and gave Rex a smack in the mouth. Although my dad could have put him in the hospital with a solid punch, he elected to give Rex an open handed smack. More humiliated than anything, Rex and Cole ran down the road. From that day forward, we knew we could count on him to be our protector.

Kwai Chang Caine in the TV series Kung Fu became my next hero in high school as I watched him battle the bad guys and stand up for what was right in the wild west. His fighting skills were inspirational–hands and feet so fast they needed to show many of the fights in slow motion. The lessons Kwai Chang learned each episode were a big attraction for me. I came to admire his wisdom as much as his fighting ability.

Children today are no different. They need role models. They need to have someone on their side who stands for good and fights evil at every turn. It helps them, as they often feel very small and powerless, to be big and strong, at least in their minds. Through play they can feel brave, fearless, in control of their world. Heroes help children believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference.

Children also learn that even Superheroes are “human” and have weaknesses. Spiderman had lots of personal issues, and Superman was weakened by Kryponite. Captain America was puny and frail in real life. Superheroes are also humble. They do not seek fame, their true identities are always kept secret. They only seek truth and justice.

Kids need to have an outlet to burn off excess energy, and to role play, learning how to get along in the real world through interaction with others.

I believe adults still need role models. They help us to stay inspired. I cannot wait to see the Captain America movie.

“As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary”. Ernest Hemingway, famous American novelist

Who is your superhero?

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Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Comments

  1. John W. Zimmer says

    August 3, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Hi Matt,

    We had a lot of the same role models. I’d add Under Dog and of course Iron Man.

    Kids today do need the older generation to “show them the ropes” at times – no matter how much they think they know. Even if they don’t show it – they will appreciate it later.

  2. Sensei Matt Klein says

    August 3, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    Hi John! Almost forgot about Iron Man. He was #3 in my book after the Captain and Thor.

    Yes, I am still realizing today the wisdom of my parents. Of course when I was a kid I didn’t see it.

  3. Bobby P. says

    August 5, 2011 at 7:27 am

    I saw CA and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It was pretty good. I used to follow him when I collected. However, I always tended to favor the grittier superheros. For sure Cap is on my top 10.

    1. Batman (Dark Knight version)
    2. Dare Devil
    3. Wolverine
    4. Spider-man
    5. Iron Man
    6. X-men
    7. Avengers
    8. Fantastic Four
    9. Captain America
    10. Hulk

  4. Sensei Matt Klein says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Hi Bobby P! Wow, you have seen some movies. I need to get out more often. Top of my list other than CA is Dark Knight and Iron Man. Which ones had the best martial arts moves?

  5. Mr. Martial Arts says

    August 24, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    My superhero is Storm of The X-men. She’s got cool powers!

  6. Sensei Matt Klein says

    August 26, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Will have to check her out, Mr. Martial Arts. Thanks for the comment.

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Hey Kenpo Freestylers! The first week of classes for next term starts Friday, 16th October, through Thursday, 22nd October. The last week of term will end on Thursday, 17th December. It is a nine week term. Please mark your calendars! Times and dates are also posted on our website at http://www.karate-kids.com.au/locations/.

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Testimonials

Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
Yogendra Joshi, father of Mihir JoshiImage
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Tyvian Macfarlane

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Tyvian's story.
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane, father of Tyvian Macfarlane
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Adam Loader

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Adam's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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