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Kids Sword Combat: Is it Useful for Self Defence?

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kids sword combat tournament

Kids love to compete in sword combat.

Kids sword combat is a popular event of International Sport Karate Association in Sydney, Australia. Our tournament team, Kenpo Freestyle Sydney, has been the number one ranked team in ISKA Australia karate tournaments for five years in a row. We train our team members how to excel in sword combat. But how does it help kids learn self defence skills? Is it practical? What are the benefits of sword combat for kids?

The Benefits of Sword Combat for Kids

1. Strengthens both arms. You hold the sword with both hands and use it to strike, thrust, and parry. This builds coordination and strength in both arms.
2. Develops quick reflexes. The weapon moves faster than someone’s fist and it has more reach. You must be quick to block it or evade it.
3. It teaches you how to read an opponent’s attacks. You will learn how your opponent moves as they are getting ready to attack, and this will help you to avoid them.
4. It develops an understanding of how to block an attacker’s weapon, not just how to strike. By learning the attacks, you will also learn the defences.
5. It teaches fast footwork for self defence. You will find that if you don’t move around you will be hit with the sword easily. By staying light on your feet you can attack and retreat much faster.
6. It enables a smaller person to defeat a bigger person with speed and technique. Speed and technique are more important than brute strength in a self defence situation.
7. It burns off stress and energy without hurting anyone. If you are wearing proper safety equipment and the sword combat sparring is controlled by instructors, it is a safe and fun way to release tension and get some great exercise.

I hope you can see the benefits of sword combat for kids. Can anyone think of any other benefits that were not included on this post? Please feel free to leave your comments.

Sensei Matt Klein

Kids Anti Bullying Secrets: Tip #2

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This is the second anti bullying video for kids in our series to help you learn how to protect yourself. It will have you “bobbing” and “weaving” just like a pro boxer in no time. If practicing this move at home, make sure the punches are slow enough so you can learn without getting hurt. Notice all of these videos are for defence only. You must have a qualified martial arts instructor teach you the more offensive moves. I hope you like this video. Please check out Kids Anti Bullying Secret Tip #1 too. Look for more of these videos on YouTube.

Note: Because anti bullying includes a much wider subject area than we will focus on here, it is now called the Kids Defence Series.

Kids Anti Bullying Secret Tip #1

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Hey kids! I have created series of anti bullying videos just for you. All of the videos will show you the different ways of avoiding common attacks from bullies. Be on the lookout for several more on this blog. In the first video we are going to show you some fancy footwork to avoid the bully’s attack. We call it the “shuffle”. By shuffling, or side-stepping, you are able to easily move out of the way of an attacker’s punches and kicks. Hope you enjoy the video. Please rate it on YouTube or make a comment if you like it.

Note: Because anti bullying includes a much wider subject area than we will focus on here, it is now called the Kids Defence Series.

Sensei Matt Klein

Sensei Matt Klein Selected to Write Article on SuperParents Blog

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Website SuperParents

The SuperParents Website--Top Resource for Parents and Families

I am pleased to announce I have been selected to write a guest post for SuperParents.com.au. This Australian website is a superb resource for anything relating to parenting, including child safety, pregnancy, health, lifestyle, discipline, and much more.

Colin Woo, the owner of SuperParents, is also a 5th Degree Black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Colin has asked me to write a post on the subject of how to support your children in martial arts. I told Colin I would be glad to write the article. The article, “How to Help Your Child Succeed in the Martial Arts (or any other sport)” will be published on SuperParents.com.au later this week. Please be on the lookout for it. It will be unique in that the viewpoint will be from that of a child.

I am very flattered that Colin picked me to write this article, and honoured to have it appear on a website of this reputation. Please have a look at the article at http://www.superparents.com.au/blog/2010/05/a-childs-perspective/ and check out the website and blog.

Update: the article is now live at http://www.superparents.com.au/blog/2010/06/children-support-sport/

Martial Arts for Kids: Ten Secrets to Getting Your Black Belt

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blackbelt.jpg

You can reach black belt if you follow my secrets, work hard, and don't give up.

During the last fifteen years of teaching karate for kids I have watched many obtain their black belts. I have also sadly watched many give up. It is especially heart-breaking to see them quit when they are close to obtaining black belt level. Why do some make it and some drop out? I strongly believe if you follow the following steps, you will have what it takes to pass the ultimate test–the black belt.

1. Give the Sensei your full attention. Look and listen when he or she is talking. You will learn a lot more. If someone is talking to you while the Sensei is explaining something, ignore them.

2. Focus your energy and thoughts on what you are doing–never mind what else is happening in the class. Visualize how each move would work against an attacker.

3. Stances are the key to success in all martial arts. Perfect the horse, cat, bow, sparring, or whatever stance your style teaches and you will be on your way to black belt.

4. Realize it takes many years of training to perfect your moves. Be patient with yourself, relax, and enjoy the process of learning and mastering the art.

5. Ignore anyone who says “You are not good at Karate/Kung Fu, etc.”. It does not matter what they think. You will be excellent in the martial arts if you put forth your best efforts.

6. Do not compare yourself to others in the class. Many of us are not gifted athletes, but we can be our best with practice. Your goal is self-improvement, and this will happen with time and effort.

7. Practice all your moves outside of class at least once a week. You will be amazed at the difference this makes and the Sensei will notice.

8. Try to keep yourself fit and flexible. Build up your heart and lungs. Running, swimming, bicycling, or any other activity that gets your heart pumping are the best. Do your stretches regularly so your kicks and punches have greater reach and you have less chance of injury.

9. Be dedicated to your training. There will be times when you don’t feel like going to martial arts class due to the weather or lack of energy. Go anyway and you will be glad you did. It will build your self-disclipine and you will feel great once you get there and start doing it.

10. Do not focus too much on the belts–they are not as important as the lessons you learn on your martial arts journey.

Sensei Matt Klein

How to Find the Best Martial Arts School for Your Kids

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good kids karate instructor

It will be obvious if the instructor enjoys his or her job and has good rapport with the kids

At least once a month someone tells me they are moving out of town and asks for a recommendation for kids martial arts in that area. I am usually at a loss to recommend anyone because I don’t network much outside of my base in Sydney, Australia. Although sad to see them go, I am happy give them a bit of information that I have acquired over the years to guide them in their search. There are lots of things to look for in a martial arts school, but I feel these are the most important.

Determine Your Needs and Your Child’s

Determine why you want your child to take part in martial arts. Is it fitness, confidence, self-esteem, discipline, or competition? Different things will be emphasized at each school. Why does your child want to take part? This is the most important question, because many children drop out if their needs are not met. Children might want to start just to have fun and make friends–that’s ok.

Visit Schools in the Area

If a school does not allow you to observe at least a few of their classes before you enroll, walk away. Most likely they have something to hide. Talk to other parents at each school about their experiences.

Discipline in the class is important. If kids are running amok, doing what they please without any class structure, there is a problem. The instructor should be strict yet fair. An instructor should never strike a child.

Classes should be divided according to age and experience. Kids should not be in the same classes as adults. With children, the moves should be broken down into the most simple elements. If there are only a few kids in the class it’s not a good sign. A bigger class has a better vibe and is a sign the school is doing something right.

Ask to observe a sparring session, where the more advanced students practice against each other. Is it strictly supervised by black belts? Is control enforced? Do the kids enjoy it? Is proper safety gear worn? Head gear, gloves, mouth guards, shin/foot protectors are a must for kids and adults alike.

Look for schools that have been in business for at least a few years and have a good reputation in the community. The two usually go hand in hand.

Is the location convenient for you? If you have to drive all the way across town to get there, you will probably drop out.

Find the Best Instructor

There is no such thing as a “best style or system”. There is such a thing as a “best teacher”. It is essential that the instructor embodies the important things in the martial arts like respect and kindness.

The chemistry between teacher and student is crucial. If your there is no rapport between the child and the instructor it will be an uphill battle. Are the kids truly enjoying themselves in the class?

Recommendations from other parents are an excellent way to find good instructors.

Terms and Costs are Important

Lock-in contracts are not a good idea, unless you’ve had time to assess the quality of instruction.

Find out what the total costs are. Grading fees, registration/membership fees, uniforms, mandatory equipment–it can all add up. If they are unable to give you a straight answer, find another school.

How to Find the Best Martial Arts School for Your Kids is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney.

Karate Kids and the Jessica Watson Story

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jessica watson sets examples for kids worldwide

Jessica Watson on her boat

Jessica Watson completed her sail around the world today. Many people have circumnavigated the world solo in a sailboat—but Jessica Watson is a 16-year-old girl. This has never been done before. Whether you support her effort or not you have to admire her. We as martial artists can learn a lot from this story.

Have a go. Jessica was not afraid to embark on this journey, despite her age. She was brave enough to give it a shot. I see this all the time in our students. This is why kids learn so fast. They are not afraid to look bad—they just do it. I have seen kids who have gone into their first karate tournament and won a trophy. It happens all the time. They were not afraid to have a go at it.

Ignore the naysayers. There will always be “well wishers” who say “you shouldn’t do this or that” or “you are not ready”. Jessica ignored them and focused on the task at hand. Most successful people in the world have this important quality of ignoring those who doubt their abilities.

Believe in yourself. When others doubt you and the task seems impossible, it is hard to keep going. But if you truly believe in yourself, as Jessica did, you will come through in the end. She believed firmly in her skill as a sailor, and that is what got her through a difficult journey.

Don’t give up. Despite having a run-in with a huge freighter, a boat that overturned in 10-meter swells, freezing temperatures, broken equipment, and other hardships, Jessica did not even think of giving up. It is this quality that is most important for success. I have seen kids fail the black belt test two or three times, and then come back with a vengeance on the next grading, performing the best in their class. Never give up.

Remember those that made your success possible. From Jessica’s blog, “And of course yesterday was Mother’s Day. I couldn’t cook her breakfast in bed or make her a card like she deserves a million times over, so I’ve saved an extra hug for when I get in. What Mum did letting me go and helping me get to the start line while still looking after everyone else is in my eyes much harder than anything I’ve faced out here. Thanks Mum!”

Being in the “here and now” and enjoying the journey. From her blog “I’m having the time of my life slowly cruising up the coast, not pushing Ella’s Pink Lady too hard, and looking forward to arriving on the 15th. I’m enjoying all the highs of solo sailing and in just a few days, I’ve got seeing friends and family to look forward to”. She was clearly enjoying the journey, yet at the same time looking forward to happy times in the future. Work at your goals, but revel in your achievements and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Karate Kids and the Jessica Watson Story is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney.

Kids Karate Sensei Becomes White Belt Again

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Welcome to the first post in my new blog. Since this is about beginnings, I thought I’d write about what it’s like to be a white belt again. Yes. Me. I am a white belt again—in building websites. The site at which you are now looking was built by yours truly. What does this have to do with kids karate you ask? As it turns out, a lot.

Sensei Matt Klein with white belt

Sensei Matt became a white belt again--in building websites.

A good webmaster could build this site in a few weeks. Me—it took over a year. Why? I now remember the frustrations of being a white belt again. I had to call the web hosting company countless times to have them walk me through something I did not understand. I cringed at their impatience, as I just couldn’t get it. Well, not all of them were impatient—most were quite good. When I called the help line it was potluck. Dozens of times I had to go to the website forums to get answers to questions I didn’t even know how to ask. I waited for replies that sometimes never came. I searched google to ask “Why is my website showing as a blank white page,” or “Why has my website crashed?”

And the language. There was HTML, CSS, Photoshop, W3 Validation, FTP, etc., etc. It might as well have been hieroglyphics. How do you get problems solved when you don’t know the language? Well, I had to learn. There were online tutorials, books, forums, and conversations with experts. It is amazing how many people want to help if you just ask for their advice. I now have great respect for people in this field; they must know so many things.

There were so many times I was tempted to throw in the towel. Hire someone to do it for me. But, like any white belt, I enjoy a challenge. Each time I encountered a problem, I found a way to solve it. It might have taken me a day, or even a week, I didn’t care. There was always a solution. Each time I found a solution my confidence grew. And guess what? I learned a lot.

When I walk through the class as we are practising a kata, I see the looks on the children’s faces. Utter frustration, the “I will never get this” look. I can now better relate to their feelings. I can now see what kind of Sensei they need. They need someone like that kind patient person on the web hosting help line that got me through a tough, frustrating time without making me feel like a complete idiot.

Let’s face it. In the website development world I am a nobody—a big zero. But I’m learning, and part of the joy of learning is exploring the unknown, overcoming the fear of failure, and reveling in our new knowledge. Learning new things is what keeps us young at heart. I will probably never be a black belt in building websites, but I am still learning and I will not give up.

What did I learn from all of this? I learned that everyone should become a white belt again just to feel what it’s like to be someone just starting out on their journey. More than anything, this experience has taught me about patience; with myself, as well as with others. And white belts; never be afraid to ask for help.

Kids Karate Sensei Becomes White Belt Again is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney.