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Teaching Children Martial Arts: Silent Stretches as a Powerful Tool

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This is a guest post about Silent Stretches by one of our outstanding, creative instructors, Sensei Nathan Jeffrey. He has developed a unique, innovative approach to get his class of children calm and focused before training. I have seen it in action, and it is super effective! Here is his post:

After playing a very vigorous game of double trouble at my new school at East Granville I needed a way for students to quickly identify myself as their new teacher. They were all sweaty, fired up and being rather loud which was great but not very conducive to what was meant to happen next, stretches. I needed the students to focus on me and calm down so they would be ready to practise karate.

I was faced with two options; I could either meet their noise with my own wall of sound or remain quiet.

I remained quiet.

Silent stretches are, as their name suggests, stretches with my class in total silence, with the exception of deep breaths. In order to ensure silent stretches are successful:

1. I need to be at the centre of the class so all the students can clearly see me.

2. I need to ensure that my silent stretches are exaggerated so that all students understand what part of the body they are stretching. For example, moving my hips in larger circles than needed and stopping the rotation of my arms for longer to denote that we are changing the way we need to rotate.

3. I need to establish quiet within the room. I do this by modelling silence because if you want your students to do something, you must do it yourself.

I’ve found that this way of doing stretches is useful for a myriad of reasons. Firstly, at a new school, where most students were unfamiliar with me, it allowed me to be established as the centre of attention. It identified me as the new teacher of the school and gave the students a focal point to look to. In choosing to remain quiet I modeled to the kids how I expected them to stretch. In remaining quiet and not raising my voice I modelled a calmness that helped the students focus and calm down.

There are two drawbacks that I’ve come across whilst using this method to begin my classes. The first drawback being that you can’t teach new techniques using this method. For example, I’ve found it difficult to go through Sensei Matt Klein’s new yoga stretches with my students. The other drawback is outside noises can undermine the effectiveness of calming students down and centring oneself as the teacher.

Silence is often overlooked as a tool we can use to teach and I think it’s much better to meet noise with calm and quietness. It also saves on the Strepsils’ bill.
In hushed whispers I hope to hear what you think about using silent stretches as a tool for teaching children martial arts.

Sensei Nathan Jeffrey

Sensei Nathan is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Freestyle under Sensei Matt Klein. Sensei Nathan has a Bachelor of Education (Primary). He developed this technique on his own.

How Martial Arts Builds Self-Discipline in Children

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A child learning self-discipline through martial arts

Kids will strive to do their best if they enjoy the activity and will learn self-discipline in the process. This will follow them throughout their lives.

Discipline in the martial arts does not mean making a child do knuckle push-ups for misbehaving in class. I am not a supporter of using exercise for punishment anyway. No, what we are talking about here is self-discipline. Discipline is all about doing what you must do even when you don’t want to do it.

self-dis·ci·pline (slfds-pln)
n.
Training and control of oneself and one’s conduct, usually for personal improvement.

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged

self-discipline
n
the act of disciplining or power to discipline one’s own feelings, desires, etc., esp with the intention of improving oneself.
self-disciplined adj

Webster’s College Dictionary

Control of Self

How does a child learn to control his temper and not lash out? A good role model that he or she looks up to can be a big help. If the sensei says it’s not right to strike another child in anger, most kids take it on. I have even had many parents complain that their child did not hit back when they were attacked because “the sensei said it is not right to use karate at school”. Good or bad, this is self-control in its purest form.

Activity Must be Fun!

How do you get your child to get off the video games and get ready for karate class? Simple, the child has to like the activity. If you can make the classes fun and challenging at the same time, the child will be more likely to continue with it.

Goals Should be Broken Into Little Chunks

How do you keep a child motivated? You have to break the goals into little chunks, because for a kid, six months is forever! Break the goals down into smaller chunks and reward them for their efforts more often. This is not bribery, this is just how kids operate.

The Sensei Knows if You Have Been Practising

How do you get kids to practice at home? This is a hard one, but if the sensei suggests strongly that the child practice outside of class, and says he or she will “check your work next week”, a good many will.

Games Build Concentration and Peer Pressure Can Make Them Work Harder

How can you get a bored child to concentrate? Play a game that requires the child to concentrate in order to win. Every child wants to win at games. Peer pressure can help as every child wants to fit in. “Yes I focus on that kata one more time because the rest of the class is doing it”. They start to learn how to concentrate on their own, enough to master the techniques that are required of them.

Recognition is the Key to Building Mastery

How do you get children to do their best? Use the carrot, not the stick! We always make it a point to have a child demonstrate for the class a technique in which he or she is very good. It makes all the children in the class try harder. Kids are like any other human, we all crave recognition. As the child begins to achieve a sense of mastery, and this is recognised publicly, they start feeling a lot better about themselves and this is where they begin to really enjoy martial arts.

Over a period of years students learn that if they persist, work hard, and do not give up, worthy goals are achieved. It is a lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives. How has the martial arts helped your child’s self-discipline?

Should Parents Be Allowed to Observe Kids Martial Arts Classes?

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Parents watching a kids martial arts class

A child performs karate moves under the watchful eye of his parents.

In the “old school” it was considered poor practise to allow parents to observe their children doing their martial arts classes. Were they hiding something, or was there a reason for this policy? A lot has changed, with parents now encouraged to watch and sometimes take part in the running of classes. What are the pros and cons of parents being allowed to watch the classes?

Arguments in Favour of Allowing Parents to watch Kids Martial Arts Classes

First, let’s explore the arguments in favour of allowing parents to watch the classes. There are many.

Right to Know What Goes On

It is the parent’s right to see what goes on in the classes. The parents are paying for them, and they need to see if they are getting value for money. They need to see if their child is getting anything out of the classes. There is a lot of competition for their dollar in the current martial arts world, and there is a good chance another school will be a better choice if they have enrolled their child in a poor school.

Better for the Kids

It is better for the kids if they are watching. Parents will remember important announcements or pick up newsletters. Kids will forget them.

Parents can give the kids feedback if the child does not seem to be getting something, as they can often see things the child may not see themselves. In addition, parents can give the instructor feedback if the child is having trouble doing something.

Encourages the Children to Do Better

They will do their best to impress you. They’ll take a greater interest in class if mom and dad is watching, and especially if they are encouraging the child. They will take more pride in their achievements, and will be more likely to practise outside of class. Parents might even be called upon to help with a class by holding kick bags or focus mitts, or managing a game. Kids love it when their parents get involved. It shows support for the school and the child.

It Protects the Child

There have been numerous cases of child abuse over the years involving karate instructors. Would this have happened if the parents had been more involved in the classes and was allowed to observe them at all times? I suspect the answer would be “no”.

There may be other reasons, of which I am not aware. This is your chance to chime in reader, hint, hint…

Arguments Against Allowing Parents to watch Kids Martial Arts Classes

Now, the arguments in favour of not allowing the parent to watch their children in martial arts classes. There are also many here.

Child Feels Self-conscious

I’ve had many parents remove themselves from the classes, complaining the children become too self-conscious if they are watching them in the classes. I suspect this arises as the child tries too hard to meet their parent’s approval.

Child Is Distracted

In some cases the child constantly checks to see if mom or dad is watching. This may also stem from trying to meet the parent’s approval.

Loud Parents Distract Class

Parents create a disturbance by loud chatting or phone conversations. This happens a lot, and is one reason many are asked to leave the hall. In other cases, siblings are not managed properly and create a disturbance, interrupting the class. Please see another post about this subject.

Parents loudly giving instruction to their children. In extreme cases I have seen parents, usually fathers, loudly correcting their children, sometimes in a foreign language. Not only is this disruptive to the class (in any language), it makes the child feel self-conscious and singled out.

Parents Comparing their Kids to Others

If a parent with a big ego sees other children progressing faster than their own they will have the tendency to accuse the sensei of favoritism, poor teaching, or other forms of incompetence. At that point, they feel they can withdraw their child from the program without any sense of guilt. In less extreme cases, the child will be made to feel they can never measure up, but will feel like quitting themselves.

There are many pros and cons on this issue. Perhaps the solution is to allow the parents to watch from an enclosed area with windows so they can see the classes, but not be a distraction. This would not always be practical, however. In any case, it is important for parents to support their children in their martial arts journey. I have written a separate blog post about this, which you might find interesting.

What are YOUR thoughts on this issue?

How the Martial Arts Can Improve a Child’s Balance

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Kids improving their balance through martial arts

Martial arts moves like these will improve your child’s balance.

Kicking Takes Balance

Try doing a kick straight out in front of you, executing another one out to the side, and then yet another one behind you, at imaginary attackers from all sides, AND without touching your kicking foot to the floor at any time. Sound pretty hard? Well, our little children in the five to seven age groups are able to do this by the end of the first or second term of martial arts!

Standing on one leg while snapping kicks out in all directions takes incredible balance, learned through training in the martial arts. Some of the children have difficulty with it, but with a little praise and encouragement, they all finally get it. As the child advances they will learn spinning, turning, and jumping kicks, which are all amazing balance builders.

The Stances are the Foundation of Balance

The stances they learn teach them to keep a low centre of gravity and wider base, making it very difficult for a bully to knock them over. Focusing the eyes on a non-moving object out in front of them is something we teach them at the earliest stages of their training. Standing side-on from their opponents makes it harder for someone to push them down and increases their mobility while protecting their centreline, where most serious injuries will occur.

Drills and Exercises Build Balance

Some of the warm-up exercises we do involve the children standing on one leg while pulling their legs out to the side, as if they were doing a kick. Or maybe the eagle, dancer, or tree pose from yoga. The kids love these exercises as they are a great challenge and lots of laughs are heard throughout the training hall. Sometimes for additional challenge, we have them close their eyes.

Later on, when the children are ready to spar, or pretend fight, balance will play a key role in their ability to dodge their opponent’s attacks, while at the same time launching their own. The shuffling games and drills develop footwork, quickness, and balance as the the kids learn to move and evade attacks.

Improving a child’s balance from martial arts training will pay big dividends in their lives. They will find other sports easier to master, and will be less likely to have accidents. This will be especially true when they one day become senior citizens.

Six Ways to Gain and Keep Attention with Children in Martial Arts Classes

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Keeping childrens' attention in martial arts classes

Even repetitive activities can be fun for children if you make a game out of it. They will be motivated to learn and will stay interested.

Having difficulty keeping childrens’ attention in your martial arts classes? Do they seem unmotivated and disinterested? Are the parents frustrated because they have a big fight to get the kids there every time? Well, here’s how to lift your game and keep them coming back for more.

Make it Fun

Overly repetitive activities are boring for kids, but if you make a game out of it, they will love it. Instead of having them stand there throwing their blocks into the air, make them avoid the attacks using the appropriate blocks against the padded blockers as you walk by. Even better, have them sit down if they get hit. Last one (or last few better still) wins.

Keep it Simple

Use simple instruction, both in visual and audio demonstration, and break it down into steps. Breaking things into small chunks helps kids understand each step before they move to the next.

Use Kid-friendly Language

You will lose them the second you start trying to explain something in “adult speak”. Do not say “Bring your knee up at a 45 degree angle, and then extend it directly toward your target”. Instead say “Bring your knee up as high as you can and snap it out at the target”.

Keep Talking to a Minimum

Just show them how to do it and move on. Kids don’t like to listen, they like to do. Fact of life.

Praise Outstanding Efforts

Say “Look how hard Jasmine is snapping out those punches”, and then watch as the rest of the class will try to match her efforts. Effort is more important than skill, as not everyone is naturally gifted in martial arts classes. But they can all try harder.

Recognise Under-achievers

Everyone does at least one thing well. Your job is to catch them doing it, then publicly recognise them. This will do wonders to help the kids with less skill or ability to stay engaged, and will also improve their self-esteem.

Here is more information on How to Motivate Children in Martial Arts

What strategies to you use to gain and keep attention with children in your martial arts classes?

How Teaching Children Martial Arts is Like Cooking

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Simmering the sauce patiently

Patience is needed to bring out the flavours. Same with teaching children martial arts.

Put some love into it

Just like kids, food can somehow tell when you are agro. If a person does not enjoy cooking, they will rush everything just to get through it, which brings us to……

Be patient

You can’t rush frying the onions and garlic, or fail to let the dish simmer properly on the stove. Just like children, the more you try to push them the more they will resist. You need to coax out their “flavours” and bring out their best.

Be in the moment

You have to enjoy the process and not be anywhere else. Engage fully and with all senses. I cook on weekends as it is fun and relaxing and yes, very Zen. A bonus: plenty of delicious, healthy, and cheap leftovers for the week.

Focus on strong basics

Like how to chop onions properly, make a sauce, or boil rice without it getting gluggy. The basics are doubly important for kids since they are generally unable to grasp very complex moves. Stances and footwork are key. Besides, the basics work best in a self defence situation. The complex moves, just like advanced cooking techniques, will be easier to grasp once the basics are mastered.

Constantly re-invent and refine your teaching or children will get bored

In cooking, this experimentation and going outside your comfort zone is how you get better and expand your repertoire of dishes. Be bold!

Learn to cook with your heart and teach martial arts the same way and the children will be drawn to you like a bear to honey.

How Martial Arts Builds Assertiveness in Children

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Kids being assertive in a martial arts class

Kids are encouraged to raise their hands and be assertive in our martial arts classes. There are no wrong answers.

How Martial Arts Builds Assertiveness in Children

Teaching a child to be assertive will pay off as they get older. Confident and assertive children are less likely to bend to the will of their peers. They will be more apt to walk away from a bad situation or to keep up good grades even when others say it is not the cool thing to do.

Providing early leadership opportunities for children is essential for building their assertiveness and confidence. Research from Girl Scouts of America says confidence in speaking up and leading others dwindles by the fifth grade. Kids gain that confidence by entering into activities, clubs, teambuilding, etc. and the earlier the better. The martial arts is a perfect place to to this. Here’s why.

Praise Children for Being Assertive

We praise children for raising their hands in our children’s martial arts classes. We tell them there is no wrong answer and that all questions or comments are good. We never belittle them for any answer they come up with. This gets them to put their hand up more often. Many parents are telling us their children are now putting their hands up in school, which usually means better class participation and grades.

A Strong Role Model

Children copy their role models. Our instructors encourage the children to stand up for their beliefs and views, even if it means going against the crowd. Many of the games we play test individual skills, which build a sense of independence. We also encourage them to speak up when they see injustice. Our instructors also encourage the children to come forth if they are not getting enough attention in class. Children will follow the example of a strong instructor.

Discourage Domineering Behaviour

If we see a shy withdrawn child being pushed around by a more assertive child in class we will separate them, giving the shy child the chance to shine on their own. We will go out of our way to find a way to give them a chance to be assertive and then praise them. We also tell them it is okay to complain if another child cuts in front of them in line. We also give the line-jumpers warning that if they are caught doing it, they will have to watch the game from the side that day.

Provide Leadership

We encourage children to come forth and volunteer to be leaders. As early as purple belt, we will allow children to help with the beginner’s classes. This gets them started helping organise the class and works on their public speaking skills, greatly increasing their assertiveness.

Appearing Confident and Assertive

We teach our students to look people in the eye and use a more firm, powerful voice. We work on our Kiai every day to develop our voices. We encourage them to stay cool and not cry or pout, as this does not show confidence.

We Let the Kids be the Instructor

Sometimes we’ll let the kids take turns running the stretches before class. Each kid picks a stretch, tells the class its name, then demonstrates it. They love to participate in it. Sometimes they come up with funny stretches and everyone has a laugh! It really builds their confidence in speaking up.

Manners are the Key

Sometimes a child will walk up to me and say “I need to get tested because I missed the grading”. I tell them to try again but this time ask in a respectful way. They will often say “Can you please test me Sensei because I missed the grading? This teaches them that they will get a much better result if they make their requests in a firm, but respectful way.

Have Faith in Yourself

We teach our students to have faith in your their own abilities, knowledge and strength. To know that they are valuable and deserve to have their needs met. We all have a right to assert ourselves no matter what our personality.

In the martial arts we give children the tools to be assertive and value themselves and their opinions so they will have high self esteem. It will show in the friends they choose and the activities they participate in and set them up for success in life.

How Not to Run Martial Arts Classes for Children

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structured martial arts class for children

Children want and need structure. They must not be allowed to come and go as they please in a martial arts class.

I was thinking the other day about some of the “disasters” that have occurred during our kids martial arts classes over the last eighteen years. Luckily I learned from these experiences, but would like to share them with you so you do not make the same mistakes. I asked my friend Didi Goodman, a very knowledgeable instructor, who also specialises in childrens martial arts classes, for some of her ideas as well. Didi and I don’t always agree on some issues so I thought it would be interesting to get her take on the subject. Here are my ideas on how not to run a martial arts class for children.

Kids running around doing what they want

The instructor needs to take control of the class. There have been a few times over the years when I was either very tired or distracted and gave the kids free rein. I realized very quickly that kids want and need structure. A few comments from the parents about the chaos that day were all I needed to get it sorted out.

Kids walking in and out of classes when they want

You cannot let kids come and go as they like. If everyone did it you would have no class! I let the kids join in without penalty if they are late, because it is rarely their fault as they do not drive. However, if they want to leave the class for any reason, they must ask permission. I never refuse to request to go to the toilet. However, if a particular child is constantly asking for a drink break or something, I will often say “No, you must wait until the next class break”.

Parents blabbing away on mobiles during the class

I do not permit this. It is extremely rude, and I will walk up to them while they are talking and stare at them until they get up and take their conversation outside. For the very stupid or careless ones, I will interrupt their conversation with “Can you take your mobile outside?” in a loud voice.

Kids sitting in horse stances throwing straight punches the whole class

Kids need to have a bit of fun. Our classes have been very popular over the years for two reasons: they are fun and affordable. Well, three reasons actually–they learn excellent martial arts skills! We play games, but all the games are designed to build skills like coordination, teamwork, footwork, and especially, concentration. Boring classes are empty classes.

Instructor is late

The first time an instructor is late people start to wonder if they really care about their students. The second time it happens their students start to quit. The third time….well, the instructor needs to find another job, they do not care enough about their career or their students to be a martial arts teacher.

Didi Goodman, who also wrote the book entitled The Kids’ Karate Workbook, made the following additions to this post.

Instructor is late

I do push-ups if I’m late! LOL I know how you feel about push-ups. I think I’ve been late 3 or 4 times in twenty years. Once it was because my neighborhood was on fire. I missed the whole first class and was late to the second.

Instructor sounds like a loud, angry drill sergeant

Nothing wrong with being firm, clear, and demanding. Be as serious as you like. But you don’t need to be frightening. And if the kids think you’re angry with them whenever they make a mistake, your classes aren’t going to thrive. Be ready to laugh; let the kids know you enjoy martial arts, enjoy them and enjoy their efforts. Then they’ll enjoy trying their best for you. Lay that foundation and you can set the bar as high as you like.

Expecting perfection from the children

“We’re not moving on until you all get this exactly right.” The best teachers on earth can’t make their students get everything right at once. Remember, you’re working with beginners and young children. Students need to practice; they must put in their repetitions; they have age-based limitations on how they’ll do. Like you, they’re imperfect! So keep going. The worst mistake I see from new instructors is bringing all the action to a halt while they try to correct one student’s every last flaw. The other kids are dying of boredom and itching to move! Then, when the next count finally comes, the instructor notices Student B needs an overhaul, too… Give a clear correction and move on. Repeat as needed; help and urge as you go; but keep the action going, and move to the next activity on schedule. (See also: “Kids sitting in horse stances throwing straight punches the whole class” – sometimes this is how it came about!)

Parents coaching from the sidelines

In a well-functioning class, the instructor is in charge, and the kids need to focus. “Stage parents” are a damaging distraction – not just for their own kids, but for everyone. Make sure parents in the viewing area understand proper etiquette. If there’s an issue with their child’s behavior or performance in class, help them understand how you are handling it. If necessary, work out ways they can help and support your efforts without being disruptive (i.e., things they can do outside the dojo to support good behavior during class). Worst case: Suggest they take advantage of class time to run errands…

Younger siblings running wild on the sidelines, or running across the class

While we’re on the subject of etiquette for parents, sometimes they need encouragement to stay in charge of the siblings and toddlers who may accompany them to your school. Their noise and actions can be yet another distraction for your class, and when toddlers run onto the floor, it’s a safety hazard as well.

Kids wanting nothing but games

A game now & then, even a warm-up game every class – no problem. Making a game of hard work, or disguising repetition – those are perfectly good teaching techniques. But the highest goal of an instructor is to get the kids to love working out, to love striving for improvement, – to love learning! Classes based solely on games too often breed students who feel entitled to play – and who resist good old-fashioned discipline and work. Everything doesn’t have to be a game. Help the kids discover that martial arts training is fun in and of itself.

Thank you so much Didi for your ideas about How Not to Run a Martial Arts Class for Children. Your experiences parallel mine closely and it is interesting to see your take on it. Instructors, what ideas do you have on this subject?

Two Easy Ways to Build A Child’s Confidence and Self-Esteem

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A karate kid builds confidence and self-esteem

Kids develop confidence and self-esteem through repetition and positive feedback.

Build on What They Already Know

I already felt like I had two left feet in the salsa class. Exasperated, I asked my partner, who had already been there for a few months, “Am I the only one here not getting it, or is this just too difficult?” I was surprised when she said, “You know what, they never practice anything we have done before, it is always this new stuff. Just when we learn it, we move on to something else, and forget about it”. Ah-hah. We laughed about it, but it was so true. In their quest to make the classes interesting, they tried to do something new every week, but neglected to practice what was taught prior. The result: lack of confidence amongst the students as nothing ever stuck. Many quit in frustration, some, like myself, thinking “I will never be a good dancer”.

In order to build up your students’ confidence, build on what they already know. This is especially important when teaching children. You can still make the classes interesting. Try doing them from the left-handers stance. Try adding a kick that they don’t know onto a hand combination they know. Experiment with rapid commands. That way, their interest is held, but they also are gaining confidence in themselves. That is not to say never teach them new things. Just make sure you are spending enough time for review so they stick.

Build Them Up, Don’t Tear Them Down

I have studied many martial arts outside my own over the years, and have gained many insights through this experience. At one school in particular, I became frustrated, to say the least. Everytime I did something wrong, the instructor would loudly correct it, so the whole class could hear. I was not discriminated against, he did it with everyone there. Meanwhile, if we did something well, we never heard about it. He never praised anyone. The result: only a few of his students stayed; most like myself, moved on. At another school, an assistant got a bit upset when his poor instruction was not understood by myself and two other students. He said, “I’m going to show you one more time. If you don’t get it this time, 50 pushups.” I flatly refused, and stated, “Let’s talk to the sensei about this”. He backed down. I had a chat with the sensei about the incident. We did not see that assistant again. Apparently, other people complained about him as well.

We need to praise our students when they do something well. We all need recognition for our efforts, especially kids. Your recognition of their efforts means so much to them. Build on what they know and be generous with your praise, and before long you will have a large following of confident students with high self-esteem. See an earlier post, Motivating Children in Martial Arts for more ideas in this area.

Captain America | Why Kids Need Superheroes

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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?