Kids Karate in Raleigh Has Benefits
As parents, we have to find positive ways to build character and instill self-confidence in our children. One great way to accomplish both of these tasks is through martial arts. Jiu Jitsu, Muay-Thai, and even kids karate in Raleigh all provide great benefits for your child’s development.
For instance, the training guidelines in many forms of martial arts generally follow these four aspects:
- Kihon – Basic techniques
- Kata – Form or patterns
- Bunkai – Applying the forms and basics, or “kata application”
- Kumite – Sparring and combat situation
When your child enters into the kihon phase, they will learn the basics of martial arts, such as how to punch, block, kick, and move around their opponent. Your child will perform some light drills that will be fully instructed by the Sensei. The drills will build muscle memory through repetitive movements for these basic techniques.
The kata stage will show your child how to combine the basic punch, block, and kick techniques that they learned in the kihon phase into flowing movements and patterns. Think of kihon as the foundation and each kata as a wall. These form the different fighting strategies.
Bunkai is a transitional step to the kumite phase. In bunkai, your child will practice and develop each kata movement to prepare for real combat situations.
The kumite stage is where your child applies all the kata movements that they have learned in kihon and bunkai, in a controlled sparring environment. Kumite is not real combat, but it will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies. The two practitioners will attempt to perform moves on each other either in turns, or in free sparring.
Your child will gain lifelong lessons about respecting others, how to have self-confidence in themselves, and will be able to defend themselves against bigger bullies. Your child will learn that it is not the size of the person that matters, but the heart and determination of the person that matters most.
At Gracie Raleigh we offer several great martial arts programs for kids. These include the following:
Gracie Jiu Jitsu for Juniors
Our Junior Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Program was created so that your child will be armed with a strong set of values and solid personal character. Our world class instructors will teach them how to persevere through life’s tough goals. This program is specifically for girls and boys ages 6-12. We provide an educationally focused environment that allows your child to experience real team building, cooperation and respect, while learning positive core values such as focus, discipline, persistence, and dedication.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Junior’s Program will involve contact and your child will be challenged. Our safe and caring environment allows your child to mature towards becoming a real champion in life. The discipline and excellence demanded by our instructors will often impact your child’s behavior well beyond the mat. You’ll find their attitudes at home and at school will also be improved in most cases. Parents, a Gi is required to participate in this class. You can purchase a Gi for $50 through Gracie Raleigh.
Muay-Thai Juniors Program
Our other program for children ages 6 – 12 is Muay Thai. This class will help your child increase their speed, agility, strength and endurance. The exercises that are associated with this form of martial arts will greatly help in building up your child’s stamina for other sports as well. Anyone practicing Muay-Thai will reap the positive benefits associated with better overall health and increased fitness levels.
To participate in our Muay-Thai for Juniors Program, give us a call today. Just be aware that your child will need to have the required equipment. This consists of having the right gloves, hand wraps, and shin pads which you can purchase at Gracie Raleigh for $50. Your child will also need their own headgear and a mouth guard for sparring. This set of gear can also be purchased from Gracie Raleigh for $35. Sparring is optional and there is a 10 class/2 month minimum requirement. Please call us today to learn more. There are no contracts for a kid’s membership and you can even try a FREE class before you commit.