How Karate Has Help Our Preschooler Develops

Many people may not think of placing their preschooler in a karate class. Our family decided it would be a good idea on many different levels. Our three, soon-to-be four, year old is in a weekly karate class. She attends this karate class in our town twice weekly. Karate has helped her, and other children her age in many different ways.

Our preschooler is a very physically acted and spirited child. She requires a great deal of physical activity in her daily routine. Karate class has provided her with a great outlet for this energy. She is able to play, physically, in a safe environment. There are also professionals there to guide her physical development, and to make sure that she does not injure herself in the process. She has quickened in speed and agility. She now is able to tumble, walk on a balance beam while kicking, and perform other new tasks.

Karate has also enabled our preschooler to become more disciplined. Like most preschoolers, our child is very active and independent. She would like to "do" or be "in charge" of everything. While karate is an independent sport, she does not perform the class in isolation. She must discipline herself to listen to her instructors, as well as model other peers in her class. She has learned to become part of a team, and she is a very valued member of her class. She is required to hone in on her listening skills, so that she may better perform the karate moves. She also is required to think before she acts. Karate takes practice and precision; her ability to think before responding impulsively has helped her greatly.

Our preschooler is very social and interested in developing peer relations. Karate has afforded her to make friends with many similarities, and many differences. She is in a very controlled and safe environment, which encourages the children to support one another. Teaching children the value of peer support and encouragement is priceless. She has respectful relationships with not only the children in her class, but her teachers and other karate staff.

Karate for our preschooler has enhanced her sense of self-confidence, responsibility in and out of the home, good peer relations, respect for herself and others, self-discipline, and team work. It has also worked wonders for her parents as well!! We would never have guessed the things that our daughter is capable of at such a young age. We have learned to respect her ability to try and fail, as well as to try and succeed. We have allowed her independence in her studies, and have also become very reliable and responsible with her activities as well. With the right tools and teachers, karate can be a wonderful opportunity for your preschooler!