Junior Classes

Children need specially tailored programmes to learn the Martial Arts in a non-violent way. Learnt correctly, martial arts should be taught to children as a means of instilling positive discipline, character building, improving concentration skills, and for fitness. By enrolling your child in National Karate Academies, you can be sure that your child's individual needs are catered for and that they will be taught in a friendly and enjoyable learning environment.

Regardless of what some other martial arts organisations may think, children are not miniature adults. This is a developmental fact. No matter how mature your child may seem to be, they are not emotionally nor physically equipped to handle the same type of teaching as adults, and that is why we have separate classes for children and adults.

Bullying

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for our children to experience some form of bullying at one point or another during their school years. There is no doubt that this can cause a great deal of stress to both children and parents as they try and find a positive way of dealing with the situation, particularly if they feel that their concerns are not being addressed by the school, or other group in which the bullying is occurring.

Because our junior syllabus is focused entirely upon the needs of children, there are some basic release skills which have proven effective in situations where one child has grabbed another. Our 'safe' release skills have been demonstrated at different schools and community events over past years, winning the approval of many child-care professionals as a user-friendly approach to dealing with an unwelcome situation, without causing harm to anyone. This type of action sends a positive message about the martial arts to the wider community, and reduces the apprehension and worry associated with martial arts in general.

However, the best way in which to deal with bullying issues is through education. Teachers, school counsellors and of course, National Karate Academies Instructors, are just some of the people who can assist with these types of problems.

Child Safe Policy Statement

National Karate Academies is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people accessing our services. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is maintained at all times. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants. (Child Wise, 2004: 59)

This policy has been approved and endorsed by the National Karate Academies Founder and Chief Instructor Professor Steve Miranda.