Karate Kids: Children and Martial Arts
training for young children. The fear of injury, using the techniques during play or the possibility of their child causing injury to others has prevented some parents from enrolling their child in a martial arts program. “My son has shown an interest for some time but I haven’t given in,” says Karyn Lickey, a nurse’s assistant from Richmond, Va. “I have a fear of him beginning to believe he is invincible and kicking or hitting another child. He pretends with karate moves now, what will happen if he taught how to do the real moves?” According to Roberson, if a child is given proper instruction followed by reinforcement by parents, the risk of being injured or causing injury to another person does not outweigh the benefits. A parent can learn what their child learns by watching the classes or perhaps, taking a class themselves.
“If any parent is looking
