Starting age...

[KarateKid]

What is a good starting age for children to learn Karate?

What do you teach them? Fighting skills at 5 or just the beauty of Katas?

What are you trying to instil in their minds when they learn Martial Arts at an early age?

[Spike]

What is a good starting age for children to learn Karate?

I would say a good age to start is the age of 8 when the body of a child is well developed and is farmiliar with hand-eye coordination. Also they are more adpt to listen for more than 10-15 seconds. {this is just a generalization, there are probably super-children out there that can do all of this at 2 years of age according to their parents }

What do you teach them? Fighting skills at 5 or just the beauty of Katas?

You are talking about a five year old here-I would advise to teach exercises, simplified movements and stretches first [just the beginner stuff] and then slowly move onto kata and 2-person sets when they are ready.

What are you trying to instil in their minds when they learn Martial Arts at an early age?

That of which you would see best fit. I use(this is not all of them):

Do not use on siblings, parents or relatives of any such.

Do not use unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure you could not leave or prevent it from happening.

If you do use it, do so until you can escape safely.

Use only to protect.

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DOJO CONDUCT

Everything in the martial arts begins and ends with courtesy.

Be sure to bow when entering and leaving the dojo.

During practice always follow the directions of your instructor and seniors.

Whistling, singing and the like are improper behaviour in the dojo.

Make the best use of your time by refraining from casual conversation during practice.

Keep busy while in the dojo. When tired, rest in a place away from the activity of others.

Show respect for seniors and elders. Treat lower ranks and juniors with courtesy and compassion.

Always have a clean uniform.

Always act with propriety whether in or outside the dojo.


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PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE

The purpose of karate training is to discipline the mind and body and to master the art of self-defense.


A karate practitioner should be well-mannered and modest, value courtesy, always wear decent clothing, pay attention to his speech and actions and work hard at training day and night.

A karate practitioner must never call upon his strength in a quarrel, speak harshly, act roughly, or become troublesome to others.

A karate practitioner must never bring shame upon himself or his school in either speech or action.

A karate practitioner must never speak arrogantly, fall into laziness, or act conceitedly. He should endeavour to work diligently at training and improving himself.

A karate practitioner should respect decorum and the martial arts, maintain the fine traditions of karate and contribute to society.

Uechi Kanei, President
Uechi-ryu Karate-do Association

Translated by Jon D. Mills, 10/84