Central West Kyokushin Karate Club painted the Parkes Dojo Red earlier this month when they held their first ever grading for the club. 26 students (21 juniors and 5 seniors) completed the grading on Thursday 2nd June. Tested in the presence of family and friends everyone was trying their best with all students performing outstandingly to successfully pass their grading.
Most students who begin karate are nervous to start; am I fit enough? Will I get hurt? Will I embarrass myself? However, these students pushed past their doubts to discover that Karate is not only an opportunity to get fit and learn to defend yourself but it is also an opportunity to develop a wide range of life skills in a fun and safe environment that will be useful throughout their entire life.
The students that participated in the grading have worked hard and put in many hours of practice to qualify to be tested for their belt and Sensei Michelle Kable was proud to see all students pushing themselves during their test; “A great effort and attitude was demonstrated by all students throughout their grading, it’s fantastic to see how much they have achieved so far this year, and I would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their commitment to Karate and their determination to do their very best throughout this semester, everyone did exceptionally well” she said.
Kyokushin Karate is a fun and challenging martial art that gives children a jumpstart in life by providing them with practical and usable life skills from a very early age. Some of the benefits for anyone participating in karate include self-discipline; martial arts help instil mental focus– by learning how to develop concentration and complete tasks, the discipline taught in the dojo in regards to uniforms, customs, and techniques often transfers into other areas of life including school, work and home.
Karate is also all about respect; punching, kicking and sparring are all secondary to the respect that is established from the moment a student walks into a dojo. Children learn to treat themselves, their parents, family, instructors and teachers and their fellow students with respect – to treat each other as they would like to be treated themselves.
The red belt is of special significance as these students are beginning to work through the ranking system of karate, it signifies their confidence, courage and commitment that they have shown in trying something new and sticking to it; working through a belt ranking system gives the student measurable goals to follow that are realistic to attain and increases their own self-belief and confidence. The sense of self-confidence and accomplishment the student feels when mastering a new technique or graduating to a new belt will follow them wherever they go.
