Kazoku Karate uses a family oriented approach to teaching traditional karate techniques and developing valuable life skills. Below are responses current students gave to the question "Why do you like karate?" Come discover what you like about karate!
“I like protecting myself.” - Hewitt Farr, Yellow Belt
In his first year at the martial arts center, Hewitt found that he likes karate for a number of reasons: making friends, being active, and perfecting his technique. Of course, fun martial arts games like Ninja Wars are favorites of all students, including Hewitt!But when pressed about what he likes most about karate, Hewitt says that he likes knowing how to protect himself. Hopefully, Hewitt will only need to use his martial arts skills in training or in karate competitions. Outside the dojo, he enjoys the confidence that comes from knowing that he could take care of himself, if he really needed to.Hewitt’s confidence also helps him with school, athletic activities and everyday life, too.Since joining the martial arts center, Hewitt’s family has noticed a more confident, positive and outgoing side to him whether at school or in the supermarket.
“I want to be a black belt.”
- Kieran Thornell, Yellow Belt
When asked what he likes about karate, Kieran has a long list to share including being active, playing martial arts games, learning Japanese, making friends, and more. Most of all, though, he wants to follow in his mother’s footsteps and earn the rank of black belt. Kieran works hard to improve his technique. He sometimes practices at home with his mom. (Especially before belt testing). Kieran enjoys martial arts so much, he may not realize that the focus, commitment and self-discipline he’s learning through karate also help him with school-work, sports and other activities, too. Kazoku Karate believes that students, like Kieran, are stimulated by and challenged to perfect traditional martial arts techniques that are thousands of years old. The center incorporates many styles including Shotokan Karate, Okinawan Kobudo, Jujitsu and Judo.
“I like games like sock-dodge.” - Ian Thornell, White Belt
After watching his older brother practice karate, Ian couldn’t wait to get started himself! What was the big draw for him? Playing fun martial arts based games like sock-dodge and freeze blast. Of course, wearing the cool karate gi and learning techniques like rising block and forearm block are highlights for Ian, as well. Learning karate techniques can be a lot of work for a four-year-old. Ian’s parents have noticed that practicing these techniques has helped him improve his concentration. Kids can get distracted playing some sports. In contrast, karate’s simple, single-minded focus on technique requires full attention. Ironically, this skill can help students with other sports. Karate has also helped to improve Ian’s coordination. Fun games like obstacle course help students to think about what they are doing with their little bodies and build motor skills.
“I like meditating before class.” - Hayden Lee, Red Belt
When asked why he likes karate, Hayden offers an answer that seems wise beyond his years: meditating before class. Of course, like any five-year-old, he likes the karate games and learning karate techniques. But the thing he likes the most is the quiet time during meditation. When we think of karate we often think of the action, speed, and strength and power associated with martial arts. But there is also a peaceful side to karate that is rich in tradition. Meditation is used before class to “empty the mind” and help students focus on learning karate. Meditation also marks the end of class, and is used to reflect on lessons learned and help students, like Hayden, make the transition back to the real world. Hayden’s parents like this aspect of karate. Since joining the martial arts center, they have noticed that Hayden is able to focus better both at school and at home.
“I like making new friends.” - Claire Lee, Red Belt
Students often like many things about karate. But, Claire doesn’t hesitate to say that making new friends is what she likes the most. Karate presents a number of opportunities to create and build friendships. Of course, classes are taught in groups. But, exercises and drills are often practiced in pairs. Students also help one another learn proper techniques. No doubt, friends are made when playing fun games like sock-dodge and running obstacle courses. Whether training together for just a few weeks, months or over a number of years, the center’s students develop strong bonds with one another. Because students work closely together, they also learn to share in each others’ success. Students are often as excited about their peers passing belt tests, as they are about their own individual accomplishments. It’s a unique culture that students, like Claire, have helped to develop at the martial arts center.
“Sensei Serna makes karate fun.” - Zade Benelalija, White Belt People like karate for a number of reasons such as friendship, fitness and a sense of accomplishment. For Zade, the thing he likes most is his karate instructor. Sensei Serna makes karate fun for Zade and dozens of other students. Perhaps, the most important element of a martial arts center is the quality of its instruction. Sensei Sol Serna, owner and operator of Kazoku Karate, is a 4th-degree black belt who has taught karate for 18 years. A traditionalist, he is skilled in many forms of martial arts including Shotokan karate, Okinawan weapons, and Ju Jitsu. Though a traditionalist, Sensei Serna strikes a wonderful balance between challenging students to perfect their technique and having fun. Zade recalls the funny examples Sensei often uses to illustrate difficult techniques. He also gets involved in martial arts games with the students. Fun, combined with Sensei’s passion about karate motivates students to stay with karate.
