Karate is a sport that children may enjoy because it provides time to concentrate, learn a highly technical discipline, and ease frustration through self-empowerment. According to Didi Goodman and Linda Nikaya, authors of "The Kids' Karate Workbook: A Take-Home Training Guide for Young Martial Artists," karate is the Japanese word for marital arts that relies on kicks, blocks and thrusts in order to learn self-protection. There are several pieces of equipment that may be introduced to children during class that will aid them in learning the fundamentals of karate.
Punching Board
According to Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown, authors of "Karate: The Art of 'Empty Hand' Fighting," a punching board is used to strengthen the hands and to provide training in the use of hand techniques. Nishiyama and Brown suggest that a punching board is useful for children new to karate because it gives them a tangible surface to connect with when practicing their punching and kicking techniques. A punching board is typically covered in foam to ease the pain associated with punching or kicking a stationary object, and Nishiyama and Brown write that good breathing control can be gained from learning how to punch and kick appropriately.
Punching and Kicking Bag
Punching and kicking bags are another piece of equipment that allow children to practice their kicks and punches by connecting with a tangible object, say Nishiyama and Brown. The bags are hung from the ceiling so the bottom of the bag is level with the groin of the person using it. This is useful when kids practice karate because they are often different heights. Nishiyama and Brown indicate that there are two different sizes of punching and kicking bags. The larger bags are primarily used for kicking because they encourage precision in kicking technique. The smaller bags are also used for kicking when it is necessary to learn how to aim properly and to kick a moving target. Both bags can be used for practicing punches.
Mirror
Nishiyama and Brown suggest that practicing karate techniques in front of a mirror can help to improve technique. Robin L. Rielly, author of "Karate for Kids," writes that lining up according to rank at the start of class often occurs in front of a mirror so children are able to watch themselves line up correctly as well as making sure they are in proper stance. The mirror can be used throughout class time so that children are able to practice their technique while watching in order to see where improvements need to be made.
References
- "The Kids' Karate Workbook: A Take-Home Training Guide for Young Martial Artists"; Didi Goodman and Linda Nikaya; 2009
- "Karate: The Art of 'Empty Hand' Fighting"; Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard C. Brown; 1990
- :Karate for Kids"; Robin L. Rielly; 2004
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