Author Topic: Paternal Debate-->Karate (Read 9008 times)

soul seeker · « **on:** May 07, 2009, 11:50:56 AM »

Hey Everyone,
I'm debating (with myself) on enrolling my kids into Karate. I'm curious as parents who have enrolled children in or enrollees what you guys think of it. Here is my internal debate and I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Pros:
Teach my oldest self-discipline and respect of others
Teach my middle son self-confidence, self-reliance, and to stand up for oneself
Overall, self-defense from things life potentially could throw at them.

Cons:
Anti/Non-biblical ideas from Eastern Mysticism or Culture that would be hard to undo (they are at impressionable ages).

There's only one con and it's a pretty big one in my book. So, I would appreciate any insight you may have.

TimMierz · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2009, 11:58:52 AM »

While I have relatively little experience in this area, I personally don't think you have much to worry about. From my limited knowledge, it's more of the things you emphasize in the "pros" (discipline, respect, etc.) and none or close to none of your "con."

Gabe · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:01:51 PM »

Tai Kwan Do is the big thing around here. When Forest is old enough I plan to take it together with him. Not only does it present the pros that you mentioned but I think there will be added value in doing it together. Since I'll know everything that's being taught, I'll have the opportunity to reinforce the truth when/if eastern mysticism is presented. If any anti-Biblical ideas are being pushed I would probably first talk to the instructor. If he insisted or continued we would drop from the class.

The Spy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:21:45 PM »

I would like to add that the mysticism and all of that is really dependent on the form of martial arts and the class you take. There are some wonderful disciplines with Christian instructors.

wk4c · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:25:47 PM »

The class I'm currently taking is instructed by a Catholic, so I don't have to worry about mysticism at this point.

The pros are amazing, though. Karate, in the past three years, has molded me into something very positive from where I was headed.(Obviously with the Lord's help, but just the same.

) I would at least try it for your kids, for sure!

STAMP · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:33:31 PM »

I had both of my kids in Tai Kwon Do as youngsters. It was a great experience for them. They went through the entire "Tiny Tiger" program and attained their black belts. I have considered enrolling them as teenagers if they are interested.

As for the item listed as a con, I would simply ask the propietor about your concerns.

soul seeker · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:44:21 PM »

Thank you all for your responses up to this point. I did call, and after talking a little bit; I felt I could share my concern. He assured me that no religion plays a part in their teaching. I can have a 2 class trial run, and my wife and I are allowed to be present (in another room) where we can watch. It sounds like an excellent program, and I've already checked their website as well. I appreciate your thoughts and advice.

The Schaef · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:52:25 PM »

You'll find that's actually the case in quite a lot of schools. They teach the form without the mystical element, particularly in self-defense courses like Tae Kwon Leep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Y6231uAmo#

JSB23 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:07:25 PM »

My brother does karate and he really enjoys it the only problem I've seen is he now has an excuse to yell "HIYA" as loud as he can

Korunks · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:18:34 PM »

I have practiced martial arts off and on for the past few years(about 4 years total Martial Arts training) and have seen good and bad schools. I am currently training Tai Chuan Do which is a mixed style founded by a Christian http://www.taichuando.com/, unfortunately we are only based in Florida and Maryland. I have also trained in Okinawan Goju-ryu and while not a "christian" martial art it was very good with very little mysticism. You will want to visit any particular school you are thinking about letting your children attend and ask to observe a class or two. Any good school will let you observe a few and then you can evaluate whether or no they are heavy in mysticism in their daily training. Not a perfect method but a good start. Also a behavior you will find common in any martial art style is bowing when entering the training area and bowing to instructors and senior students, these are not bows of worship but bows of respect for the style and teachers. I only bring it up because it because in my experience its is usually the first thing Christians worry about when entering the martial arts(or let their children enter) Any other questions or style recommendations I can help with. I am not a pro but have been around karate long enough to know whats what.

xCaLeBx · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:18:36 PM »

Quote from: BrianGabe on May 07, 2009, 12:01:51 PM

When Forest is old enough I plan to take it together with him.

just saying your son has the best name ever. And from the pics I've seeen you have long flowing hair so you can look super mid-eastern in class

Anyways...I took Tai Kwon Do from a christian teacher for 2 yearsand it was ok I got tired of it and moved into a self taught sport(BMX) I'm just not the type to go with alot of people or have some old guy yell at me

but yeah there are LOTS of Christian teachers just go find one.

soul seeker · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:22:32 PM »

Quote from: xCaLeBx on May 07, 2009, 03:18:36 PM

but yeah there are LOTS of Christian teachers just go find one.

Lots is a relative term, considering it is the only dojo in a 50 mile radius. We're talking more or less to do it or not. Not which dojo is better, because there is only one.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:50:05 PM »

I don't think that is necessarily a con, exposure to other cultures and other ways of life can always be a plus; however, if they are impressionable, I'm sure you can get a Christian instructor. Eastern mysticism also doesn't have that many anti-biblical principles upfront, and if it's under the guise of a Christian instructor, you'd be giving your kids a good life experience.

The con you're forgetting is the reason that my parents wouldn't let me take karate: beacuse I might use it on them/others.

(This may not apply to your kids. Let me assure you it was probably a valid claim as I was somewhat of an evil child.)

soul seeker · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:56:12 PM »

I've heard (and want) that Karate doesn't teach that..it teaches the respect of others and that fighting is last resort and defensive.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:00:13 PM »

Quote from: soul seeker on May 07, 2009, 06:56:12 PM

I've heard (and want) that Karate doesn't teach that..it teaches the respect of others and that fighting is last resort and defensive.

If your kids are very impressionable and watch James Bond (like I did when I was their age), they may ignore their teaching for one they think is way cooler.

soul seeker · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:03:13 PM »

at 4 & 6, they do not watch James Bond. Plus, I'm not so sure learning other cultures at those tender ages is a good idea either. I'm having a hard enough time countering our own culture with Godly principles.

xCaLeBx · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2009, 09:05:07 PM »

Quote from: soul seeker on May 07, 2009, 07:03:13 PM

at 4 & 6, they do not watch James Bond.

yes...colin appears to supersede everything though

The Schaef · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2009, 09:07:04 PM »

Quote from: Colin Michael on May 07, 2009, 07:00:13 PM

If your kids are very impressionable and watch Jackie Chan (like I did when I was their age), they may ignore their teaching for one they think is way cooler.

Fixed. I don't really remember 007 as a kung-fu master.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2009, 09:42:24 PM »

I mean, I grew up on like, James Bond, the Blues Brothers, Spinal Tap and everything else that I watched with my dad. I was too young to pick up the sexual stuff.

uthminister [BR] · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2009, 10:16:34 PM »

So if you take Gabe's advice, you will come to tournaments and beat us with your Redemption cards and then beat us with your sweet karate skills...GREAT!?!

JDS · « **Reply #20 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:08:36 AM »

Have your kids take boxing if you're set on violence. It's more realistic.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #21 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:13:54 AM »

Quote from: JDS on May 08, 2009, 11:08:36 AM

Have your kids take boxing if you're set on violence. It's more realistic.

Oh, I'll have to remember that for my kids.

My kid is going to have a dog so big that he can ride it. And a (not toy) rifle.

xCaLeBx · « **Reply #22 on:** May 08, 2009, 01:34:46 PM »

shotguns are better ^_^

Rrulez · « **Reply #23 on:** May 08, 2009, 02:15:50 PM »

Quote from: xCaLeBx on May 08, 2009, 01:34:46 PM

shotguns are better ^_^

Bazookas ftw

slugfencer · « **Reply #24 on:** May 08, 2009, 03:18:58 PM »

You may want to check out fencing--swordfighting--the western martial art without mysticism. You have good fencing up in the New York/Northeast region.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #25 on:** May 08, 2009, 05:23:42 PM »

Quote from: slugfencer on May 08, 2009, 03:18:58 PM

You may want to check out fencing--swordfighting--the western martial art without mysticism. You have good fencing up in the New York/Northeast region.

Fencing is pretty awesome. Pool and poker are other great western martial arts.

soul seeker · « **Reply #26 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:49:21 PM »

poker? as in gambling? interesting suggestion for young kids.

lightningninja · « **Reply #27 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:59:14 PM »

real men play texas hold em'.

JSB23 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 09, 2009, 12:51:55 AM »

Quote from: lightningninja on May 08, 2009, 11:59:14 PM

real men play texas hold em'.

No they play five card draw

Bryon · « **Reply #29 on:** May 09, 2009, 01:37:09 AM »

No they play Redemption.

duh!

Colin Michael · « **Reply #30 on:** May 09, 2009, 02:13:35 AM »

Quote from: lightningninja on May 08, 2009, 11:59:14 PM

real men play texas hold em'.

Truth.

My Texas side of the family has pretty cool traditions: fighting for the check (often included blackmail of the waiter, flirting with waiter, playing poker for the check, taking the waiter aside when he or she took the drink orders, taking vows of silence against whoever paid the check, arm wrestling, knife fights, etc.), playing Texas hold-em (often for large stakes), driving fast with a beer in hand/cup holder, grand master fishing, chasing bulls or cows, playing father/son pool tournaments, and many more I probably can't think of.

Coincidentally my Texas family is in town right now.

Tsavong Lah · « **Reply #31 on:** May 09, 2009, 03:23:21 AM »

[q]driving fast with a beer in hand/cup holder[/q]

Wow, mass fail.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #32 on:** May 09, 2009, 03:41:10 AM »

Quote from: Tsavong Lah on May 09, 2009, 03:23:21 AM

[q]driving fast with a beer in hand/cup holder[/q]

Wow, mass fail.

Yeah, but then again, Texas laws are a bet better regarding those things.

The Schaef · « **Reply #33 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:30:35 AM »

Okay we're obviously not talking about karate anymore, so...

News:

Author Topic: Paternal Debate-->Karate (Read 9008 times)

The Schaef

xCaLeBx

xCaLeBx

The Schaef

xCaLeBx

Rrulez

slugfencer

The Schaef