STRENGTH, DISCIPLINE, RESPECT.

• FROM WHAT AGE SHOULD I SEND MY CHILD TO KARATE?

For the proper training, the child must have stamina as well as a basic understanding of discipline, teamwork, and patience. Because of that, it is recommended for the child to start practicing karate from the age of 5.

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• CAN THE PARENTS BE PRESENT DURING THE TRAINING?

The doors of our gym are always open. Parents are welcome to come and watch our training. However, it is worth noting that the presence of the parents generally distracts the child from training. Some parents give instructions to their children or start to feel sorry for them, which severely disrupts the training process. For this reason, we recommend parents to not be inside the gym, if possible, or to remain unnoticed by the children.

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• WHO IS A SENSEI?

Sensei is a teacher who introduces your child to the world of karate. Kids are not afraid of him but they respect him and listen to him. A Sensei talks to the kids regardless of the age difference. He teaches them to take responsibility for their actions, respect the elders, and to never use the knowledge gained during training to harm others. He can be approached for advice on any problem and he will always provide help.

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• HOW ARE RESULTS IN TRAINING GRADED?

Our club, “Shindokan Canada”, belongs to the Ontario Karate Federation. This means that the method of training, testing, and handing out of belts, is controlled by them. Our athletes participate in official competitions and are judged by judges from the federation. Success and progress in karate are measured by belts, where the colour of the belt determines the athlete’s achievements. Every 6 months, the club will have belt examinations.

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• DOESN’T KARATE ENCOURAGE AGGRESSION AMONG CHILDREN?

Many parents hesitate, believing that knowledge of martial arts can make children more aggressive, but this is not the case. First, martial arts teach children to objectively judge themselves and to control their emotions. The Sensei always watches the training and does not allow any displays of aggression. In reality, realizing their strength and abilities, children will become more confident in themselves and, as a result, will be much calmer in their daily life.

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• IS KARATE TRAINING A TRAUMATICAL EXPERIENCE?

It is important to understand that martial arts are not dance or ballet. However, “Shindokan Karate” is not seen as a full contact form of martial arts. Nonetheless, all sparring, both during training and during competitions, are done in the appropriate protective gear.