Karate Class

For a few months now we've been taking Liam to karate here on post. We thought we would try it out here and see if he likes it, since its much less expensive than going to a real martial arts school off post. At first he wasn't sure. He really wanted to learn "Kung Fu Panda", and was disappointed to learn that you don't start out flying through the air. We've explained that all Kung Fu masters start out learning the basics and working from there, and I think it is working thus far. I think he enjoys the class, all though I personally feel his teacher does not possess that special skill required to occupy a room full of four year olds. The class is chaotic, and could do will with lots of extra help. They start out stretching and going though their basic blocks, kicks, stances and punches. The second half of the class is when it gets really crazy. Sometimes they practice "Kata's" which are a set of movements strung together, sometimes they spar, sometimes they do games, sometimes the run and practice rolling, jumping kicking and punching while running.
Liam like the last the best of all. Running around is a strength of his. Learning the Kata's are okay, but she could use more help to make sure they are all getting everything in the right spot instead of randomly shouting instructions across the classroom. I think they are too young and inexperienced to really spar (fight) They can hardly all do jumping jacks, and she is asking them to fight. Most of the time Liam has no idea what is expected of him when its his turn to spar (is she looking for punches or kicking?!?) and doesn't want to hurt the other person, so he loses a lot (which is not good for his low public confidence!) The games are okay, but again, most of the time the kids don't know what to expect, and there are so many of them and only one teacher.
But he likes Karate, and I think the physical exercise is great. Now that we know he likes it we are looking at Tae Kwan Do schools off base and will start him somewhere new after the new year. Somewhere a little better equipped to teach younger kids with lots more help. Sometimes you get what you pay for. sigh.

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