Ahead of International Day of Families on Sunday 15th of May, we explore the many benefits of karate training with the whole family.
Family karate training is a fun way to share a common interest, learn new skills and spend time together. Karate is also mentally and physically challenging, offers a great workout and teaches practical self-defence skills. What more could you want in a regular family activity?
Why should you practice karate with your children?
Set an example by making exercise a priority
How often have you dropped your child off at sports and then had to find a way to occupy yourself for an hour? It’s time that’s already blocked out of your busy schedule, so why not make the most of it by joining in!
Suitable for family members of all ages
If you have children of different ages, you know how difficult it can be to find sports or hobbies to satisfy everyone. Karate is an all-ages activity that runs year-round, making it the perfect family activity. You could even get the grandparents involved for a full multi-generational experience!
Share a common family interest
Doing things together as a family will naturally build stronger bonds. Not only can you train in class together, but you can also talk about and practice what you’ve learned outside of the dojo. With daily commitments taking over our lives now more than ever before, karate training is an excellent way to spend quality time together as a family.
Reinforce important values
The GKR Karate Dojo Kun outlines the values and ethics that are expected of anyone who is a part of the GKR Karate community, whether in or out of the dojo.
- Pursue the highest standards of personal character
- Cultivate a spirit of effort and perseverance
- Exercise courtesy and respect towards others
- Refrain from reckless or violent behaviour
- Be faithful and sincere in everything you do
Fitness for the whole family
Karate training provides an excellent full-body workout. Most muscle groups will get a workout in every class, and classes will generally be different from day to day. So, between warm-ups, warm-downs, kata practice, partner work and drills, you might find some muscles you forgot you had!
Relieve stress
As well as increasing your physical fitness, karate training can increase your overall mental health and wellbeing by producing endorphins. Physical activity bumps up the production of these feel-good neurotransmitters which has been proven to:
- Reduce stress
- Boost self-esteem
- Assist with the management of anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
- Reduce the negative effects of stress on your body
- Improve your mood
Who wouldn’t want to see their whole family happier, healthier, and clearer-headed?
Enjoy some friendly competition
Getting your next grade or belt is an exciting part of the karate journey. Seeing who can get their orange or green belt first can add an element of friendly competition for parents or siblings, without the stakes being too high.
Set family goals
When everyone in the home is working towards a common goal, you will inspire each other to be the best you can be. Setting karate goals like obtaining your next grade, or training two times every week can help when it comes to working on other important life goals, such as studying or financial planning.
Learn self-defence skills
The more confident you are in your ability to defend yourself, the more confident you will feel out in the real world. GKR Karate classes can instill self-confidence and awareness that will benefit the whole family for years to come.
Our classes are fun!
GKR Karate is an inclusive and welcoming club to people of all ages and abilities. Our skilled Instructors love what they do and want to share their passion with their students. If you’re not already a member, head over to our Location Finder to find a class near you!
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