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From: barry@mit-eddie.UUCP (Mikki Barry)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: "Discipline," again
Message-ID: <3706@mit-eddie.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 27-Feb-85 10:14:22 EST
Article-I.D.: mit-eddi.3706
Posted: Wed Feb 27 10:14:22 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 1-Mar-85 08:10:51 EST
References: <322@cadre.ARPA> <3654@mit-eddie.UUCP> <943@gloria.UUCP>
Organization: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Lines: 24

I will stand by my previous statement "Karate teaches discipline".

Many who disagree have never attended a karate class, especially a class of
children.

And, contrary to some people's belief, we do NOT teach discipline by smacking
the kids.  We don't touch them except to demonstrate technique and they are
NEVER hurt by the instructors (at least at our school).  There is a huge
difference between respect for a teacher, and fear of one.  Self-confidence
is a large part of self-defense training.  If a student is too busy cowering
from fear of the instructor, he/she won't learn a damn thing.

Our classes teach both physical, and mental discipline.  Muscles are developed
along with the mind.  How to get out of fighting, how to get along with
schoolmates, how to avoid dangerous situations, how to (and what to) scream if
presented with danger are all part of the discipline we teach our students.

So before taking a bad view of modern karate training (or kickboxing/combat
self-defense which is what I teach), go to a reputable school with a children's
class and WATCH the interaction.  The kids learn to respect instructors, each
other, and themselves.  And that is a worthwhile lesson these days.

Mikki Barry
Black Belt/Instructor