Martial arts instructors instill more than self-defense in young students

On the surface, martial arts may look like it's all about self-defense, but those who practice it will tell you otherwise.

"It's about disengaging; it's not about the fight," said 25-year-old Jacob Khuraibet, an 18-year martial arts student who teaches children's classes at Henderson Aikido, 237 N. Stephanie St. "It's about breaking free from the need to fight. It's about keeping presence of mind — awareness of the situation around you."

Many martial arts schools also aim to instill certain character traits, particularly with younger students. Self-confidence, self-discipline, self-esteem, respect, self-control, perseverance, courtesy and integrity are among attributes that are promoted, such as at Victory Martial Arts, 8975 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 110.

The facility, which teaches tae kwon do, offers an ATA Martial Arts Karate for Kids program, with participants ranging in age from 3 to about 13. Many times, instructors witness a transformation in students' character and personality.

Devan Chambers, an instructor at the site, recalled a 7-year-old girl who was shy and reserved when she started the program. Three months later, she showed a dramatic change.

"Now she has one of the strongest voices in the class," said Chambers, 20, a second-degree black belt who's been practicing martial arts for about 10 years. "She's very strong and confident. A strong voice is a confident voice."

Amber Mitchell, district director for Victory Martial Arts, said she was the same as that 7-year-old girl when she started in martial arts 18 years ago at age 9.

"I was much more introverted as a child," she said.

Karate for Kids participants must earn stripes to advance in belt rank. Children can earn them for good performance in school and at home.

"Their parents have to see an improvement in their attitude," Chambers said.

Mitchell said children also can take part in the school's leadership classes, which teach leadership skills.

The positive changes that occur in children who practice martial arts inspired Hiroshi Allen to open Hiro Karate, 1400 N. Rampart Blvd., in 2001.

Allen, a fourth-degree black belt who has been practicing karate since age 4 and has multiple word championships, began teaching karate when he was 15. Like Khuraibet, he recalled a young student who underwent changes after she started taking karate classes.

"I had a girl come in, and the first three lessons, she didn't even step on the mat," Allen said. "And now, she comes into the class, and she's very proficient, and she's excited to be there. She's really come out of her shell."

Advancement in belt rank does not hinge on children's behavior at home and in school at Hiro Karate. Allen said he prefers to keep those areas separate from his classes. Still, positive results begin manifesting in his students' lives, he said.

"If they can achieve and do something well in a structured environment, if they see it in one area, then they can transfer it to other areas of their life," he said. "Once they correlate the rules in the structure (of martial arts) with achievement, that's where they kind of start blossoming ... and that starts building into other areas of their life."

— To reach Henderson View reporter Cassandra Keenan, email ckeenan@viewnews.com or call 702-383-0278. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraKNews.