Is Martial Arts too Violent for Kids?

Martial Arts Near Las Vegas

As a martial arts school in Las Vegas, I get this asked all the time and its always comes up with parents. The the long answer is no. There has to be some preframing that must come up with this type of problem fueling violence and a concern for many parents. My name is Lorenzo Sandoval and I proudly own Ageless Martial Arts in Las Vegas NV. I have been doing martial arts for about 25 years and I get this question asked all the time and I think it is a great topic to talk about, especially for parents around the world. Though I do specialize teaching kids karate classes, we always have to look for issues what our member might be worried about.

Kids Karate Classes in Las Vegas, and making them safe.

Here are some key concepts to preframe students of why it important to have a structured class and not just teach the violent part of self defense. We label it as self defense, we we explain to kids if they are in danger is when they have to defend themselves. Making kids understand this in a controlled and safe environment establishes trust and understanding what they are learning. Be making them show the value of values of honor and respect first we are able to control how kids view violence and rather as only a tool necessary when needed. But the value comes in hard work, discipline, and character development to help them become strong. Even early in the training.

Here are some bullet points to see if an instructor is preventing violence to happen outside their martial arts school.

• They talk about self defense rather than “fighting”
• The techniques are designed in a defensive manner not offensive ( At least in the beggining )
• The have a code of ethic associated with their training for example in our art, Shotokan Karate the founder of our art said quoting, ” We will refrain from violent behavior” by Gichin Funakoshi. These are part of the Dojo Kun or codes of ethics.

But its still fighting ? Isnt it? You still how to hurt people.

There is a a quote I love, its been floating around the internet for some time now but to me as a martial artist it just makes sense.

” Its better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener at a war”

-Miyamoto Musashi

I wrote a very detailed article here, about his life life:

https://agelesskarate.com/2023/09/09/who-was-miyamoto-musashi/

Or another one,

” A Harmless man is not a good man” – Dr. Jorge Peterson

To be honest, as the saying goes, the nicest people I have ever met are also the most ruthless and well trained people I’ve met that can fight really well. Many of my friends and mentors are top notch black belts that can easily fight but they are the best men I’ve met.

But why? If they are learning so much ” Violence” and people still think that martial arts only teaches kids how to hurt others? This isn’t the case for most martial arts practitioners. It is though fair to say most humans help each other but in some cases very small percentage of people also end up making mistakes and can do the most stupidest things, but it doesn’t reflect martial artist as a whole.

Martial Arts is still hurting people even if it self defense?

Kids Karate Classes in Las Vegas

As a martial arts school in Las Vegas, we love teaching kids karate here at Ageless Martial Arts. I really make an effort to try to make our classes safe and we emphasize a safe environment.  The short answer is Yes, you are still ultimately trying to defend yourself, but as a martial artist, in order to stop the threat and you have no other choice you need to stop the assault immediately.

Heres a classsic example, I like to use in class, let say there is a bully in your kids school. The kids got issues, whether from past trauma and his home life but he decided to choose your kid as a target. You cant always be there to protect them, so sometimes they need something to defend themselves immediately so they don’t get hurt. No matter how many times youv’e told the school, this kid just wants to make your child a target because he just enjoys to make him his victim. He contiues to find your kid, and try to hurt him when your working or when your away from your child.

Here some bullet points that stop violence from happening.

• No be there ( Famous karate kid quote from 1986) Don’t be there at all and avoid him.
• Blocking and defensive tactics
• Foot work and dodging could work
• Pressure points. Could work but if he’s bigger and stronger might not.
• Surrounding themselves with adults or staying in a public place to avoid confrontation.
• Countering and attacking. By hurting the bully this can either stop him all together or make him more angry.
• Knocking him/her out, your child last resort when they have repeatedly tried to stop the assault and finally they have had choice but to stop it all together.

When all choices run out and no one is there to help, and seconds and milliseconds matter, fast reflexes and well training can help a situation save yourself or your child lifes. Especially if there are multiple attackers. There are tons of factors too that can happen in attack what is the environment they are in is dangerous? Wouldn’t they have to act faster and react better than normal?

What type of Examples and environments that could happen in a fight?

Self Defense in Las Vegas

• They are in rock hard pavement in the parking lot
• Cafeteria where their are knives and utensils
• A tight space where its hard to move
• In the bathroom where teachers don’t normally go in
• After hours when teachers are not watching kids
• Went to the store to get some food with their friends
• In a house and invited the wrong friends over at a mutual friend turned out to be a jerk.
• At a bus stop
• Behind a Store
• At a Park and get approached by the wrong group of kids picking a fight.
• At an apartment complex and that kid is bitter so he targets your kid to pick a fight.
• In an Arcade or video game hangout place

These seem like ridiculous concepts, but as a kid growing up in Las Vegas, this is what I’ve seen and what has happened to me. Or friends that I have encountered. You are not always with your kids, and learning controlled violence and when is necessary can help your child in the worst case scenarios.

Self Defense is Different then Violence.

Why Martial Arts School focus on Self Defense as a virtue and not a wrongful act to hurt others.

Lets be clear, most if not all instructors do not promote violence. We karate well Japanese Karate, at least in my school we practice the premise of the Bushido code. The bushido code is a series of ethics and rules we live by. It varies from master to master or Sensei to Sensei, but it has similar values as a mindset and code of ethics.

The Bushdio way of life is in most martial arts school and it is the fore front of what makes us good people because we understand the consequences of our actions if we must fight.

Bushido, the “Way of the Warrior,” is a code of conduct followed by the samurai in feudal Japan. This code emphasizes principles and virtues that guide the behavior and mindset of these warriors. While interpretations may vary, the following are common rules and principles associated with the Bushido code:

• Rectitude (Gi):
  • Samurai are expected to uphold moral and ethical principles.
  • They strive for honesty and fairness in all dealings and interactions.
• Courage (Yūki):
  • Courage is a fundamental virtue in Bushido.
  • Samurai are encouraged to face challenges and adversity without fear.
• Benevolence (Jin):
  • Samurai are expected to show kindness, compassion, and empathy.
  • Benevolence extends not only to friends and allies but also to enemies.
• Respect (Rei):
  • Respect for others, especially superiors, is integral.
  • Samurai show deference to their leaders, elders, and fellow warriors.
• Honor (Meiyo):
  • Maintaining personal and familial honor is of utmost importance.
  • Samurai must avoid actions that would bring shame to themselves or their lineage.
• Honesty and Sincerity (Makoto):
  • Samurai are encouraged to be truthful and sincere in their actions and words.
  • Deceit is considered dishonorable and goes against the code.
• Loyalty (Chūgi):
  • Loyalty to one’s master or lord is a central tenet.
  • Samurai are expected to serve their leaders with unwavering allegiance.
• Duty and Self-Control (Chugi):
  • Samurai must exhibit self-discipline and control over their emotions.
  • Fulfilling duty, even in the face of personal discomfort, is crucial.
• Politeness (Reigi):
  • Samurai are expected to be courteous and polite in all situations.
  • Proper etiquette and manners are emphasized.
• Filial Piety (Kō):
  • Respect and loyalty to one’s parents and ancestors are emphasized.
  • Samurai must honor their familial obligations.
• Wisdom (Chi):
  • Samurai are encouraged to seek knowledge and cultivate wisdom.
  • A well-rounded education and intellectual pursuits are considered essential.
• Sincerity (Magokoro):
  • Sincerity in actions and relationships is valued.
  • Samurai are expected to be genuine and truthful in their interactions.
• Self-Sacrifice (Jisei):
  • The willingness to sacrifice oneself for a greater cause is a profound virtue.
  • This may include sacrificing personal desires for the greater good.

While the Bushido code originated in the samurai culture of feudal Japan, its principles continue to influence modern perceptions of honor, integrity, and ethical conduct. It’s important to note that interpretations of the code may vary, and its application in historical contexts should be considered within the cultural and social framework of medieval Japan.

In Conclusion: Why Martial Arts isn’t violent but it is to protect oneself.

As a martial arts school in Las Vegas, I hope this helps answer some important. As a martial arts instructor my gaol is to educate and motivate our students and make them good people and help them understand that martial arts as a whole is to protect themselves from bad people. That martial arts as a culture focuses on life skills and as well as protecting themselves and perfecting the skills. By doing this, it teaches them hard work, healthier lifestyle and a better outlook on not only goal setting but character development.

-Sensei Lorenzo Sandoval

Ageless Martial Arts

For more information about our kids karate classes you can contact us anytime and reach out! We are here to serve you and your family.