Martial Arts in the United States: A Brief History
By Lowell Frisbie
Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to the public in Japan in the early 1900s. He was fervently devoted to the concept that karate should be promoted as a method of self-discipline, health, and character development. Karate gained exposure in the United States from servicemen serving in Japan after World War II, who brought the martial arts back home with them.
Martial arts, as originally practiced, taught actual combat. Practice was in earnest; this was no game. But, people in every culture, race, and age play games and compete. Many modern day sports have their roots in ancient martial arts. Javelin, discus, archery, boxing, wrestling, and many other sports are based on martial arts.
Martial arts teach more than just sport. It is a way of life and a path of self-knowledge, self-improvement, and self-discovery. As a result, there is an emphasis on simplicity, tranquility, and sincerity of mind. This has led to the use of simple training halls, clean white uniforms, and an effort to avoid pomp and circumstance.
Here in Southwest Michigan, the tradition of martial arts training is very strong, taught in conventional dojos (schools) as well as basements and garages. Some of the finest martial artists in the world have been trained in SW Michigan. Through the many dojos in the area, adults and children can gain the elements of culture and philosophy that the martial arts inspire; they also seek perfection of character, faithfulness, and respect in a non-violent way.
Teaching Children Martial Arts
Martial arts, especially those that originated in Japan and Okinawa, teach respect and non-violence, despite what often looks like violence on the cartoons.
There are many types of martial arts training available in Southwest Michigan, and parents may need to research the varying styles and decide which are best suited for their child’s interests, level of development and motivation. What is being taught is more important than the outward appearance of the school Quality martial arts instruction focuses on the values which are most desirable in our children:
Confidence building and self esteem
Modification of behavior problems
Sense of accomplishments with the reward of the belt
Discipline
Opportunity to compete and develop sportsmanship skills
Fitness
Concerned instructors teach children in a manner that helps reinforce the efforts of parents and school teachers and will often involve them in the process of martial arts instruction. The product of this careful approach is a child who is more likely to stay out of trouble and is focused on striving to reach his or her peak personal potential.
Among the recommendations from experts about choosing a facility for your child are:
Can you watch a class or two? Can your child take a free lesson?
Age specific instruction
Class size
Levels of participation
Level of training for teachers of very young – black belt preferred
Promoting fighting is not appropriate for very young students (ages 4-6)
Is the instructor having fun with his students?
Cost
No intimidation by the instructor
Are there contests and tournaments?
Will you need to sign a contract?
Lightning Kicks, located at 411 Kalamazoo Ave. is one of Kalamazoo’s major dojos. Amir Khillah, its owner and chief instructor, emphasizes the importance of finding a dojo that is family friendly, with age-appropriate classes being taught. At Lightning Kicks, children as young as 3 ½ are taught skills in a friendly, open, and non-intimidating manner. Parents can bring their children for free trial classes or to watch how classes are being taught.
Khillah speaks with pride about his students and how well they are doing in school and life; children trained in the martial arts become leaders of their schools. The instructors of the Lightning Kicks dojo are very involved in the community. Classes are taught weekly at Washington, Northglade, and Milwood Elementaries as well as Milwood Middle School in after school programs. Lightning Kicks is a full time professional school –classes, including family classes, are taught all day every day. Additionally, professionally taught mixed martial arts as well as high level Taekwando are taught.
Children are not the only ones who benefit from martial arts training. Nathan Schneck, whose body was badly battered in an automobile accident, says that martial arts training at Lightning Kicks changed his life. “It has been amazing physical therapy for me over the last three years, and improved my attitude toward life,” he says. Blinded by the accident, Nathan says he has been better able to cope with his disabilities because of his training. Maria Brennan, a local baker, says that practicing martial arts keeps her fit and allows her to work out with her young son, Connor, another student at Lightning Kicks.
Lightning Kicks is opening a second dojo which will be for adult students. The building at 411 Kalamazoo Ave. will remain the spacious dojo for the children’s classes. Ample parking is provided at both sites.
Visit the website www.lightningkicks.com or call 383-2610 for class schedules.
