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PRECINCT LIVING

WHAT CAN KARATE DO
FOR KIDS?
“Karate promotes confidence, concentration,
discipline, co-ordination and physical development,”
Bernard explains. “It often helps children with ADHD,
learning disabilities and low muscle tone. It further
helps kids to cope with bullying, which has become a
serious problem in schools these days.”

The students have lots of opportunities to compete
in tournaments and grading is done three times per
year. The SA JKA Nationals are held every year in
May and students who are selected go on to represent
South Africa in competitions such as The African Cup
or JKA World Championships. “SA JKA Karate is the
biggest Karate organisation in SA and JKA Karate is
the biggest in the world,” Bernard continues. “It is not
necessary to be competitive, but the opportunities are
there if you want to compete and test your skill level
against others. Black Belts are usually only awarded
from about 16 years upwards in JKA – but exceptions
are made for those students showing an extraordinary
level of competence and if he/she trains consistently
for a number of years.”

Classes are held at The Pavilion on Wednesday and
Friday afternoons for ages 4 and up. As always, the
intake is limited to 10 new students only, so be sure
to contact Bernard as soon as possible to secure your
place for 2020.

KARATE FOR JKA KARATE CLASSES
IN DAINFERN
Dainfern JKA has grown tremendously since
2010 when it first started. One of the key
CHILDREN strengths of JKA Karate is its method of
teaching. Instructors of 3rd Dan and above
are dedicated, internationally qualified and
trained specifically to teach Karate. Each
"Proper execution of basic techniques instructor completes an extensive, specialised
training programme and undergoes rigorous
forms the basis of good Karate." The is our evaluation and testing before being granted
his or her instructor qualification. This unique,
motto at Dainfern JKA Karate for 2020. specialised instruction system, established
decades ago, is still the only one of its kind,
and produces some of the best Karateka
and teachers in the world. All JKA instructors
arate is believed to be an excellent form of body conditioning – whether in Japan or abroad pass on the
but, even more so, it is also great for building up one’s fitness fundamentals and techniques they have
Klevels and it’s an excellent form of self-defence. "In Japan, it’s mastered, ensuring that Karate’s highest
now compulsory for children at primary school level to do some form of tradition lives on in each dojo.
martial arts training. Japanese children train up to three hours a day, six
days a week in their chosen martial art. Hence there’s little doubt as to
why the Japanese clean up in most of the categories at the JKA World
Championships held every three years. However, it’s not necessary to
commit to that extent if you don’t want to,” says Dainfern JKA Karate
Sensei, Bernard Buys. “Karate is good for all ages, all sizes and all
fitness levels and training twice a week is more than adequate for most
youngsters. There’s no expensive equipment needed to sign up and a
Karate suit (dogi) will last you for at least a year or two. The first step is
to try out a class and see for yourself what it is all about."

As the saying goes, you don’t have to be great to start but you have to
start to be great. "Learning the basics and doing the basics properly is
how to progress,” he continues. “It’s important to get the correct tuition
right from the outset so that you can build from a solid foundation.”

For more information and to become part of the Dainfern
JKA Karate family, please contact:
Bernard Buys (5th Dan, JKA) on 083 709 9289 or e-mail:
bernard.buys@mweb.co.za.

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