Page 14 - Dainfern Precinct Living July Issue 2025

ESTATE MATTERS
ESTATE MATTERS
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KARATE FOR KIDS

DISCIPLINE, FOCUS, AND CONFIDENCE

IN THE DAINFERN COMMUNITY

ake a walk past one of the
community venues where
Bernard Buys teaches karate,
Tand you’ll notice something
different. There’s no shouting, no chaos—
just focus. Small feet lined up, young
voices answering in unison, and a quiet
rhythm of learning something rare: self-
discipline.

For Bernard Buys, 6th Dan black belt and
head of the International Japan Karate-
Do Association South Africa (IJKA SA),
karate is not about creating fighters—
it’s about building character.

BEYOND SCREENS: REAL-LIFE
SKILLS THAT MATTER
Today’s children are growing up in a world
of screens and shortcuts. Karate brings
them back to something more grounded—
teaching resilience, teamwork, and how
to handle life’s challenges without pause.
Karate gives children:
• Physical fitness and strength WHY KARATE?
• Improved concentration and BECAUSE LIFE ISN’T
focus LIVED ON A SCREEN
• Respect for parents, teachers, Karate isn’t about competition—it’s about
Smart Ways to Keep Kids Busy at Home or in the Estate
and peers
preparing children for life. Confidence,
• Tools for dealing with negative respect, and resilience are skills that stay
peer pressure with them far beyond the mat.
• Healthy socialisation and “We’re raising leaders, not just martial
leadership skills artists,” says Bernard. “Karate teaches
• Confidence in handling conflict children to stand tall, treat people kindly,
without aggression and stay true to who they are.”

STARTING SMALL: THE DINKY
KARATE PROGRAMME JOIN THE DAINFERN KARATE COMMUNITY
For children aged 3 to 5, IJKA SA offers To enrol your child in Dinky Karate or IJKA SA karate
Dinky Karate classes in the Dainfern classes with Bernard Buys, contact:
community spaces. These playful, skill- Email: bernard.buys@ijka.co.za
building sessions feel like games—but Web: www.ijka.co.za
they’re designed for serious growth. Kids Give your child the chance to grow stronger — in body,
learn: mind, and spirit.
• Balance and coordination
• Cognitive development through
left-right patterning
• Listening and following
instructions
• Basic karate moves in a safe,
fun environment
Many of IJKA SA’s top black belts started
with Dinky Karate. The foundation lasts
for life.

GRADING THAT BUILDS
CONFIDENCE
Young students earn coloured stripes
on their belts, marking progress without
pressure. It teaches goal setting,
patience, and the pride that comes with
real achievement.

12 DPL issue 6 2025
6 DPL issue 5 2025