Karate kids enjoy local classes

Of the many benefits that come from an active lifestyle, Blue Heron Karate Sensei Jason Williams explains that some of these benefits are especially important for youth. Williams has run three separate karate schools and has taught all ages the martial art for years. "I really enjoy training with adults, but the most reward comes from training with kids," he said. According to Williams, karate teaches numerous qualities including discipline, respect and goal setting. He explained that these can become "fantastic items for them to take with them in their toolbox and use as adults."

Williams spoke of a past student he had that came to her first karate class. He related to her because he too was shy when he started karate. The martial art is "very active and loud" and can be difficult for someone like Williams. He said he told the young lady he understood those feelings, and since she started, "she is now one of my superstars," as Williams put it.

One of Williams' current students, Sylvia Fairbank, just obtained her orange belt. Fairbank's father Kurt is one of the Blue Heron Karate Sensei's, and she explained that she is also very interested in the art. At nine years old, Fairbank explained that she likes karate because "I like how you can defend yourself and I like how you move up," speaking of belt progression. "It's really fun!" added Fairbank.

Williams explained that the belt system is a good way to keep kids focused and to help them set and visualize goals. He said a health school is one with a variety of belt colors and talent levels. When asked about how he approaches kids differently than adults, Williams explained that he focuses much more on the passive guard, training them to protect without appearing aggressive.

Aibel McDonald, another Blue Heron student, is also nine years old and tested for his orange belt recently. "I wanted to learn so if anyone comes and wants to hurt my mom or my dad or my brother, I can protect them," McDonald said of his interest in karate. McDonald has been with Blue Heron Karate for almost a year and explained that his favorite moves are the front snap kick, the roundhouse kick and the throw. McDonald's mother Theresa said his memory skills have improved and he has become more disciplined and focused in school. "He's a super social kid. Learning to listen, it's been really good for him," said Theresa.

Jonathan Toyias, 10, recently earned his purple belt at Blue Heron Karate. "It calms me down," he said, referring to his newfound discipline and centered attitude after joining karate. His mother, Danice Toyias, explained that her son has more confidence and is learning to set goals. According to Toyias, one of these goals is to become a black belt by the age of 15. So far, he has been doing karate for three years and does not think he will stop anytime soon. Jonathan said he loves helping others in his karate classes, with his favorite move being the compass kick. According to Danice, Jonathan has a lot of energy and has difficulty focusing it. Now with karate, she believes he can. "It gives him some self-discipline. It has taught him breathing tips and tricks to center himself," she said. She explained how her son now practices karate for hours at home and helps his younger brother with the martial art as well.

According to Williams, a person does not have to be big in Shorin Ryu Karate, which is the variety they practice. The version of the martial art focuses on lots of movement around the threat and "not being directly in the path of violence," added Williams. "A lot of people in the world have a hard time giving themselves permission to defend themselves." He tries to teach knowing when to avoid violence. However, when the time does come for a person to let themself use karate for self-defense, Williams explained his school's saying is to "be the first with the most." This philosophy maximizes effectiveness and improves chances of getting home to family safely.