Kids, Uechi-Ryu and the Hatfield Shubukan

kids and the martial arts | why Uechi | kids at the Hatfield Shubukan

The martial arts first gained real popularity in the U.S. in the late sixties and early seventies, thanks to media stars like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine, “Kung Fu”). And when “The Karate Kid” and the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” came onto the scene, kids were hooked as well. The media has continued to drive America’s concept of the martial arts and, unfortunately, Hollywood most often looks to more of a Ninja Turtles version of the arts rather than the Karate Kid version for their motivation. And these days, every other movie offered by the studios (even if it has nothing to do with the martial arts!) has some fantastical, unrealistic fight scene, while martial arts video games allow the player to maim and murder, conscience and consequence free, and without breaking a sweat. And, of course, kids eat it up! It is in this context that martial arts schools in the States operate today.

Currently, kids dominate the enrollments of most martial arts schools. Parents register their kids for classes hoping that martial arts training will foster self-discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem, improved concentration, a strong work ethic, and good citizenship, i.e. the Karate Kid version of the arts. These are the goals and approach of most traditional schools. Parents should be wary of those more commercial schools that offer flash over substance and quick and numerous promotions, i.e. Ninja Turtles. This approach may satisfy our kids’ need for immediate gratification, but it runs contrary to the very reasons parents want their kids to train in the arts. And the applicability of much of what is taught is questionable.

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Why Uechi?

Karate was developed on the island of Okinawa. All traditional Okinawan Karate systems were influenced by the chuan-fa arts of southern China. Uechi is unique among these arts in that it is a true Chinese system (Pangainoon) brought to the island nation by the Okinawan who studied it in China, Grandmaster Kanbun Uechi. The style has not been simplified or watered-down. Uechi is still the vigorous, hardcore system of fighting/self-defense that it has always been. Uechi is as far removed from the Hollywood version of martial arts as you can get. (For more, see Why Uechi-ryu-Karate-do.)

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Kids at the Hatfield Shubukan

High expectations! That is the first order of business for kids training at the Hatfield Shubukan. We believe that self-discipline, self-esteem, and all of the other personal growth building blocks cited above derive from the actual training, from hard work, and from real accomplishment. We expect our kids to know the same material as adults of equivalent rank. Of course, their level of skill and power are not expected to match an adult’s, although some come pretty close! We strongly endorse physicality-sweat and grunt work. Kids who train at the Hatfield Shubukan quickly become confident in their strength, their stamina, and their ability to push themselves. For our kids who are not the “team sport type,” the personal challenge of Uechi Karate improves their balance, coordination, and confidence. And for our kids who are active in sports, they find that their martial training at the Hatfield Shubukan makes them stronger and tougher than other kids on the field. Likewise, the mental focus required for training in this authentic martial art helps to improve the concentration and mental clarity necessary in the classroom. And, after having trained at the Hatfield Shubukan for a significant period of time (the Karate Kid ), our kids are able to defend themselves.

Finally, the giggle factor and community. As much as we endorse hard work and discipline, humor is a key teaching tool; our kids laugh a lot! Our kids feel safe and very much at home when they are at the dojo. Likewise, because their parents are always welcome to observe class or just sit and socialize, they come to feel at home at the dojo as well. In fact, many parents join the adult ranks. This leads to a strong sense of community at the Hatfield Shubukan, of which we are very proud!

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