Karate is a way of life for Queanbeyan’s Hinch-Parr family, including for Melissa and Steve Parr’s two children.
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Kaitlyn, 3, and Eric, 5, are among about 120 children and many more adults who take part in karate lessons at the family’s dojo in Fyshwick.
Ms Hinch-Parr said the sport is much more than just that. As well as exercise, it’s also about self-control, discipline, self-defence and focus.
She said karate, particularly for children, was a great way to teach essential life skills.
“For me, my first class was really empowering,” Ms Hinch-Parr said.
“I’ve always been a physical person, I’ve always loved exercise and sports.
“When I found karate, it was one of those things, it’s not just a sport, it’s self-defence as well.
“It’s a workout, it is exercise, and because of where it comes from it is a lifelong journey. There is so much to learn which is exciting, you never get bored.”
Ms Hinch-Parr said she got her children involved to build up their confidence, respect, discipline and focus.
“Focus is a huge one we work on with the kids,” she said.
“Being able to see that – in my kids as well – it’s not just going to help them do their karate but at school, and in life in general.”
”It’s a well rounded way of life.”
Ms Hinch-Parr teaches the art to children, and said the change between when they first arrive and after a few classes is fantastic to watch.
“We’ve had kids that have come in and are distracted, staring around and can’t stand still. A couple of classes in, its really nice to see that progression in focus and concentration.”
“It’s great when a parent comes up to you after they come to karate and say, ‘he’s a completely different child’.
“That’s really great for us that they’re passionate about karate that they really try to focus and concentrate during the class, and then we hope that will spill out into the rest of their life as well.”
Ms Hinch-Parr said the non-contact focus and control aspect meant the sport wasn’t a violent one.
The Fyshwick-based Kyodo Shuho Karate-Do will be hosting it’s first tournament, since opening in January, at the AIS Combat Centre on November 20. Find out more at kyodoshuho.com.au