Knowing that Karate is not for everyone, we watched and hoped that Sara would take to it and develop that interest. Sara is now in her fourth year and I can see it happening again. The demeanor, the ability to focus, that quiet confidence being developed over time. She is not there yet but I see it just like I did with my nieces before.

Last August we enrolled our son, Karl. The jury is still out on whether Karate is his “cup of tea” or not. His personality is quite different from Sara’s. Only time will tell. 

Today after all this time, I finally attended my first Karate Tournament. I was impressed with how the Newark Kenpo Karate students compared to their competition. It was obvious to me that our kids are receiving the highest quality instruction. I encourage all the instructors to keep up the good work.

From our point of view, we believe that the real value of Karate is not the belts, medals and trophies, but what it does for your inner self, as I have feebly attempted to describe here.

Todd Anderson

It wasn’t until I read an article in The Delayed Word from another parent that I felt I needed to write one too. Her view was that of a parent watching her child grow and evolve over time while practicing Karate.

Mine is that of a parent who has been watching her children for some time and then decided to embark on this thing called Karate herself.

To be honest, my first interest was to do the CardioKenpo to supplement my weight lifting routine. I was so lacking in my confidence about balance and coordination that I thought Karate could help me with those weaknesses. Now that I’m doing CardioKenpo also, I’ve found it did help me a little, but I also realized that Karate is a totally different animal.

I’ve recognized a lot of things while embarking on this Karate adventure.

At 41, I realize my mind is not the sponge it used to be. The amount of information you must absorb seems enormous. I have to study and concentrate harder to remember all the different moves. (How do my children remember all this stuff?)

I found like the children, that we want to get past all the seemingly redundant moves. What I’ve finally recognized is that we have to master all these basic fundamentals to do all the complicated techniques and related movements.

As a parent, we see our children doing techniques, but it goes far beyond all that. There are forms, kicking sets, universal drills, terminology, discipline, and let’s not forget finding all those muscles we never knew existed.

As a parent, I have a true appreciation for what my children have accomplished.

From one parent to another, you should be very proud of these children. Praise them on every new accomplishment, whether they or you think it is large or small because I can tell you from this parent’s point of view, it’s a huge mountain to climb!

Arlene Johnson

It does not seem that long ago when our son, Samuel, started karate lessons. But alas, he has already gone through 4 tests. Recently, he was practicing and then tested for his Orange Belt…. which leads me to this article: “A Parent’s View”.

Weekly, I have “taxied” my son or coordinated with friends, driving to and from his lessons. I sat and watched the lines being placed down on the carpet (when he first started) and have marveled at how he found “his” spot, wiggled and giggled, but still learned something. He learned a lot: upwards, inwards, outwards, downwards…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Wow, forms, punches, kicks, etc. Where was all this “stuff” going? How was it going to all come together?

Well, it does come together, and all in good time (pace and readiness)! With a gentle, yet firm approach, I saw Samuel learn the necessary forms, kicks, chops, etc. and from “a parent’s view”, so much more. He has: an increased attention span, patience, turn taking, copying from a model, awareness of his body in space…Respect for others, materials, the uniform, patches, belts & stripes…Customs (bowing & saluting as he enters or exits to the instructors or the training floor area), a sense of individuality, working & practicing with others as well as school unity at Newark Kenpo Karate.

I admit to being nervous the first time he tried sparring…now I cheer him on (sorry if I get too loud) and I cheer others on too! I have learned how to attack him, call out moves, say the Creed, and hold a couch pillow (which someday I hope to replace) so he can practice, practice, practice. My husband has often been the target of play and practice…Thank you! We both have sat in admiration at the “Test” day activities and are in awe of what is yet to come. Watching the White Belts, we marvel at how cute they are and remember how it was. Watching the advanced belts, we are amazed at the showcase of skill, determination, self-discipline, and the “How did they do that?” or “Did you see that?” amazement. But it hasn’t always been about the class of the week or test day. It’s also been about the Newark Kenpo Karate school “family”….The Christmas party, the Scholar party, Sam’s Birthday party, seeing and hearing about tournaments, workshops, trophies, reading the newsletter “The Delayed Word”, talking to other parents and students, making friends and acquaintances, getting to know the instructors, getting to stare at the pets (Do-little, Red Dragon and Blue), buying lollipops and having fun! All from “A Parent’s View”.

Yvonne Hershberger