SeishanGirl

In our club, adults and children train together. It teaches the adult how to control their contact level and the children find it useful to train with someone more understanding, knowledgeable and mature than themselves. I don't know how long you have been training, but I'm sure that if you haven't been training since you were a child then you wish that you had. I know I do, and I'm still fifteen. I achieved my black belt earlier this year and I would never have done that without the help of adults in the club. For children, being able to compare with adults allows them to stand out of the crowd and makes them have higher determination, self esteem and a better sense of karate altogether. Hope this helps.

You might want to consider moving to a different club. The one you are currently at sounds awfully expensive - no offence intended if your Sensei uses this site - and it might do your kids some good to see themselves as part of a class, rather than a private lesson. They will make friends who may be fairly competitive, which will probably give your children some drive to try and improve. It's not all about getting the black belt, and if I were you I would just take it step by step. Karate improves many things about a person, child or adult. I started when I was nine years old, and I got my 1st Dan Black Belt four years later. Determination and hard work got me there, as well as the drive to be competitive. You will also find that moving to a group class will be much, much cheaper and possibly more effective. I hope this helped, and I hope it works out for you and your kids! Happy Training!

Hey, if you're a beginner, you really don't need to worry too much about your sokuto. However, if you want some advice, I'll just say that it is important in Wado Ryu to bring the knee straight forward as if you are about to do a front kick. Then you should twist sideways so that yes, you are side on to your opponent. The knee should still be chambered, and should also be facing side on to your opponent. When you push the ick out, you should twist your back foot so that the heel is facing in the direction of the opponent. This is where your power comes from. Don't forget to pull your leg back in before lowering it to the floor. I've made it sound really complicated, but as long as you start off low and slow, then build up speed and height, it will soon be a brilliantly powerful kick! Hope this helps, and good luck on your grading!