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foolishness. Word got around that they had their black belts, and fortunately, their schoolmates concluded it was wise not to mess with them. As a father, particularly knowing how hormonally crazy most boys are at that age, the knowledge that my girls' karate skills struck fear into the boys' minds was definitely worth the cost of all those years of karate classes.

Comradery

By virtue of having taken classes and progressed through the belt ranks over the years with the same groups of students and instructors, both girls developed close friends from the karate studio, some of whom remain in touch to this day. They also developed a strong sense of teamwork, regularly helping classmates perfect each others' techniques and drilling together during group routines.

Cross Training

The physical skills the girls picked up in karate translated nicely to other sports as well. Both girls played catcher on their fast pitch softball teams, where they impressed their coaches by their toughness, strength, and ability to take a hit while blocking the plate, and without getting hurt. Their years of blocking punches and getting thrown during karate classes taught them to keep a low center of gravity, how to fall, and how to avoid direct blows. More recently, when our younger daughter joined the fencing club during her freshman year in college, her new instructors immediately complimented her for her excellent balance.

Equality

The karate classes at their studio were co-ed, and consisted of male and female instructors as well. All throughout their years of karate training, girls worked out right alongside the boys. My daughters learned at a young age not to be intimidated by boys, since they were throwing and punching them as equals. The instructors also insisted on mutual respect, regardless of sex, age, or ability. Additionally, one great benefit when my girls were young is that one of their lead instructors was an attractive woman in her late teens with beautiful, long red hair who could kick the butt of any male who crossed her, an excellent role model.

In conclusion, rigorous training in Kenpo karate paid off in many ways for my two daughters as they grew up. Although I've here focused on them, the benefits of karate classes apply to others as well. School age boys will gain the same advantages, and it's not too late to start even as an adult. New student classes start year round.

Just be sure to warn everyone not to sneak up and grab you from behind.

Learn more about this author, Gary Cain.
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