Abstract
This paper discusses some of the benefits of including karate-do lessons in schools. It begins by providing a brief history of karate-do which originated on the small island of Okinawa, South of mainland Japan and its intimate relationship with education and the Japanese school system. In order to determine its merit we will look at such things as some of the health benefits of regular karate-do training as a form of exercise and how this exercise can positively affect academic performance. Furthermore, the philosophies and ethics of karate-do which are grounded in Bushdo develop healthy habits in its practitioners and have the potential to change lives in very positive ways. The author will draw from his extensive knowledge and experience in Chito-Ryu Karate-do which he as practiced for almost 30 years from childhood to present in Canada and Japan as well as his nearly ten year involvement with the Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF) through the Junior and Senior High School divisions. This paper outlines such important concepts as Bun-bu Ryo-do, Shin Gi Tai, and Reigi Saho. The JKF; the organizing body of karate-do in Japan, is making great efforts and working closely with the Japanese Ministry of Education Health and Science (MEXT) to develop an acceptable curriculum which incorporates karate-do lessons in junior high schools across Japan as part of the budo lessons, an affiliate of the Japanese physical education program. These initiatives will be reviewed and referenced to support the viability of including karate-do in schools�f curricula.
Author Information
Marc Alfred Waterfield, Buntoku Gakuen, Japan
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress