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Karate: More Than a Sport

February 20, 2019
NEWS + STORIES

If you’re looking to develop both physical and mental discipline in yourself or your child, karate may be just the right sport.

Karate instills self-confidence, self-discipline, respect and responsibility. At the Y, students in this traditional martial arts program, maintain a healthy lifestyle, get a whole body workout, relieve stress and develop self-defense skills in a non-competitive, welcoming environment.

Seasoned instructor

Instructor Joey Hannon focuses on being there for his students and tailors his teachings to the needs of each one individually.

Joey says, “Karate is really about taking time for yourself. Confidence and positive self-esteem will then come naturally.”

Joey has taught karate and the importance of marital arts at the Benjamin Harrison YMCA since it was built in 1997—more than 20 years!

This Health Fitness Revolution article, “Top 10 Health Benefits of Martial Arts” explains that, “Many young Americans grow up with martial arts as one of their first competitive sports/activities. Not only is it a great activity that keeps participants physically active, but it instills a sense of achievement and ethics, as you work your way up to earning a black belt. But even if you have no previous experience in martial arts, it is still a great activity to pick up even as an adult.”

Karate for all

Karate is also an inclusive sport. Over the last 10 years, martial arts have become an increasingly popular practice as a form of Occupational & Behavioral Therapy for adults and children living with ADHD and Autism. Studies and real-life results show how different forms of martial arts help improve focus, balance, self-confidence and self-control (to name a few) in students living with Autism and ADHD.

Year-round sessions, sign up now

The Benjamin Harrison YMCA karate program runs year-round in 7 week sessions. Participants may begin as early as age 5 and continue through adulthood. With classes from beginner to advanced, you will never out grow this program.

The YMCA offers many martial arts programs across Central Indiana, such as boxing, Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Kali Stick and Knife Defense for youth and adults. Sign up or observe a class today!

 

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