Dainfern karate kids ready kick butt
DAINFERN – Fun is had at Dainfern College Junior Preparatory karate classes.
The karate kids at Dainfern College Junior Preparatory know how to kick butt.
That is because they know that the little they put into practice each week will make them great in the long run.
And so they practise their kicking, punching, blocking and dodging with much enthusiasm. This also in preparation for the next round of grading, where they will hopefully be promoted to the next rank in the martial art.
Sensei Ian Duncan, who runs the karate classes under Ian Duncan Karate Centre, is very proud of his little martial artists.
“I have been instructing since I had a brown belt about 40 years ago,” said the 65-year-old 8th Dan. “I love teaching children because they become adults one day and I have taught children who ended up growing up and representing South Africa at tournaments.”
Duncan said he gets a bigger thrill teaching five or six-year-olds than older people because when they are ‘not quite getting it right and then they get it, it is wonderful’.
All through the training session, the youngsters are silent, listening intently to every instruction given by Duncan. “Oss Sensei,” they all shout as one after a command is given.
Smiles and fierce expressions are abundant and interchanging. After all, karate is fun but these youngsters are learning how to defend themselves from ‘baddies’.
“When a bad person wants to hit you quickly will you block slowly?”
“No sensei,” they respond as they demonstrate their blocking with partners opposite them.
“And is it better to block a punch or to dodge back and avoid it altogether?” The youngsters who were blocking now jump back in response.
When the end of the lesson comes, the children all say thank you as one before leaving in an orderly fashion.
Details: www.facebook.com/ianduncankarate
