Lower Campus Karate Club- Registration Now Open

Carondelet partners with Sterling Karate to offer karate classes to students in grades PK-Grade 2. Classes are Tuesday mornings from 8-9 am beginning this fall (date TBA). For more information and registration visit 

Sterlingkarate.com or contact Peter@sterlingkarate.com.

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Carondelet's Karate Class Helps Students Succeed In and Outside the Classroom

While great for students of all ages and abilities, studies show kids who learn and think in more unconventional ways may benefit the most from this Tuesday morning club.

Martial arts is a great way for kids to build positive self-esteem and physical strength, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety, which are becoming much more prevalent in school-age children today. Carondelet Catholic School’s weekly karate class, taught by Rick Sterling of Sterling Karate, let’s students master a skill at their own pace while improving the connection between mind, body and spirit.
 
Founder and teacher Rick Sterling has taught karate in area schools and churches in the Twin Cities metro area for over 30 year. Recognizing the importance of educating the whole child, Sterling often cites scripture passages during his Christ-centered classes offered at Carondelet’s lower campus.
 
And while karate class is great for students of all ages and abilities, studies show kids who learn and think in more unconventional ways benefit from this ancient practice. For the one in five people with learning differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, group activities can often make them feel left out or left behind.
 
A recent report from the educational research forum Understood.com reports the following benefits of martial arts:
 

1. They focus on individual growth, not on team competition. Many kids struggle with the pressure of competing with other kids. So traditional sports may not appeal to them. But in martial arts, the focus is on self-improvement. There’s no “letting down the team.”
2. They work toward specific goals. Some kids who learn and think differently feel like they never “win” at anything. In martial arts, kids work at their own pace. They earn a different colored belt every time they reach a new skill level. This can boost self-esteem and keep kids motivated. 
3. They emphasize self-control and concentration. Attention is central to martial arts. Kids have to stay focused to learn and to do the movements. When a child’s focus drifts, instructors often ask them to take the “ready stance.” This lets them reset and get ready for what’s next.
4. They help with coordination. Doing martial arts movements can help kids get a better feel for their body in space. This is good for kids who struggle with motor skills. It also helps kids understand the power of the mind over the body. (This could be valuable for kids with ADHD.)
5. They’re a safe way for kids to get out extra energy. It’s a myth that martial arts encourage violent behavior. In fact, instructors often say that fighting is a last resort. Martial arts lets students work out frustration while also practicing self-control.

 
Carondet’s karate classes are offered to students in kindergarten through grade 8 and meet on Tuesday’s before school. For more information or to register for classes, visit sterlingkarate.com or call Carondelet’s Lower Campus school office at (612) 920-9075.