People don’t value what they don’t pay for. For a short time they will
be appreciative of what is being done for them but as time wears on they come to expect it.
This was a lesson that stuck with Jim Hainis as a karate student and which inspired
him to create the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts program at Newark, New Jersey’s 1st Avenue Elementary/Middle School.
The concept of the H.E.A.R.T. program is pure genius. The students who participate in the program “earn” martial art lessons by agreeing to volunteer for local and national nonprofit organizations. Jim’s goal for the program is for kids to build their spirit and character as they give from their hearts to help others in need. Once they earn their lessons, the kids take group classes taught by Jim and are empowered to take control of their lives, learn about the world outside of school and give back to their community.
H.E.A.R.T. represents Honor, Equality, Appreciation, Respect, and Trust. It’s so refreshing to see someone like Jim teaching these values to children through fitness activity. The only prerequisite for students to join H.E.A.R.T. is that their hearts must be in it. What an amazing program!! To learn more, check out H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts.
Here are 5 great reasons kids should take martial arts classes:
courtesy of www.martialartsinternational.com
1. Improved Report Cards:
Martial arts instruction teaches children the importance of concentration. Improved concentration means kids will learn more at school and receive better grades for both academics and attitude.
2. Karate Builds Healthy Kids:
Karate is a wonderful workout for children that will help them breathe, eat and sleep better. It will allow them to pay closer attention to their body, eating habits and overall health.
3. Positive Attitudes:
Karate teaches a positive and respectful attitude. Kids learn to be respect their peers, parents, elders, and teachers.
4. Self-Confidence:
The practice of martial arts encourages kids to take chances and push themselves further than they thought possible. In classes, kids learn that they can be successful at anything if they truly believe they can, and are willing to work hard at it.
5. Self-Defense:
Through karate, kids learn to spot danger and avoid dangerous people, places and activities. They’re also trained to protect themselves effectively when danger is unavoidable.