Kicks vs. Clips
by Mark C. Carlson

This afternoon I had a rather interesting talk with a co-worker of mine. He was relating to me a short story about his son’s involvement in Karate class at his school. What got me thinking was this. The school his son attends is a religious one. I was having a bit of a struggle pulling the art of self-defense of the secular world and the, what I assume to be, pacifistic and non-violent mores of the religious world, together. It seems to me that some would have issue with teaching kids Karate in school; whether the school is of a parochial nature or not. Apparently this isn’t the case. Now…in all fairness to the teachers of the fine art of Karate, or any other of the wonderful Martial Arts, I know the spin will be this. "It’s NOT self defense or fighting. It’s all about discipline, self control, mental, physical and spiritual development. Well, regardless of those lofty intentions, at some point in time, if the student continues down the training road he or she will be a walking weapon. He or she will be a person, who if they were to lose self-control or poise for one minute, could wreak havoc, if not kill, an opponent. Apparently that’s not an issue or a possibility worthy of concern. 

Where I’m going with all this is here. If I were to suggest to the folks who allow Martial Arts training that we do an Eddie Eagle class I’m sure that I’d be drawn and quartered. "Teach children about guns!" they’d bellow. "Show them how to handle weapons!" they’d scream. I’d counter with "No. Simply teach them what to do if they found a gun, how to safety handle a gun, and maybe throw in some facts about hunting and outdoor enjoyment and the like." I’d then suggest that what I’d like my son or daughter to learn is analogous to sex education. I’m not advocating it nor do I necessarily want them to practice it. But I do want them educated about it. They’d ponder a second then say "No. Guns are out. They’re dangerous. Killers of children".

I’d point out that an educated and safe thinking child is an educated and safe thinking adult. That knowing about guns doesn’t put one in your hands but it does make you safe if you should decide to pick one up someday. If at some point in time my kids decide to hunt or target shoot they’ll subject to following strict rules and regulations. 

On the other hand, the child who’s become learned in the ways of Karate can’t unlearn it, is always "carrying it", so to speak, and isn’t subject to any restrictions other than his own psychology and values. 

So I guess all we can do is hope that every kid who’s breaking boards, learning roundhouse kicks to the chest, and waiting with eager anticipation for the day when he has his first "full contact" match; is even keeled, clear thinking and never, ever uses his skills for anything other than what they were originally intended for. Hand to hand combat. Oh…sorry..I meant to say discipline and self-control.

Mark C. Carlson