The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Martial Arts Mentoring Program
The overriding goal of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program is to facilitate the prevention of major social misconduct, juvenile delinquency, legal offenses, teen pregnancy, and other social evils that can occur in adolescents and young adults. BBBS accomplishes this goal by providing volunteer mentors to at-risk children during their impressionable years.
Research shows that children who receive mentoring guidance and support as they grow up are less likely to fall prey to negative peer pressure, turn to drugs and alcohol, and commit acts of crime and/or violence. Further, they are more likely to do well in school, have healthy social relationships, and become involved in extracurricular activities and/or community service.
A Healthy Solution
Mentoring comes in many forms. In addition to the traditional one-to-one mentoring matches, BBBS has also had great success with a variety of group programs. One such program, which was test-piloted in Long Island, NY, is the Martial Arts Mentoring Program. BBBS-LI formed a partnership with Tokey Hill (the only American to win the World Karate Championships) and the National Sports Training Foundation, Inc. to provide this program to children who would not otherwise be able to receive this type of instruction.
The children in the program are identified by BBBS as children who can benefit from the structure and discipline that a martial arts program delivers. In addition to being taught proper martial arts technique, the children are also learning patience, tolerance, trust and self-respect. Mastering a new skill particularly one that requires such determination and effort as karate is a very healthy way for a child to build his/her confidence and self-esteem.
Why Martial Arts?
Not only does the practice of martial arts encourage the development of discipline and patience, but it also allows children to progress and excel at their own pace. Unlike many of the more traditional after-school activities such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer and other competitive-oriented sports students learn and advance to higher levels based solely upon their own development and not in comparison to other students.
This aspect of martial arts makes it an ideal sport for children involved in the BBBS program. Many of these children have extremely low self-esteem, which causes them to shy away from competitive situations and activities that bring them into close contact with other children. The fear of rejection and/or failure is too great for them to risk participation.
With martial arts, competition is merely for a showcase of skill, not a "must-do" for recognition and advancement. In the practice of martial arts, skill level is represented by the color of the belt worn by the participant. A student must demonstrate knowledge of certain techniques in order to progress from belt to belt. This progression is done at the student's own pace; he/she does not have to "beat" anyone to proceed to the next level.
This self-paced learning allows children to gain a sense of achievement and build their self-esteem from within themselves, not by comparison to others. Ultimately, developing this aspect of their personality will help them build friendships, participate in social activities and/or situations with confidence, and give them the courage to seek out new experiences, even competitive ones.
How Does The Program Work?
An Overview of the Test Pilot Program in Levittown, NY
Twelve children. Some girls, some boys. hyperactive and rambunctious, some shy and introverted. Some giggly, some scared. All were not quite sure what to expect when they entered the school gymnasium for their first lesson in karate.
One instructor. A world champion martial arts expert. Adept at working with children. A master in his particular discipline of karate, Shotokan. The children will call him "Shihan", which means "The Teacher of All Teachers". They knew what to expect when he entered that gym and his expectations were high. Twice a week for the next six weeks, these children will be guided by his instruction.
The first two weeks: The children are given an orientation to the practice of karate. They learn about proper breathing, bowing, addressing the Shihan, stretching, and basic technique. They learn several Japanese terms, including counting from one to ten. They learn about discipline, respect and determination. After these two weeks, the nervous giggling and the fear have subsided.
The second two weeks: Their karate foundation of basic technique is built upon further. A portion of class time is devoted to learning the "kata", which is a series of karate positions and actions performed in a specific order. A goal has now been set: belt to blue belt.
The final two weeks: A flurry of excitement runs through the group...they will begin to learn movements that require more action, such as kicks and hand thrusts. The Shihan dons pads and protective gear and instructs the children in the proper technique of these moves. You can see that the children are thrilled by this new challenge, and it is clear that they love having the opportunity to scream "Keeee-yahhh!" All the while, the practice of the kata continues.
The Last Day: All the faces of the children are solemn with determination. Today they will perform the kata under the scrutiny of the Shihan to see whether they may progress to the next level of belt. One at a time, they take center stage and give it their all: mind, body and spirit. Their commitment has paid off: all of the twelve children have mastered the kata and receive their blue belt.
This was an incredible accomplishment that occurred inside the classroom. However, the transformation of these children that took place outside the classroom is even more remarkable.
The parents cited several examples of positive behavior changes evident in their children. Previously rebellious and difficult children were more respectful and offered less back-talk. Children who tended to be more withdrawn surprised parents by practicing karate all around the house and even performing moves for visiting relatives and friends. Nearly every single parent reported that their children watched television less, and put up less of a struggle when it came time to do homework. Several parents half-jokingly declared that they would like to have the Shihan come live with them for a while, for he was able to do in just six weeks what they were unable to accomplish in ten years.
The children all reported feelings of surprise {and pride) at what they were able to achieve in such a short period of time. All of them displayed feelings of great respect for the Shihan and it was clear that he had become a positive role model in their lives. And all of them, every single one, indicated that they wanted to continue the program until they receive their black belt. These children now have a positive goal for which to strive.
Clearly, this program far exceeded expectations on all fronts.
