Since October, 2011, children at East End Primary School have been learning self defence as part of an after school programme designed to develop discipline, character building, self confidence and respect.
Shotokan karate instructor Stacey Boxwell, who has been practicing Shotokan for more than 20 years, said the traditional Japanese martial arts form has been a part of school curriculums around the world for many years. She noted some of the observations she has made in the children during her time teaching.
“I have seen changes in the kids and they are enjoying it,” she said. “There has been a big difference. We get them to learn basic Japanese terminology and we go through a series of kicks, punches, blocks, combinations and forms. It is a way of getting them to use there entire torso in a controlled and disciplined way, which overlaps into other areas of there lives.”
On 20 April, the students had their first grading by Sensei Turnbull, the regional instructor, who visited from Jamaica to conduct the testing.
“Everyone aced the test and an award ceremony was held at the school weekly assembly, where each child was awarded a certificate and belt for passing their test,” said Mrs. Boxwell, who added that Cabinet Minister Mark Scotland and East End Member of the Legislative Assembly Arden McLean were in attendance.
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