1 Children becoming more active is an obvious benefit. Youth sports and physical education programs are great but not every child is an athlete and can ‘fit in’. Sensei Sarhn’s teaching style with children is one of gentleness and strength. After many years of teaching children from various backgrounds, abilities, and challenges, Sarhn knows exactly what teaching style is needed at every situation, to achieve the best outcome for her students.

2 As a martial artist, your child will learn what it is to be still, self-aware, and focused. Stillness and silence are rare to find in today’s ‘plugged in’ world, hence the importance to learn the stillness of our hearts and the willingness to confront and know ourselves.

3 Increasingly today, every child ‘wins a prize’ and participation awards are given. However, karate teaches how to deal with not winning and how failing can be our greatest gift. Young karate students learn how to lose gracefully, then supported and encouraged so they can succeed next time by training harder – and feeling genuine and well-deserved self-pride for achieving a challenging goal.

4 Every karate student ultimately learns a sense of self respect and true confidence for themselves and respect for others (which comes from a deep sense of self knowledge). Trifu Dojo never allows any form of aggression or fighting skills to be used outside of the Dojo


5 Sensei Sarhn is particularly focused on helping her students to listen to their bodies – to see, feel and listen both internally and externally. To always become aware of their surroundings and their emotions. Children will learn how to tap into their intuition, fear, and courage.

6 Children are taught conflict resolution – how to resolve conflict without physical altercation. Words are never grounds for a fight, instead learning how to respond without reacting violently. Children are also taught compassion and strength – to speak up for those who are in trouble (like not supporting bullies and telling an adult what they have witnessed).

7 Nothing is more essential to success of how we move our bodies than tapping into the life force – our breath. Breathing continuously and correctly is essential in martial arts and this then helps children to know how to relax under pressure and stress in their world.

8 Training regularly will teach children to respect and treat their bodies well. Karate students will often be exposed to healthy eating lessons and start to become familiar with how to care for their bodies.

9 Though we hope our students never find themselves in trouble, the honest truth is that karate teaching will empower children to act with confidence (even when faced with fear) and have the knowledge they need to protect themselves even as small children.

10 A karate class will boost a child’s endorphins. The pride and happiness children feel when they achieve a goal, master a new technique or overcome a fear, is simply a blessing to witness.