The total benefit depends on each child. Brandon has realized more than I can specifically define, but for starters, he has gained a better sense of inner discipline, which is different than self discipline. He experiences a sense of calm every day that he goes to Karate for All; he isn't as loud or susceptible to peer behavior as he is in other social settings. He controls his responses much better for the most part, and doesn't express himself or spin out of control with frustration as he used to just a year ago. Wayne very clearly, gently, but definitively explains to all children that they are to treat each other with courtesy and respect, likewise with their families and the program volunteers. I'd say that Wayne also makes it clear that there are no exceptions in this regard, except that he doesn't have to say that - the children simply "get it."
Brandon has also experienced a level of confidence in himself that he's never had before. He's always known that he's scholastically above most of his school peers, but has never bragged or boasted about it, for fear of being called a "nerd." At Karate for All, there are no nerds, or weird kids, or fat kids, or goofy kids, ugly kids, etc. They're all accepted for who they are, for what they are, and they are all mutually respectful of each other, of Wayne, and the volunteers - always. Again, Wayne's never told them specifically to treat each other this way - what he does teach them simply leads them down this path. So for Brandon, this confidence comes from the true feeling of being accepted and fitting in, just the way he is.
One of the other things we've learned that Brandon has within himself that we never knew until he joined the program is that he has leadership skills and abilities that his peers recognize and respond to - without being told to. So much so that, on his report cards this year in middle school, one of his teachers has identified these skills as well. Who knew? I'll tell you who knew: Wayne Centra!
Brandon has also experienced a level of confidence in himself that he's never had before. He's always known that he's scholastically above most of his school peers, but has never bragged or boasted about it, for fear of being called a "nerd." At Karate for All, there are no nerds, or weird kids, or fat kids, or goofy kids, ugly kids, etc. They're all accepted for who they are, for what they are, and they are all mutually respectful of each other, of Wayne, and the volunteers -
One of the other things we've learned that Brandon has within himself that we never knew until he joined the program is that he has leadership skills and abilities that his peers recognize and respond to -
Continued.........