The role of karate in preparing boys for school education

Abstract

Karate classes can positively affect the health of children and develop body and soul harmoniously. The purpose of the work is to examine the influence of physical education classes with a priority in application of oriental martial arts on the physical and psychophysical preparedness of preschool boys (n=71). Assessment of physical and psycho-physical preparedness for children was performed with the set of tests (standing long jump, throws of the ball against the wall and catching it, flexion and extension of arms lying on the floor, jumping with a rope to fatigue, raising of the body from the initial supine position, squats, writing the letter “O”, claps, pronouncing of digits, keeping the “Flamingo” pose). The children from the experimental group (n=33) were trained by the program with the priority in application of karate. Children from control group had Physical Education classes according Ukrainian State program for preschooler children “Sure Start”. The physical state and the level of psycho-physical fitness were rated as average. The implementation of the physical education program with the priority in application of karate has proven its higher efficacy compared to the traditional one. The program contributed significantly to raising the level of physical and mental fitness, overall assessment increased from 3.0 to 4.8 points in the experimental group. Better discipline, greater attention, higher mental capacity and less fatigue of children who attended the author’s program confirm that the classes with the priority of karate application can promote the full readiness of children for school.