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Karate KidsKarate Kids
How Karate Has Helped My Twins By Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
Last September after receiving my first-degree black belt, I enrolled my 5-year-old fraternal twin boys in karate classes at Eclectic Karate in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Prior to enrolling them in karate, they were receiving physical and occupational therapy for gross motor delays, sensory integration dysfunction and motor planning issues. At the time, they were attending therapy twice a week, which meant a lot of running around on my part. I knew that I would eventually start them in karate, but at that time therapy was the priority to ensure that they would have age-appropriate motor skills. As an adult student, I knew how karate had helped to build my mind, body and spirit, but I didn't realize how valuable it would be for my twins. When my twins had completed therapy, I realized that karate was more motivating and equally as beneficial as therapy and helped them to develop important life-skills.
Each of my boys has different abilities that are recognized and encouraged in karate. My boys are physically opposite. One is very limber and flexible, but has limited upper body strength. The other twin is not very flexible, but is strong. In karate, they each shine in their own ability level. Flexibility allows for good stances and kicks while strength helps with punches and form. I often hear them sharing their expertise, "Hold your leg up like this and kick."
