Many young boys in South Africa are often recommended to take part in karate as a means of “anger management”, as well as to boost self-confidence, muscle tone, co-ordination and for various other purposes. As a karate instructor, the researcher has seen how karateka (people who take part in karate) have grown and developed whilst doing karate and has wondered how karate may have contributed to this. The researcher has also, over the last few years realised an increase in the number of girls partaking in karate and also growing through this experience. Various researchers have undertaken to try and ascertain the influence of karate on children with varying results. Adler (2003), Reynes and Lorant (2002 & 2004) conducted studies focusing on the ability of martial arts to reduce aggressive tendencies, primarily in young boys. However, little has been documented about the experiences of young girls who take part in karate. By focusing on young girls, the researcher hopes to, not only clarify karate’s influences, but also its role in a girl’s life. This research was conducted in a qualitative research paradigm. Three girls and a karate instructor were interviewed and the researcher wrote a reflective journal. From this research the child’s experiences, as well as specific guidelines, were made available for professions working with children such as teachers, occupational therapists and educational psychologists. As an educational psychologist, it will become clearer as to the contribution karate plays in the growth and development experienced by karateka and the use of karate as a referral for various needs. / Mrs. J.V. Fourie

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-52). / v, 52 leaves, bound 29 cm

Constant exposure to community violence has very detrimental and pervasive effects on children. These effects range from behavioural, cognitive and neuro-developmental problems to a variety of psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Karate programs can be used in violent communities to help children circumvent these detrimental effects of exposure to violence. This study adopted a qualitative research approach and the epistemological framework used was social constructivism. Group interviews were conducted with the research participants. The case study method was chosen, and thematic analysis was used as the method of analysis of the children’s stories. These stories were reconstructed in terms of themes. The themes that emerged included: anxiety, fear, discipline, respect for self, others and authority. After exposure to a traditional karate program for a period of time, the participants’ attitudes towards violence changed. They believed that violence was a last resort and that there were better ways to deal with conflict. They began developing more self-discipline, not just in the dojo but in other areas of their lives as well. The participants learnt to respect others, as well as themselves and their instructors, teachers, parents and friends. They also felt less afraid to be in their community and developed more self-confidence. Karate programmes can be used in violent communities to help prevent the negative outcomes in children associated with exposure to violence. These programmes can be used in conjunction with other developmental programmes to help improve the outcomes of these children. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)