Alexander de Araya, Soshi teaching Isabelle & Anna students at Governor Phillip King Public School, self defence.
Alexander de Araya, Soshi teaching Abdula & Nicholas students at Governor Phillip King Public School, self defence.
STUDENTS at Governor Philip King Public School are learning self-defence and anti-bullying strategies through a martial arts program.
About 40 year 5 and 6 students are taking part in the government funded Active Challenge program.
Year 4 teacher Lesley Taylor said martial arts was chosen as a sport because it taught mental cognition and discipline, strengthening mind and body.
"It's really important. Look at the world today, it's essential for these kids to be able to defend themselves," she said.
"One of the girls was so shy when she started and now she's taking on the boys in year 6, so it also teaches confidence."
Another teacher, Noreen Shabaz said there was a mix of boys and girls taking part.
"The awareness of being able to defend yourself is important in both sexes," she said.
"What's really good about this is that the martial arts teacher incorporates both practical and theory in his teaching.
"He will usually have a chat to the students and explain the moves they will learn before showing them what to do and how to use it."
The martial arts teacher, Alexander de Araya, is the chief instructor at the Kenyukan Goju Ryu Karate-Kobudo Academy in Wakeley.
He said the sessions raised awareness about bullying, street safety and stranger danger.
"I talk to the students about the human anatomy, such as teaching them where their pressure points are before demonstrating," he said.
"I then demonstrate some technical moves and teach them basic skills, like how to release from someone who has them in a lock or dangerous position."