from the April, 2010 issue of Kiai!

TW Selected to Teach Daisy
Scouts about Courage

An unusual opportunity for community outreach presented itself recently when Thousand Waves was contacted by a Daisy Troop leader from St. Clements School. She wanted her troop members to earn a “Courage Badge,” and found us through an internet search. We assured her she’d come to the right place. We could definitely teach her girls about courage and inspire them to meet challenges head-on with strong and persevering spirit.

Kyoshi Sarah and Senpai Carmina designed a special introductory Seido karate class that highlighted key values embedded within our karate training. In a small activity room transformed temporarily into a tiny dojo, they introducing the Daisies to the basic movements of karate, and wove in lessons about cultivating a healthy relationship to your body, not giving up when you are learning something and it gets hard, and cooperating with others to achieve a common goal. They challenged the girls to expand their limits of mental focus and physical strength, and showed them how everyone benefits from a learning environment of safety and respect.

“I was pleased that even in a short outreach program of one hour these young girls met the challenges we presented and had a taste of the fun and empowerment karate provides,” said Kyoshi Sarah.

“They meditated, balanced on one leg, punch and kicked, bowed respectfully, struggled to stay in horse stance for 30 seconds, giggled and laughed and had a great time. I hope one day they might come to our Center for ongoing training, but even if they don’t, I am confident these 6 year old Daisy karate-ka now more deeply appreciate their inner beauty, courage and strength.”