I have an idea. It is possible that discipline and respect is a critical need of students in our U.S.A. schools. It seems to me that many of those committing the violence have lost the “group conscience” in their lives: They have made the decision to go “violent solo” and this plan doesn’t jive with life itself.
I have taught school for most of my adult life and I can unequivocally say that personal discipline, achievement and social skills are seriously lacking in many of our precious children (and sometimes myself). I have studied addiction and recovery quite extensively and one of the common threads among drug abusers is the desire to “belong.” Our children need direction. Karate provides that home, that family. Karate fosters personal discipline and respect of authority. I believe that if we expect to be a nation of achievement-oriented individuals working as a finely-tuned machine, karate school might be one of many solutions to enable the youth to gain important personal resources and strategies for life. I suggest karate school because I have seen the effect of the “dojo community” in promoting excellence and fitness in both young and old.
I can think of church, sports, school clubs, band and many other social organizations that provide the “family” that many children need. Let’s begin today and mentor a child (including our own children) toward service projects or some of the social engagements that provide authentic meaning. Begin with prayer.
darrellbarnes.blog 
Enjoyed your perspective on this topic.
LikeLike
I think anyone who is involved with a group activity that requires discipline, is a much better off individual for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
agreed
LikeLike
This made me smile. It sounds like a great idea but the idea of everyone going around trying to karate chop the bad guys away makes me laugh. Great thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking more about the discipline gained in karate….
LikeLike
There are many types of “group families” that the kiddos can belong to. Karate of course, is an excellent choice. It definitely teaches discipline and control. I believe it to be especially beneficial for boys. I work with young children and families and personally I believe boys (some girls too), although more prevalent with boys have lots more energy to burn. (Possibly shorter attention span)Physical groups are a good choice for this reason. I think Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are also good groups to belong to as well. Church youth groups are a superb choice. I think much of the problem today with young people needing to belong can be linked back to parenting skills. No one is a perfect parent but if parents can learn more about parenting it can make a huge difference. It is very important to know the development stages of children. There is a certain age in development when a person will isolate or learn intimacy (how to connect with others) Between ages 12-17 a critical point of a young person’s identity is forming. Many of the ones that resort to violence have had a break down somewhere in their development. Refer to Erik Erickson’s 8 stages of life and life crises.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Your response is actually better than my post! Good job!
LikeLike