Some parents are amused by it, and others just think it’s silly. Still, others are just curious why - and we often get asked: “Why do your teachers take the games you play in the classroom so seriously?

Chances are, you’ve seen your child play one of our favorite games, in which her goal is to remain standing perfectly still… as one of the teachers creates all of the distractions they can think of. You’ve probably felt yourself pulling for your child, hoping she could remain still.

Deep inside, everyone has a place that is unmovable, determined, and focused. Some people call it the “do what it takes,” or the “go the distance” attitude. It’s often referred to as discipline or commitment - but we consider it the root of both.

Fortunately, most children have not had the kinds of experiences that would force them to dig that deep… Yet!

Some kids find it when dealing with a tough coach in high school football, or when dealing with an injury (either physical or emotional). Some unfortunate kids never find that place.

But what if there was a way that would help kids find that rock solid place that was safe and fun? What if there was a way of finding it that children looked forward to, and were motivated to chart their progress? A way that was completely painless, yet was so effective it must be “magical?”

We call this “magical” way the “Attention Stance Game.” It’s not a hard game for kids to learn - as they try their hardest to stand at attention, perfectly still, the teachers use any means of distraction (except tickling or touching), some of which are quite silly, to try to get the kids to move. If a child loses concentration, they are asked to sit off to the side, or do a few exercises. The teacher’s goal is make all of the kids laugh - and the child’s goal is to be the last one standing.

If you watch, you’ll notice that the beginning students are usually the first ones to break concentration. But as they continue through the belt ranks, students learn how to reach that place of deep inner strength, and are able to remain at attention longer. By the time a student reaches red belt or so, the teachers almost never win!

That is the best part of the “Attention Stance Game” — when the kids win, and the teachers “lose” — the kids and the teachers both win. Obviously, the kids have one the game. But the teachers have won the battle of leading students to that deep, inner place where they find commitment and discipline.

And the process is FUN, for both the kids and the teachers!

We all love “Win-Win” situations - especially when it means that our students are learning such valuable lessons. The lessons learned in the “Attention Stance Game” are right at the core of positive character development.

We love using games in the classroom because they are so powerful when it comes to character development. That’s why you’ll notice that a large part of our classes are dedicated to playing games.

All of our games, in fact, have an underlying lesson. As you watch your child’s karate class, are you able to figure out what the lesson is behind the game?