How Karate Helps With Communication

Communication may not be one of those Life Skills you’d associate with Karate, but it definitely is. Communicating in Karate is much more than yelling out loud, rather, it helps focus energy, increase power, and synchronize movements, both physically and mentally. Here at KarateBuilt Martial Arts, we work on four levels of Communication: Non-Verbal Communication, Listening Skills, Verbal Communication, and Leadership Skills.

Non-Verbal Communication

In KarateBuilt Martial Arts classes, some of the ways we practice Non-Verbal Communication skills include:

• Bowing
• Shaking Hands
• Standing At Attention
• Sitting Still Like A Black Belt
• Making Eye Contact

These skills can be used by the student in class, at home, at school, and everywhere else to demonstrate respect and discipline.

Listening Skills

Our instructors practice many different types of listening skills with our students. Listening skills are developed by using supportive, advising, and inquiry statements. This helps our students understand others better, so they know what to do in any situation.

Supportive Statements

Supportive statements build trust, validate feelings, and create connection. Two examples would be: “That sounds really frustrating,” and “I can see how that would be difficult.” At KarateBuilt Martial Arts we use supportive statements when we want to show empathy or acknowledge a student’s experience without jumping in to solve it.

Advising Statements

Advising statements offer guidance or solutions, but only after the other person feels heard. Examples would be: “Would you like a suggestion?” and “Here’s something that might help.” We use advising statements when the other person is ready to receive ideas or direction—not while they’re venting or still emotional.

Inquiry Statements

Inquiry statements dig deeper, clarify, and show you’re really listening.Two examples would be: “Can you tell me more about that?” and “What do you need right now?” At KarateBuilt Martial Arts we want to understand the full story—not just the headline version.

Verbal Skills

At KarateBuilt Martial Arts, we don’t just train kicks and punches—we train voices. Why? Because strong verbal skills build confidence, respect, and leadership.

Our students practice:

• Saying “Yes Sir/Ma’am” to show courtesy and discipline

• Using “Please” and “Thank You” to build gratitude and politeness

• Speaking clearly and loudly to develop confidence and presence

This isn’t just “being polite.” It’s real-world communication training. Kids who learn to speak up are more confident in school, handle peer pressure better, and get noticed in the right ways We encourage students to project their voices when answering questions, making eye contact, and using positive, respectful language. It’s all part of developing character they can carry for life.

Leadership Skills

KarateBuilt Martial Arts Instructors are experts in training leaders and building strong communication skills. Along with respect and confident speaking, we teach our students how to handle confrontation with clarity, calm, and control. Like a leader. Instead of reacting with anger or fear, they learn to resolve conflict peacefully—using leadership, empathy, and clear decision-making to turn tense moments into opportunities for growth.

These are just some of the ways KarateBuilt students learn and practice communication—skills that go far beyond the mat. By teaching children to speak with confidence, listen with purpose, and lead with respect, we’re giving them tools they’ll use for a lifetime. Strong communication builds better students, stronger friendships, and future leaders ready to succeed in any area of life.

If you’d like your family to start practicing Communication skills, call us at 888-447-8578 to get 2 FREE weeks of Karate Classes.

Dr. Moody is also a licensed psychotherapist and maintains a practice at Integrated Mental Health Associates (IntegratedMHA.com) where he specializes in couples therapy and men’s issues.