Everyone’s Child Wants to be a Superhero … One RBS Karate Instructor Can Help Make It Happen

Everyone’s Child Wants to be a Superhero … One RBS Karate Instructor Can Help Make It Happen

By Maayan Hoffman

Everyone wants x-ray vision or to be the invulnerable hero. Everyone wants to be a superhero.

According to Ramat Beit Shemesh resident Bobby Rosenberg, everybody can be a superhero – it’s all in how you define the term.

“It’s not all about who has the bigger muscles,” says the third-degree black belt and Shotokan karate instructor.

Bobby says in his more than 30 years of experience teaching martial arts to over 500 students, he has seen how karate cannot only turn muscle strength into a functional weapon, but how it can reduce violence through teaching the power of discipline.

“The messages of karate are that by not fighting, through non-violent communication, disputes can be resolved and our personal lives improved,” says Rosenberg. “Children who participate in martial arts build strength of character, develop increased self-esteem and confidence, improve focus and discipline, and boost their levels of respect and trust.”

For years, Bobby instilled such values in the youth of Beit Shemesh and Ramat Beit Shemesh, through his Hatovim le Derech Eretz program, which was endorsed by therapists, physicians and local rabbis.  Bobby moved away for a few years to pursue other endeavors. Today, he is back in RBS and launching a new Torah-based martial arts program, combining the values of an observant Jewish lifestyle with the benefits of karate. The difference today is that rather than offering group classes where kids receive less attention and some children can get lost in the mix of kicks, punches and turns, Bobby now teaches one-on-one classes, personalized to each child’s speed of strength and comprehension.

Individualized martial arts training is of specific value to kids-at-risk, and to those challenged by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other learning difficulties. Bobby has a gift for helping these youth channel their inner qualities for success.

Because martial arts is an individualized sport, students score themselves against themselves. Bobby can help students identify at least one personal strength on which to focus. The relationship between the teacher and student is also key, especially when dealing with troubled youth.

Recent research, published widely in medical and educational journals points to the benefits of martial arts for children with learning and attention issues. These include a focus on individual growth; concrete, attainable goals; an emphasis on self-control and concentration; improved coordination; structure and clear expectations for behavior; and a safe outlet for excess energy.

Classes are focused on mind over matter. When classes begin, students sit down and visualize their inner strength. They close their eyes, concentrate and breathe. Only then do they begin their workout.

“In this generation, every child feels inferior at something,” says Bobby. “Students learn the most important muscle to develop is the mind – willpower – and that then they can succeed.”

He continued, “I want everyone, regardless of their challenges, to be empowered. I teach my students there is no such thing as giving up.”

To schedule a lesson and more information, please contact Bobby Rosenberg at 050-366-3565 or bobbyrosenberg@gmail.com.