Government to Make Martial Arts Mandatory in Primary Schools

The government has decided to incorporate martial arts into compulsory physical education for fourth and fifth-grade students in primary schools to foster physical and mental development, self-confidence, discipline, and self-control among children, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced.

The state minister made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at a black belt presentation ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Kyokushin Karate Association at the Rangs Building in Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka, on Friday (July 31).

Bobby Hajjaj stated that martial arts is not merely a technique for self-defense, but a vital tool for instilling discipline, confidence, patience, and a positive mindset in students. He noted that when students build self-trust, they learn to avoid violence and conflict, enabling them to play a constructive role in society.

Emphasizing that sports and martial arts are essential for raising a healthy, confident, and patriotic younger generation, the state minister called upon karate organizations to formulate a realistic plan to expand training programs to primary schools nationwide. He assured that the government would extend all necessary cooperation to realize the initiative.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Bobby Hajjaj shared that he began practicing Kyokushin Karate in 1991. He recalled that memories of rigorous training, camaraderie with peers, and breaking demonstrations from three decades ago continue to inspire him today.

The state minister concluded by emphasizing that martial arts will play a crucial role in shaping a healthy, skilled, and humane future generation by developing leadership and self-defense capabilities among students. At the end of the ceremony, he handed over certificates and black belts to the achieving karatekas and extended his best wishes for their future success.