definitely be a dangerous mix.

But for those qualified to teach the techniques of self-defence, nothing could be further from the truth.

Hundreds of youngsters around Bermuda are learning the principles, philosophies and techniques of the martial arts, but the fight skills that go with it are never abused, the instructors point out.

"In the first place none of my students will be out there fighting, I've made sure of that from the get-go,'' assured veteran karate instructor `Skipper' Ingham who runs the Bermuda Karate Institute with his wife Kristina.

Sensei Ingham established his school in 1970 soon after returning to Bermuda after several years living in the United States where he honed his self-defence skills.

Mr. Ingham is Bermuda's most senior martial artist and the trophies, plaques and certificates that decorate the walls at his dojo on King Street are testament to the high standing he has worldwide.

"The martial arts is the best discipline tool on this earth,'' he firmly believes.

"It shows you the way of life, to respect others, but firstly respect yourself so you are able to respect others. That's the most important part of martial arts.

"The reason we learn to fight is so that we don't have to fight. We become diplomats in the art of negotiation, to avoid violence. But by the same token a person has the right to defend themselves, that's another aspect of the martial arts.

"Thirdly, it's the health aspect, health meaning more than physical activity.

It also means developing character so that you can understand and respect the rest of the people on this planet.'' The martial arts were never intended to be abused and anyone going into a dojo with that motive quickly finds out about martial arts etiquette.

Has Mr. Ingham ever turned somebody away? "Sometimes yes, because they are looking to karate or the martial arts for the wrong reason, they have an agenda,'' he stated.

"That's not what I'm trying to do -- I'm trying to develop this art and keep it going forth. All schools are not alike, some schools don't teach discipline or character building, they are just in it to teach people how to fight in the street and that's opposite to my philosophy.'' Mr. Ingham is proud of the young students he has taught, including his own children Zenji and Shomeiko, as he has seen how the arts have helped their development.

"I have Shawn Dill, who's going away to college in Canada and he started out with me when he was six years old,'' said Sensei Ingham whose Skippy Peanut Butter tournament for youngsters is in its 13th year.

"He's a kid doing great for himself. A young lady who started out with me at the age of eight and she's a champion of the world is Talia Iris. These people never got themselves in trouble. Never.'' Added Mr. Ingham: "I've had as much as 60 kids but right now it's down low because of the summer holidays. Karate is not for everybody, some people think they can get it in one day but when they see all the hard work and discipline involved in getting the skills some back out.'' "Young people need discipline. I've seen what it can do for kids. All the children who go through the martial arts always wind up on top, they don't go to prison.

"I teach them that if they want to do something then make up your mind what it is and set your sights for it. If that's your goal then nobody can stop you. It's up to you.

"Talia was just an average kid, who knew what she wanted, she stuck it out and is a world champion three times, in fighting, kata and weapons.'' Collins Smith has a school, Bermuda Aikikai, on Ord Road where he teaches aikido, catering to about 50 students aged five to 13. There are three levels, for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

"After class sometimes we just sit and talk, talk about other kids around the world,'' says Sensei Smith of the bond he has formed with his students. "The feedback is so amazing.'' This style of martial arts involves subduing an opponent, though the student also has the skill to hurt an opponent.

"Aikido involves more body control, arm locks, levers and throws,'' explained the instructor.

"I get various attitudes that come in the door, but in a very short time they get the message. I'm strict but they love me.

"When they first come in they learn how to move and footwork. The next level is a bit of technique and the advanced class is all technique. Our motto is `Observation, application'.'' Mr. Smith started training in karate at age 18 and is now passing on what he has learned to willing students.

"It's really incredible when you teach the young kids martial arts and they stick with it,'' he says, adding he doesn't condone abuse of the arts.

"They have enough information to know what's going on, there's no excuse.

"Parents from all walks of life bring their kids here. The parents are behind them and you can tell the difference when the parents are supportive. A lot of parents do stay there and watch. I have had parents join the adult classes.'' Anthony Lee Tucker has about 73 students at his two dojos in St. George's and Smith's. He has also taught his four daughters the skills of self-defence.

"We teach them, one, not to fight and to be self-confident,'' said Sensei Tucker who operates the Traditional Okinawan School of Karate-Do.

"We tell them that what they are learning will be of benefit to them, not to go out there and be the school bully or the neighbourhood bully.

"I tell them that whatever task they come up against they can do it, never say `I can't' and that everything they do in life is important, both to themselves and to others.

"I try to instil those values in them...even to the adults who don't have that self-confidence. But you have to be more tactful with adults.

"What you tell them, you have to put that same principle to yourself. One parent who enrolled her grandson in the class said it's really matured him.

When he was younger he wanted to fight everybody.

"Most parents are getting involved and enjoying themselves, too.'' Sifu Delroi Flood of the Bermuda Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy teaches about 15 youngsters between eight and 12 at St. Augustine's Church Hall. He sees the benefits of discipline on his young students.

"Shaydrina Hassell is one of my top young students and she also excels in her schoolwork and in dancing,'' said the proud instructor of his 11-year-old student who has a level six ranking for children and is at level one amongst the adults.

"We don't have belt rankings like in karate, we have level rankings, but she has done so well I gave her an adult grade,'' the instructor points out. "It shows them about achievement, how they can set goals and can achieve those goals. Discipline is a big part of martial arts training.''