Martial arts to become mandatory for Classes IV and V under primary school sports curriculum

Highlights:

• Govt plans nationwide expansion of karate training
• State minister promises support for implementation
• Black belts awarded at Kyokushin Karate ceremony

The government has decided to introduce martial arts into the compulsory physical education curriculum for students in Classes IV and V at primary schools, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced today (31 July).

The initiative aims to promote children’s physical and mental development while fostering self-confidence, discipline and self-control, he said.

Hajjaj made the announcement while addressing the Bangladesh Kyokushin Karate Association’s Black Belt Award Ceremony 2026 as the chief guest at Rangs Bhaban in the capital’s Bijoy Sarani.

He said martial arts are not only a means of self-defence but also an effective way to instil discipline, confidence, patience and a positive mindset among students.

“Through martial arts, students can learn to avoid violence and conflict and play a constructive role in society,” he said.

The state minister stressed the need to expand sports and martial arts programmes to help develop a healthy, confident and patriotic younger generation.

He urged karate organisations to prepare practical plans to extend training programmes to primary schools across the country and assured government support for implementing the initiative.

Recalling his own experience of beginning karate training in 1991, Hajjaj said watching the performances of the participants brought back memories of his early days in the sport.

He later presented certificates and black belts to successful karate practitioners and congratulated them on their achievements.