My Life: Karate Kids

My Life: Karate Kids
Directed by John Walsh
Narrated by David Tennant
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
Production
Executive producer(s) Roger James
Producer(s) John Walsh
Running time 30 min.
Production company(s) Walsh Bros Ltd.
Distributor BBC
Release
Original release March 13, 2010

My Life: Karate Kids is a British documentary for the BBC [1] by John Walsh of Walsh Bros Ltd. and was narrated by Doctor Who actor David Tennant.[2] The film follows the friendship of two disabled children as they embark [Sanjuro (Martial Arts)] and change their lives forever. Karate Kids is a unique glimpse into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and misunderstood by many. This film challenges the perceptions around childhood disability.[3][4]

Sanjuro Martial Arts [5] has its roots in traditional martial arts and a contemporary approach to teaching practical techniques that fit around the student’s abilities. Developed by Glenn Delikan Sanjuro strives to make martial arts available to all ages and abilities. Sanjuro offers a rare glimpse of physical independence to kids who are otherwise totally reliant on carers. By charting the progress of the children over several months, Karate Kids reveals the friendship, bullying, confidence and self-worth of children in a north London school.

Buoyed by physical breakthroughs kick-started in [Sanjuro (Martial Arts)|Sanjuro] class, Tim Choi benefits even more than most. Tim has never been able to move or communicate unaided, and relies on mum and best friend Francis to communicate his thoughts to the outside world. Karate Kids follows him through a very busy few months. Tim receives a national award from disability charity Cerebra, then runs for Class President, and then has his life transformed as laser technology offers him a voice of his own and some glimmer of independence. Karate Kids offers a look into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and badly misunderstood by children and challenges the perceptions around childhood disability.

Reception

The 'My Life' series of film was created by the BBC as a direct result of the success of Sofa Surfers made by John Walsh in 2009.[6] The BBC regarded it as an attempt to make serious films for young people.[7] The Radio Times commended it as inspirational.[8] The Tipperary Star called the film "a unique glimpse into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and misunderstood by many" [9][10]

Filmography / Awards

The BAFTA [11] nominated film My Life: Karate Kids [12] for the first time tackled issues of bullying among disabled children.

References

  1. ↑ "My Life". RadioTimes.
  2. ↑ "My Life: Karate Kids". David Tennant News.
  3. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rl860/credits
  4. ↑ http://www.tvguide.co.uk/titlesearch.asp?title=My+Life%3A+Karate+Kids+()
  5. ↑ http://www.sanjuromartialarts.com/KarateKidsiPlayer
  6. ↑ "CBBC unveils new programme line-up". licensing.biz.
  7. ↑ http://xblock.site50.net/blogs/tv/2010/03/serious-documentary-for-children-on-cbbc.shtml
  8. ↑ http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/dwyn/my-life--series-4---1-my-life-the-big-climb
  9. ↑ http://www.tipperarystar.ie/news/local-news/thurles-director-spearheads-bbc-documentary-1-2275894
  10. ↑ http://lfs.org.uk/content/john-walsh-nominated-bafta-childrens-award-documentary-my-life-karate-kids
  11. ↑ http://awards.bafta.org/award/2010/childrens/factual
  12. ↑ "My Life". RadioTimes.
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