Benefits of Martial Arts for Children
Children of all ages can benefit from embarking on a martial arts training programme, and if you come across a parent who thinks martial arts is too violent or dangerous for children, then re-educate them with these facts.
Fighting Fit
Fighting Fit
It’s a well-known fact that childhood obesity is a serious problem, with children aged 11-15 years old, being at a greater risk, due to low activity levels and poor diet. Kids today spend too much time sat down staring at a variety of tech devices and phones or playing on their consoles and computers. Learning martial arts is a brilliant way to boost children’s activity levels and increase their general fitness. Training in a group, surrounded by both children and adults, is a completely different atmosphere than doing PE at school and can be a good way of encouraging reluctant children, who dislike PE, to be active.
Teamwork
Teamwork
Many martial arts require that you work with a partner during training. Learning how to work as part of a team is an important life skill, which will transfer into children’s home and school life. Children will quickly learn to take adult instruction and still have fun practising their techniques together, while acting sensibly and staying safe.
Social Skills
Social Skills
Even the shyest child will find themselves learning positive social skills, as they train with and get to know their fellow students. Learning techniques requires cooperation and discussion, and children often forget their anxieties because they are so involved with trying to learn or perfect a new move. Clubs often have outings, parties and tournaments, which all provides ample opportunity for socialising and making new friends.
Avoid Confrontation
Avoid Confrontation
Learning a martial art teaches children how to diffuse a potential fight situation and they are always taught to only use their newfound skills inside a dojo with trained instructors. The only exception to this rule, is if they are in a situation where they feel they have no other choice but to defend themselves. Children quickly learn that martial arts is completely different to fighting in real life and that staying out of trouble is always better than physical violence.
Learn Respect
Learn Respect
A good martial arts instructor will be able to control the class and command respect through their words and actions. This has a big impact on children, as they learn to respect authority and look up to the adult members in the group. Having a positive adult role-model to learn from, can make children more mindful and respectful to other authority figures like teachers, parents and other adults.
Build Confidence
Build Confidence
Many children suffer from anxiety, depression, bullying or a general lack of confidence. Exercise is the perfect way to lift mood, increase confidence levels and boost self-esteem. Being part of a team in a controlled and safe environment can help children feel valued, and as they master techniques and go through their grades, they will start to find that all important belief in themselves.
Gain Discipline
Gain Discipline
Great emphasis is placed on discipline and self-control when learning martial arts. This can be very beneficial for children who may struggle to control their anger and be a way of positively channelling their frustrations. Teaching children to be disciplined and mindful of their actions, can have a dramatic impact on their everyday lives. Developing a better attitude and practising self-restraint is yet another benefit of attending a martial arts class.
Hard Work and Dedication
Hard Work and Dedication
When children commit to regularly attending physically demanding classes every week, they learn the value of hard work and dedication. Passing gradings and gaining badges, stickers and certificates, teaches them that there are no limits to what they can do: if they commit to it. This builds character and helps them grow into adults you can be proud of.