10 Benefits Of Youth Martial Arts Training
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- Attitude
Most parents tend to shun from enrolling their children in martial arts classes considering that almost everything today revolves around violence—from music to video games. However, what most people don’t know is that martial art isn’t brutal and violent as portrayed by movies. There is so much behind the practice that parents should consider getting their kids into. Here is a look at the benefits of martial arts training for your kids.
Foster physical activity
The only way you can get your kids off the couch and make them more active is by limiting screen time. But that doesn’t always work—it only does for a short period. However, when you involve your child in a physically demanding activity like martial arts he/she will be discouraged from living a sedentary lifestyle. He/she will also be inspired to enjoy physical activities.
Nature self-discipline
The main tenet of all the available forms of martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today, getting kids to understand what discipline is all about is not easy. This can be attributed to the fact that they are now accustomed to receiving instant gratification. However, kids with martial arts background are continually reminded why self-discipline is so important.
Develop teamwork skills
Martial arts classes will mostly involve breaking boards, kicking the punching bag and learning new moves. But these activities cannot be done without the help of other team members. Your kid will learn important life lessons and work together with others to achieve a difficult task.
Impact socialization skills
Some kids find it hard to thrive in a high social environment. Such kids prefer getting along with other peers who share a common interest. So the kids on the playground may not always have the same interest. But there is always a common goal with the kids in a martial arts class. So such kids tend to get to know one another as they complete given tasks. There are also partner-driven forms of martial arts like jui jitsu that foster camaraderie. Such force kids to be in pairs and work as a team to build skills.
Encourage peaceful conflict resolution
It is a misconception that martial arts promote violent behavior. This is normally justified by the experience from movies and television shows. But that’s far from the truth. Many of defensive styles will instead teach kids how to be peaceful and implement non-violent conflict resolution skills. Physical altercations are only used as the last resort and for self-defense.
Educate on listening skills
There are intense exercise on listening and observation that will improve your child’s listening skills as he/she is being taught and advance through the belt ranks. The verbal instruction and a one-on-one work in their dojo can help kids who have a problem with paying attention to what they are told.
Boost self esteem
There is no doubt that martial arts boost your kid’s self-esteem. Since a child’s confidence comes with achievement, every new move they master and belt earned boosts the self-esteem. Kids who had self-esteem issues grow up to become more confident once they join these classes.
Set goals and achieve them
Several martial arts revolve around accomplishment of colored belts that signify hard work. When you enroll your child in a martial arts school, he/she will learn valuable lessons about how to set goals and work towards achieving them.
Instill respect
All instructors in any martial arts class will demand unflinching respect from students. The culture today doesn’t really allow a child to show respect for authority, adults or those in advanced positions. However, when in a tae kwon do or karate class, your child will learn lessons about respect as he/she masters new moves.
Make a holistic kid
One reason why most parents take their kids to martial arts classes is to also improve their other areas of life. Martial arts increase fitness levels and foster corporate skills to help your child shine academically and fit in the social setting of school.
And with that said, you now have enough reasons to enroll your child in martial arts classes. This is also the easiest and most fun way to involve your child in a fitness routine. You should also consider involving your entire family in this form of training.
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