Want to know about Kids Martial Arts Benefits? Without question, childhood is the best time to begin the journey on the path of self-respect, respect for others, for healthy authority figures as well as physical and emotional balance, that is found within traditional martial arts training.
When we are young, our minds are eager to grasp new ideas and we quickly absorb new techniques. Our bodies have less tension and we have certainly had less opportunities for the nagging injuries that can impede our physical mastery of some movements.
To learn more about Kids Martial Arts Benefits, study Kempo-Karate or other traditional forms of martial arts offers children the chance to develop both physically and emotionally — giving them an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Participating in martial arts classes offers children enormous advantages in life, whether academic, social or otherwise. The main benefit of the lessons they learn from training includes, but are not limited to following…
1. Martial Arts Is Self-Defense
Developing the reflexes to stand up to a physical threat to their safety is important for children. Learning such techniques is an important skill, developed by learning martial arts. When children are confronted by bullies, the techniques they learn in class, and ingrain in their muscle-memory, gives them the ability to respond, defend themselves without thinking.
2. Martial Arts Builds Confidence
Defensive encounters take skill, but beyond learning those skills, having the psychological confidence to stand up to trouble is invaluable. This is especially true for those who are at a malleable age, with brains that are still developing and forming neural pathways. In martial arts classes, instructors provide continual encouragement and feedback. This builds the self-confidence of students as well as developing proper technique, and “programming” of muscle memory.
In martial arts programs, children quickly learn that an opponent’s physical size matters less than mental clarity, confidence and assertiveness, in combination with proper technique. The confidence levels of small children soar when they discover in their martial arts classes that solid technique can overcome an adversary who is much larger or stronger.
3. Martial Arts Hones Youth Leadership Skills
In traditional martial arts classes, we often see a ranking system, where higher belts are symbolic indicators of improved skill. As children progress, they earn higher belt rankings. They then act as leaders for lower-level students, often assisting their teacher with coaching and offering support in the class. Self-leadership is a concurrent side benefit of this benefit. Such leadership traits depend on both self-respect and respect for others. Both of these essential forms of respect are developed through regular training. As class participants bow to their teachers, wait for instructor commands, and thank their teacher for correction, respect for merited authority is instilled.
4. Martial Arts Develops Character
In order for children to advance to the next ranks, they must demonstrate and prove their skill level. Strengthening their competence takes perseverance and persistence. Wearing upper level belts requires a demonstration of correct technique, which can only be achieved through consistent effort and dedication to the individual discipline studied.
Children in martial arts learn to set individual goals to work toward. They become set on earning higher and higher belt rankings, culminating with the black belt, and subsequent degrees. Students learn to prioritize activities to reach their intended goals, perhaps even surpassing them. Thus, resilience is developed when children study the martial arts. Children who are confronted by bullies summon their learned resilience, mental discipline and coping mechanisms to neutralize the threat. This resilience transfers over to academic performance and social and emotional effectiveness.
5. Martial Arts Encourages Self-Discipline
In the martial arts, constant repetition of various moves is performed in order to achieve perfection in skill. Children learn that the only way to progress is to use correct technique. They further learn that feats such as these are only achievable through self-disciplined and persistent, regular practice.
Unlike seasonal school sports, martial arts classes are available throughout the year. Thus, children have the chance to hone their skills through self-disciplined training all year long, and build a lifelong practice. With the consistency of martial lessons, children who learn to become increasingly disciplined perfect their technique at a faster rate.
This type of physical and mental challenge is a lifestyle – one that requires the full commitment of mind and body. As a result, the self-discipline developed in martial arts classes extends into other areas of the child’s life.
6. Martial Arts Promotes Healthy Body and Weight
Regular physical activity of any form helps children develop and maintain a healthy body weight. Martial arts has been proven to be effective in creating and sustaining physical health in practitioners. One-hour long martial arts classes even three times per week are sufficient to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations for physical activity.
Children who embrace the martial arts learn to enrich their bodies with healthy foods and nutrients as well as the right amounts of physical activity. As these martial arts students grow into adulthood, their childhood martial arts lessons will have piqued their interest in maintaining a strong and fit lifestyle.
7. Martial Arts Programs Offers Multiple Choices To Keep Children Intrigued and Motivated
Martial arts come in many forms, each with their own appeal. Given the numerous types of martial arts, kids have seemingly endless choices when it comes to learning. In general, karate is an overall term for Japanese-style martial arts; and similarly, Kung Fu is an umbrella term for Chinese-style martial arts.
Here at TAMA, we have an array of disciplines, emanating from Japan, China, Philippines, Thailand and more. A child may enjoy learning about joint locks, punches, and kicks. Jiu Jitsu will have them focus on throwing and locking their opponents. If maneuverability and agility with artistic weaponry is an interest, children can learn weapons as they advance on Kempo-Karate or Kung Fu disciplines. All of these facets of training are found in our youth Kempo and Kung Fu classes. This diversity of approaches has been proven to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder alike.
Contact Us
Is your child interested in studying martial arts at TAMA? Are you interested in seeing Kids Martial Arts Benefits firsthand? We invite you both to observe a class or two for free! Give us a call at 937-254-7035 to find out when the best time to come in and try out a class would be! Also, don’t forget to add us on Facebook and follow on Instagram!