Between school and homework, kids spend the majority of their day sitting. That’s why extracurricular activities that allow them to let out their energy are so important. Martial arts provides this essential exercise and more. These are the ten major benefits of martial arts that can help children in daily life and school.
1. Improved Concentration
Some activities allow children to simply show up and go through the motions. In our martial arts classes, this isn’t the case. One of the biggest benefits of martial arts for kids is improved concentration.
Active listening is the first lesson we teach to each and every student that steps on the mats it is a vital skill that helps kids in learning new moves and sequences.
2. Basic Self-Defense
Peaceful conflict resolution is a pillar of martial arts. However, there are instances when self-defense may be necessary.
While we hope our children will never be in a situation that requires physical self-defense, it can be a lifesaving skill. In a frightening scenario, basic self-defense can give your child the confidence to stand up for and protect themselves.
Children will also learn about stranger awareness in a way that is appropriate for their specific age range.
3. Discipline
Structure is an vital component of every martial arts class. You’ll recognize that every session has a predictable structure and routine. Instructors constantly re-enforce rules and emphasize the value of respect.
Over time, your child will learn these routines and learn to be accountable for their own actions, and their results too.
4. Coordination
One of the major physical benefits of martial arts is learning how to use your body and react quickly.
Through punching, kicking, blocks, jumping, and more your child will develop the coordination to excel in any physical activity. Many of the skills we teach also require fast changes in direction, which improves reactions skills and the kicking helps them find and improve their balance.
5. Reduced ADHD Symptoms
Some parents of children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) report a noticeable improvement in their behavior after enrolling in martial arts classes.
Many of the basic tasks in these types of classes involve specific targets, which means a child must focus their technique in one place. Whether it’s a kicking shield or punching bag, they will learn to “zone in” on the task at hand. This helps sharpen the skills that can be challenging for children with ADHD.
6. Healthier Life Skills
Physical fitness is essential for proper growth and development. In addition to eating healthy the kids to learn the value of being active.
One of the best benefits’*,kl is the ability to get exercise while having fun. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 125-pound person can burn 300 calories in just 30 minutes while practicing martial arts.
7. Memorization
Young children studying martial arts are taught to memorize important personal details. This may include their address, phone number, and a parent’s cell phone number. In an emergency, this information is crucial, but it’s the concept of memorization that serves them for years to come.
As your child works through the various levels of martial arts study, they’ll also need to memorize specific blocks, strikes and poses. Thru repititions and memorizations of the patterns kids can improve the way they approach memorization and retention when it comes to schoolwork.
8. Teamwork
While the practice of martial arts is highly individual, there are exercises and activities that call for teamwork too.
This is one of the many social benefits of martial arts. Partnering with classmates to practice various kicks or punches provides an opportunity to develop and improve kids ability to work with others.
9. Respect
All martial arts training begins and ends in respect. It is one of the core values you’ll see in any class, regardless of the type of martial arts. From day one, children are taught and encouraged to demonstrate respect to the instructor, as well as their classmates, parents and teachers.
This concept is taught by requiring eye contact, and the trademark martial arts bow. By stressing the importance of respect within the dojo, your child will in time come to demonstrated the same behaviors in all aspects. As we say a black belt isn’t something you simply earn, its something you become.
10. Increased Confidence And Self-Esteem
The study of martial arts focuses highly on self-improvement. Unlike team sports, the only person to compete against is yourself. All students are graded based on where they were in terms of skill last class, last week or last month.
While some kids may struggle with the win/loss nature of team sports and the idea of letting others down, martial arts boosts their self confidence through slow and steady personal growth.
As students continue to grow and achieve proficiency, and earn new ranks, stipes and other award they begin to feel proud of their accomplishments and discover the joy of self improvement.
If you think your child would benefit from some or all the benefits we talked about, come in for a trial and see why so many families like yours are raving their kids martial arts training!
