4 Reasons Why Martial Arts Benefits Children

By Leigh Metopher


While participating in a sport promotes teamwork and discipline, some children simply aren't interested in playing soccer, baseball or another team sport. For these children, karate or martial arts classes can greatly enhance their life, including these four important benefits.

1. Confidence Is Key

Let's face it, not every child has a ton of athletic ability and some children are more physically weak than others and others have a difficult time interacting with classmates. These are sometimes the children that are picked on by their peers and this can damage their self-esteem. Martial arts training is ideal for these children because virtually anyone can be successful as long as they work hard, and it doesn't matter if you are of smaller stature. After all, Bruce Lee was less than 5'8", and he was more than capable of self-defense. As you earn belts and learn more skills, you gain confidence and not just during karate class. This sense of accomplishment will reach into all other areas of your child's life.

2. Self-Discipline And Focus Are Important

It's often hard for children to focus on tedious tasks such as homework and household chores, but because children enjoy karate, they tend to really apply themselves and work hard. The instructors not only demand attention during class, they stress the importance of carrying this focus and discipline through into other areas of life. Martial arts is truly a way of life, and the lessons taught during a karate class are not just meant to stay in the dojo, but meant to permeate all parts of one's life.

3. Respect Yourself & Others

If you have ever watched a karate class or marital arts class, you probably noticed that the students are quite respectful of their instructors. Your child's teacher will expect that each child show him respect. But it doesn't just end during class. It also is expected that children will be respectful to teachers, parents and other adults, as well as their classmates and siblings. In addition, one should have a sense of self-respect, while still remaining humble. All of this is part of the teachings of martial arts.

4. Self-Defense Is An Essential Component

Fighting and violence is not the focus of martial arts. Karate and other martial arts are forms of self-defense, and every person should be able to fend off an attacker. While you certainly learn how to kick, punch or get away from someone, you also learn to be aware of what is going on around you. Learning to see what is happening in any situation means that a person is better able to avoid conflict or problems in the first place. In addition, because they are confident in their ability to defend themselves, they usually become far less of a target to bullies. However, if a problem should arise, at least they will have the skills to protect themselves.

Carlsbad karate training, Encinitas karate training and San Marcos karate training all are available at Team MAI. Training can begin as early as age four, but children or teens can begin training at any age. It's never too late to start learning karate, and at Team MAI, students will learn skills, earn belts and have a great time. The instructors focus on instilling confidence in students, as well as improving self-discipline and respect.




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1 comment:

  1. My child has been suffering with poor self confidence. We want to help build his self esteem but aren't sure what the best methods would be. I've heard great things about martial arts schools. Maybe we will enroll him in one of those and see how he likes it.
    http://www.master-sh-yu.com

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