Physical Fitness
Fitness is one of the most common reasons for enrolling a child in a martial arts class. Childhood obesity rates are climbing, with more and more children spending time in front of the TV or playing video games. Even among more active children, martial arts are attractive since they are seen as a good source of exercise, improving cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and overall energy levels.
Life Skills
Another popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop “life skills.” These skills include discipline, self-control, patience, confidence and courage. The idea is to reinforce what is already being taught at home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to reinforce the points parents make at home.
Self-Defense
Parents may also enroll their children in a martial arts class to learn self-defense. The focus of a good class, while teaching self-defense movements, should be on conflict resolution, personal responsibility and avoidance. Attending a martial arts class can benefit both a bully, by teaching respect for others, and the bullied, by teaching how to calm a situation or defend.
Behavior Issues
Some parents turn to the martial arts to teach their children life skills when they are acting out in school or at home. Classes can help a child’s attention span, respect, demeanor and self-control. The structure of many martial arts classes can greatly aid in these areas; however results will vary depending on the relationship between you, the child, and the instructor, and it is important to be clear with the instructor about your goals. Behavior modification requires careful, collaborative partnership. If the instructor has a good method of communicating with the child, is firm but friendly and, most importantly, is very consistent, then the child can really benefit from martial arts training.
Good, Clean Fun
Many parents seek a safe, wholesome activity for their children to occupy some of their free time. These parents want their children to get involved in something that makes them set and follow through on goals. Martial arts training can help in that respect. The relationships built among classmates and with an instructor can last a lifetime and have a positive impact on a child’s life.
