7 Reasons To Enroll Your Child InMartial Arts Classes Right Now

Clement Nikachi

Children can benefit from all kinds ofextracurricular activities, from team

sports to music lessons. But oneactivity that many parents overlook is

martial arts training.

While a number of movies give theimpression that martial arts are filled

with violence and injuries, martialarts training is actually a great way to

make your child more well-rounded

Here are a few reasons to enroll yourchild in a martial arts program:

It boostssocialization skills

If your child does not thrive in highlysocial environments, he or she mayhave more luck making friends in a

martial arts program. It can be easierfor children to bond in a room withpeers who share a common interest

than in a school setting wherechildren don’t have common ground.

Camaraderie can be developedthrough partner-driven forms such as

jiu jitsu, in which kids pair off andbuild skills together.

It builds self-esteem

Each time your child learns a newmove or earns a new belt, his or her

confidence will grow with thatachievement. Martial arts classes are a

great way for children to build uptheir self-esteem.

It fostersself-discipline

At the core of all martial arts is thefocus on self discipline. Many kids in

today’s society are used to gettinginstant gratification through

technology.

Lessons of discipline and restraint forchildren are rare, and martial arts

classes are one of the few places youcan find them. If your child has a

martial arts background, he or shewill remember the importance of self-

discipline.

It’s a good way tostay active

Many parents limit screen time to tryand get their kids to be active. While

this is a helpful idea, it only does somuch.

If you enroll your child in a physicallydemanding pastime like martial arts,

your child will stay away from asedentary lifestyle. Your child will be

active and have fun doing it.

It encouragesnon-violent conflict

resolution

While the media may paint a picture ofmartial arts that involves violence,

martial arts can actually allowchildren to take peaceful approaches

to resolving conflict. A child who isinvolved in martial arts will learn the

importance of avoiding a physicalaltercation.

It gives kids a senseof respect

When studying a martial art, a childlearns to show respect to his or her

instructor. While today’s culturedoesn’t always reach kids to respect

adults, martial arts will allow childrento gain this level of respect.

It teaches aconnection between

the mind and thebody

Even if you work out, you may notlearn how to listen to your body. If youlearn to listen to your body, you will be

able to have more awareness of youremotional construct.

Through martial arts, one is taught tosee, listen and feel both internally andexternally. Children can learn to tap

into their courage, fear, and intuitionin order to put the physical together

with the mental.

Whether your child is struggling withself-esteem, is not getting enough

exercise, or simply wants to pick up anew hobby, martial arts training is a

great extracurricular activity forchildren.

Instead of teaching violence astelevision shows and movies would

suggest, martial arts can truly shapeyour child’s character in an extremely

positive way.