Why Would I Want to Put My Child in the Martial Arts?
The benefits and reasons of enrolling your child into a Martial Arts program are numerous. Here is a short list of the most common.
Physical Fitness
One of the most common reasons for enrolling a child into a martial arts class is fitness. Childhood obesity rates are climbing as children spend more and more time in front of the television, playing video games and using the computer. Martial arts help to improve cardiovascular endurance, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, flexibility, balance, strength, coordination, gross motor skills, and overall energy levels.
Even among children who are already active, training in the Martial Arts is a valuable source of exercise and cross training. All these benefits are developed amongst others of the same level who are aspiring to be their greatest in an atmosphere of respect, self-control, discipline, strength of mind and character.
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, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect, and integrity among many others. Training in a quality Martial Arts school reinforces those character building qualities and good manners that are timeless and transcend all cultural boundaries. Training in the Martial Arts is an invaluable tool in helping to develop your children into confident, capable members of society.
Conflict Resolution/Self Defense
Self-defense is often the first thought that comes to a parents mind when considering enrolling a child in the martial arts. Then, fear of their child becoming too aggressive is many times the next thought.
Good martial arts instruction concentrates on avoidance of conflict, rather than teaching one to become the aggressor. It teaches children how to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. Conflict resolution, personal responsibility and avoidance of conflict or potential conflicts remain the primary focus of a good martial arts school. Both the bully and the bullied would benefit by attending a high-quality martial arts school. By learning to respect others and to respect themselves as well as gaining the knowledge of how to calm a situation if needed, physical self-defense skills seldom need to be demonstrated. This is a sign of a true Martial Artist.
Behavioral Issues
Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children are acting out in school or at home. Although behavioral skills are closely tied to the life skills mentioned above, their benefits are manifested differently. Parents are looking for help improving their child’s attention span, respect, demeanor and self-control.
The structure of martial arts classes will greatly aid in these areas. The degree of success will vary depending on the relationship built between the child and the instructor. If the instructor has a good method of communicating with the child, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, is very consistent, improvements in behavior can been seen in as little as 2 – 3 months of training.
Changes in your child’s behavior is brought about primarily in three ways: 1) by participating in a structured environment of respect and self-control; 2) by association with children who have similar goals and behaviors and role-model these behaviors; and 3) by working with a qualified martial arts Instructor who acts as mentor and role-model. Many times health care professionals recommend Martial Arts for America™ schools for help in these areas. If your child is working with a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist, ask him or her to recommend a quality Martial Arts school in your area.
Safe & Beneficial After-School Activities
Many parents seek safe, constructive, useful activities for their children to occupy some of their free time after school. Martial arts training a wonderful choice for those who desire for their children to be involved in something that helps them set and achieve goals. A good martial arts school can become a second home for many children. The relationships built between classmates and with the instructors can last a lifetime, having a huge, positive impact on a child's life.
Fun
People tend to do again and again that which we enjoy. Your child, being a child, has little understanding of the life affirming benefits of Martial Arts training. They will develop those benefits only if they continue with their training, and they will continue with their training only if their training is fun. Great schools make learning fun. Strongly militaristic schools are oftentimes not a good fit for young children. There’s nothing wrong with having fun while you learn. For many students - not just the young, it’s imperative!
Whatever reasons you have for enrolling your child in a martial arts class, be sure to discuss your goals with your child, and come to an understanding that will make both of you happy.