Martial Arts For Kids

Children need an outlet through which they can participate in a physical sport like martial arts. Left to their own devices, they'll simply grab the remote, turn on the television, and waste hours watching inane shows. The irony is that once they're involved in karate, taekwondo, kung fu, Shotokan, or any other discipline, they usually enjoy themselves. The key is providing them with the opportunity.

In this article, I'll describe the benefits of enrolling kids into martial arts classes and the role those classes play in developing a number of valuable traits. I'll also provide a few tips on choosing a style and finding an appropriate school.

A Physical Outlet

The most obvious benefit is physical fitness. A lot of kids have a tendency to be lazy if they're not driven or motivated to do something. Plus, children often eat a lot of junk food. If they don't have an outlet to perform physically, they can gain weight and become lethargic. Martial arts provides the outlet. It keeps them active, immerses them in a competitive environment, and builds their coordination and fitness in the process.

There's an ancillary benefit. Research has shown kids who are physically active are also mentally active and prone to think creatively. While karate, kung fu, and other styles provide children with a physical workout, it also encourages them to think more clearly.

Not Just For Fighting

Parents - and sometimes kids - often mistake the martial arts for fighting and combat techniques. While the arts are useful for self-defense, the main value they provide has little to do with fighting. Most instructors agree that martial arts are most useful for developing physical fitness, coordination, self-esteem, and mental discipline. Some of the more obscure styles such as muay thai and pekiti tirsia are designed for combat and are unsuitable for most children. But, most of the traditional styles (for example, Wado-Ryu) are based upon respect and emotional self-control.

Grace And Respect

Children learn to adopt, or neglect, the value of grace and respect at an early age. By the time they're in grade school, you'll start to notice the way they treat their peers and authority figures. This is a key benefit of martial arts. Many of the old-style techniques are based upon a deep respect for others. For example, if you observe a Shotokan sparring match, you'll see both participants kneeling and bowing in front of each other. It's a sign of grace and respect. After a few years of taekwondo or karate, children learn to express both in the way they treat other people.

Choosing A Style And School

First, don't force a child to learn a specific style. Choose a few and let him decide for himself. If possible, visit 2 or 3 local schools to observe the environment and interview the owner. That way, you can get an idea regarding his teaching style. It's a good idea to involve your child in these interviews because he's likely to take things at face value. If he's uncomfortable with the instructor, find another.

Just For Kids

Martial arts classes for adults are much different than those designed for children. Both types of classes focus on developing physical and mental fitness, but kids also need an emphasis on building discipline, control, and self-confidence. In the end, it's not about achieving a black belt in a certain style or winning competitions (at least, in the beginning). It's about providing a physical outlet through which young people can learn a number of valuable traits that will last a lifetime.