Parents have been signing their kids up for martial arts for years. It has long been seen as a useful way for kids to exercise, learn about competition, and develop skills that can be used for self defense. There are many positives to having your children learn a martial art, but of course there are also considerations that need to be addressed. Like any type of extracurricular activity, studying a martial art can provide positive or negative benefits depending on each child's situation.
The main benefit that kids martial arts provides is an increase in health and fitness. In North America, with the obesity of children on the rise, having a fun activity that will keep the pounds off is very important. Typically, kids classes are held two or three times a week, for an average of an hour a class. This is a great addition to a child's gym glass in school, and will also increase their fitness and strength levels. Most classes involve a number of exercises, as well as sparring sessions that use all the muscles in the body.
When a child starts studying martial arts he or she enters a small community. This can provide them with a greater sense of purpose and identity in order to separate themselves from the rest of the kids at school. Confidence also tends to come with the study of a martial art, and these kids are often more willing to take risks in other aspects of their lives outside of the dojo. The mental changes that a child can go through have helped many kids turn off the path of drugs and violence and on to a safer and more productive one.
There are problems that sometimes occur when children study and learn martial art techniques. The main one is the misuse of the techniques that they are taught.
Most of the classes will have a strong emphasis on only using the teachings being for defense. However, some students may take advantage of the skills they are taught and use them for inciting violence and bullying others. When this happens it casts a negative light on all who train in a martial art and so instructors and parents should ensure that the children in their care do not misuse what they have been taught.
There are many benefits to signing your kids up for martial arts, and there are so many choices out there these days. You'll find that your kids will show improvements in their health and in their fitness and they should be more confident as well. As a parent, you should still be involved with the development of your child in this extracurricular activity, and ensure that they are enjoying themselves and not abusing the position of power that knowing a martial art can create.
The main benefit that kids martial arts provides is an increase in health and fitness. In North America, with the obesity of children on the rise, having a fun activity that will keep the pounds off is very important. Typically, kids classes are held two or three times a week, for an average of an hour a class. This is a great addition to a child's gym glass in school, and will also increase their fitness and strength levels. Most classes involve a number of exercises, as well as sparring sessions that use all the muscles in the body.
When a child starts studying martial arts he or she enters a small community. This can provide them with a greater sense of purpose and identity in order to separate themselves from the rest of the kids at school. Confidence also tends to come with the study of a martial art, and these kids are often more willing to take risks in other aspects of their lives outside of the dojo. The mental changes that a child can go through have helped many kids turn off the path of drugs and violence and on to a safer and more productive one.
There are problems that sometimes occur when children study and learn martial art techniques. The main one is the misuse of the techniques that they are taught.
Most of the classes will have a strong emphasis on only using the teachings being for defense. However, some students may take advantage of the skills they are taught and use them for inciting violence and bullying others. When this happens it casts a negative light on all who train in a martial art and so instructors and parents should ensure that the children in their care do not misuse what they have been taught.
There are many benefits to signing your kids up for martial arts, and there are so many choices out there these days. You'll find that your kids will show improvements in their health and in their fitness and they should be more confident as well. As a parent, you should still be involved with the development of your child in this extracurricular activity, and ensure that they are enjoying themselves and not abusing the position of power that knowing a martial art can create.
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