What are the benefits of martial arts for children?
Martial arts foster focus, discipline, confidence, self-esteem and leadership ability, positive mental and physical development, while teaching children life skills that will last them a lifetime. Some sports studies indicate that Martial Arts are 10 times better than Team Sports in developing a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
We also develop awareness on the prevention of violence, anti-bullying and communication skills so they can diffuse situations of conflict.
Benefits:
Martial arts foster focus, discipline, confidence, self-esteem and leadership ability, positive mental and physical development, while teaching children life skills that will last them a lifetime. Some sports studies indicate that Martial Arts are 10 times better than Team Sports in developing a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
We also develop awareness on the prevention of violence, anti-bullying and communication skills so they can diffuse situations of conflict.
Benefits:
- High Energy Classes
- Grade Improvement
- Leadership Skills
- Positive Roll Models
- Increased Physical Aptitude and Fitness
- Mental/Personal Development
- Realistic Self-Defense Skills
- Personalized Attention
The 10 main focus points of our Budo Programs
- Fostering Self-Discipline – One of the central tenets of all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today’s kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren’t always easy to come by. Kids with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is thus developing the success principle of delayed gratification.
- Boosting Socialization Skills – Kids who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they’re in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. Kids on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven forms like Aikido can also foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their skills together.
- Encouraging Physical Activity – Limiting screen time is a great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle she’s used to, but also gives her an enjoyable activity that inspires her to keep moving.
- Learning to Set and Achieve Goals – Most forms of martial arts have an accomplishment system of coloured belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, they learn valuable lessons about setting, persevering, and reaching goals.
- Increased Self-Esteem – Confidence comes with achievement, your child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move they master and every belt they earn. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth become more confident as time progresses while they’re enrolled in a martial arts class.
- Instilling a Sense of Respect – Learning any martial arts style will require your child to show her instructor unflinching respect. Today’s kid culture doesn’t always include respect for authority, adults, or those in advanced positions. When they go to her Karate or Aikido class, though, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves, this respect is based on the admiration of people of high achievement, strength and dedication.
- Encouraging Non-Violent Conflict Resolution – Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behaviour is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.
- Improving Listening and Observation Skills – In order to master skills being taught and advance through belt ranks, children will have to exercise superior listening skills as well as sharpening their attention to detail. Kids who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they’re told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in her dojo.
- Developing Teamwork Skills – Whether they're breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new maneuver, there are few things that your child does in their martial arts classes that will be done on their own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to learn, martial arts can help your child learn that lesson.
- Improvement in Other Areas of Life – The benefits of martial arts training don’t end in the dojo. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect their behaviour at home and have an all-around good influence on them as they mature.
