| ing the martial arts provides children with a unique | | | | proliferation of video games has converged with a |
| opportunity to develop skills that will last | | | | growing trend of childhood obesity to make |
| throughout their lives. The training regimen | | | | physical fitness little more than an afterthought. |
| involves a dynamic unlike that of other sports, | | | | When your child learns the martial arts, he or she |
| team or individual. Young people are immersed in | | | | participates in training that keeps them physically |
| an environment that emphasizes the importance | | | | fit. They also develop a high level of coordination |
| of mental acuity as much as techniques related to | | | | and balance. Plus, while team sports such as |
| self-defense. Parents should discuss the training | | | | football and baseball are seasonal, the classes are |
| with their children and explore how it can meet | | | | year-round, ensuring a child's constant physical |
| their objectives. | | | | activity. |
| Today, I'll describe 5 goals that most kids' martial | | | | #4 - Self-Defense |
| arts classes are designed to fulfill. We'll explore | | | | It's important for children to learn the difference |
| how the training regimen can help your child | | | | between fighting and defending themselves from |
| develop respect for others, mental and physical | | | | harm. A lot of parents harbor concern that martial |
| discipline, self-defense skills, and a competitive | | | | arts classes will transform their child into an |
| spirit. | | | | aggressor. In fact, the opposite is true. Dojo |
| #1 - Respect And Self-Control | | | | instructors normally discourage open aggression as |
| Think back to the last time that you witnessed a | | | | a response. Instead, they emphasize the role of |
| child throwing a tantrum. In some cases, it's an | | | | self-defense, including the ability to diffuse hostile |
| aberration of their normally good behavior. | | | | situations. |
| However, it can also be a manifestation of a lack | | | | #5 - Competitive Spirit |
| of respect and self-control. If left unchecked, the | | | | While every adult can attest that life is filled with |
| behavior can eventually develop into a sense of | | | | challenges, children are often sheltered from them. |
| narcissism. Enrolling your child into judo, | | | | As a result, by the time they reach adulthood, |
| Taekwondo, or aikido classes can provide the | | | | many of them are ill-prepared to handle the |
| platform on which they cultivate a respect for | | | | difficulties that confront them throughout their |
| others. Such training also allows them to develop | | | | lives. When kids enroll in martial arts classes, they'll |
| self-control and emotional restraint. | | | | often have the opportunity to compete in |
| #2 - Mental Discipline | | | | tournaments. Doing so teaches the value of |
| Children are often distracted from whatever task | | | | participating in healthy competition. It also builds |
| is in front of them. Sometimes, it's due merely to | | | | the mental fortitude required to resolve |
| a lack of mental discipline. That is, they lack focus. | | | | professional and personal problems later in life. |
| Other times, the distraction may be related to a | | | | Enjoying The Journey |
| diagnosed condition, such as ADD or ADHD. The | | | | Whether your child chooses to learn kung-fu, |
| training involved with martial arts classes will help | | | | karate, Taekwondo, or aikido, encourage their |
| your child to develop mental focus. Many experts | | | | continuing participation. Children stand to reap |
| who help children with hyperactivity, problems | | | | several important advantages from which they'll |
| with memorization, and other challenges related to | | | | benefit both immediately and throughout their |
| learning recommend the structured discipline of | | | | lives. In many cases, martial arts enthusiasts start |
| martial arts classes. | | | | at a young age and continue their training well into |
| #3 - Physical Discipline | | | | their adult years. For some, it's a passion; for |
| Kids today seem less likely to get the exercise | | | | others, it's a hobby. For your child, it may be the |
| they need in order to remain healthy. The | | | | beginning of a lifelong journey. |