Today, parents are spoiled for choice when it comes to how their children are shaped. Most parents either leave it to their children to decide what they want to learn or sometimes this decision is dictated and guided by the parent(s). So, why is martial arts something that children should pick up in this day and age?
Physical Development. This is vital in martial arts as it enables the physical development in children in the long run that encompasses:
- Stamina Development.
Most martial arts will have a portion of their training dedicated to building physical stamina via cardio and movement be it in the patterns or body conditioning for sparring. - Muscle Development
Most martial arts will have a portion of their training dedicated to building and developing muscles as moving and combat utilizes various muscles. - Improvement in hand-eye coordination
Very important for children these days is to develop greater hand eye coordination which is vital in their scholarly education as well, when it comes to brain development. - Reaction and response to situations
Most martial arts do not highlight enough on the development of reaction and response where a child is able to better read situations, be alert, and react/response in a quicker manner. - Physical endurance
As a child trains in both stamina and build muscles, their endurance towards positive physical stressors in the long run increases and that helps them be physically vigilant.
Mental Health Balance. Physical aspect aside, most martial arts also help develop a healthy mental outlook for its practitioner. This is important for children as it helps them.
- Learn to focus and channel their energy.
Some children may be hyperactive or lacking but either is subject to a refocus of their energy when participating in a martial arts training program. - Be goal driven.
Martial arts that have a belt system puts forth minor goals in which a child is able to focus on and see their improvement in the system. For those without, they have similar ways. - Bounce back failures in a controlled environment
It is never a smooth journey when sailing in the practice of martial arts. However, this helps children to learn from mistakes and progress in a safe environment. - Harness critical thinking.
The development of their response and reaction also contributes to the development of critical thinking whereby martial arts can and allows for during combat or the preparation to combat. - Mold a positive self-image
Having develop some proficiency in martial arts will enable a child to have better self-image, self-esteem, and confidence (and know the difference between that and arrogance).
Shapes Social Discipline. Most parents have the misconception that martial arts may turn their children violent. That is far from the truth and may even have the opposite effect. This is because most martial arts are practiced in a communal environment, having to learn and adapt with others is a necessity.
- Humility
Some martial arts have strong philosophical and religious influences which drives its practitioners to act humble towards others. - Taking hits from others
The process of developing quick reaction/response and critical thinking would expose a child to having taken many hits from others and builds for a stronger stable character. - Conflict resolution
Having experience taking hits from others coupled with the philosophy of humility, your child will also know how to resolve conflict by not engaging others so easily when in a real fight - Responsibility towards oneself and others.
As training involves both hitting and getting hit, children will learn to be more responsible for the weight of their fists towards themselves and to the person they are training with. - Social Skills
A child will also pick up social skills i.e. respecting others and their boundaries or learn to mingle and get along with others, as they may train with others their own age, older and younger.
The bottom line is that almost any child can and will benefit from participation in martial arts. As to what martial art, it does not really matter. For a typical six to eight year old, the main focus is to get them moving and focused. The key in choosing a good teacher or school and parents need to do their due diligence when it comes to evaluating the integrity selected program. You can even participate together with your child and bond together with a common activity!
