Parents,
Why Choose Martial Arts for Kids?
Fosters 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.
Boosts 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. The 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 training can also foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their skills together.
Encourages 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.
Learn to Set and Achieve Goals
Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer's degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, he's learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his goals.
Increased Self-Esteem
Confidence comes with achievement, so your child's self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he masters and every belt he earns. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they're enrolled in a martial arts class.
Instills a Sense of Respect
Learning any Songahm Taekwondo 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 she goes to her Songahm Taekwondo class, though, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves.
Encourages Non-Violent Conflict Resolution
Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behavior 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 phsyical altercation.
Improving Listening Skills
In order to master the skills she's being taught and advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. 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 classroom.
Develops Teamwork Skills
Whether he's 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 his martial arts classes that will be done on his own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to learn, and instruction in the 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 classroom. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect his behavior at home and have an all-around good influence on him as he develops into an adult.