NAKMAS National Governing Body

Benefits of Martial Arts for Children

Are you a fitness enthusiast?
Are you keen to initiate your child into martial arts?

Well, if you can relate to the above situations reading this post may be a good idea!

Do you feel that martial arts training may make your child turn violent and aggressive? Worry no more! Read this article to find out how learning martial arts can aid your child's psychological, physical as well as behavioural development.

What Are Martial Arts?

Martial Arts are a combination of defence, fighting techniques, mental discipline, and physical exercises. These self-defence techniques help in the holistic development of an individual as it involves the coordination of the mind and the body. Children gain both physical fitness and mental strength by learning Martial Arts.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Children:

So, all the parents out there, check the benefits of martial arts for children here:

1. Helps in Self-Defence:

It is one of the basic and obvious reasons why parents encourage their wards to undergo training of this sort. Self-defence classes help the children in protecting themselves against any unanticipated danger. These days due to increasing crime, stepping out of the house is a daredevil task in itself. Thus, it is all the more important to be well versed in self- defence techniques.

2. Boosts Physical Fitness:

Physical fitness is another benefit that this training offers. Many children learn this art in order to remain physically fit. Such activities involve a great amount of physical exertion, and that helps in toning and strengthening the muscles of growing children. If your kid consumes a balanced diet and practices martial arts, he/she will gain height, fitness, and confidence.

3. Aids Confidence Building:

Your child can learn any form of martial art like Karate, Taekwondo, Ju Jitsu, Kickboxing, Tang Soo Do, Judo, Kung Fu, Aikido, Choi Kwang Do, Escrima, Hapkido and Sooyang Do etc. to boost his/her fitness and confidence. Martial arts will also teach your child to become more self-reliant.

4. Inculcates Discipline:

Without a disciplined approach, your child can learn nothing. Martial arts training demands disciplining one's mind and body. If your child undergoes training in martial arts, it will also help improve his/her performance in both academics and extra-curricular activities.

5. Nurtures Social Skills:

Since martial arts require working in a team or dealing with other individuals, therefore, it helps your child develop his social skills. Children learn to cooperate and understand team behaviour. It will help the child in the long run, as well as children on the Autistic spectrum, as he/she will be able to interact easily with strangers.

6. Develops Balance and Correct Posture:

Balancing and maintaining a correct stance are extremely important while performing any stunt, or else it can lead to severe injuries, muscle cramps, etc. Teaching proper balancing is essential for children between five and eight years as their muscles and bones are still developing and fragile. Trainers should not teach difficult stunts to children who are at this delicate stage. Instead, they should teach them basic martial art moves only.

7. Helps Improve Focus and Concentration:

Practising the martial arts moves requires a great degree of focus and attention. It helps increase your child's concentration span. So, all you mummies out there, if you want your child to spend more time with their books, increase their concentration and improve on their school studies then take them to a martial arts school in your neighbourhood. NAKMAS can help you with this.

8. Resolves Conflicts:

Since children from different backgrounds come to learn under one roof during such training programs, thus there are great chances of difference of opinions and conflicts. However, the ambiance of such schools is amiable, and children learn compassion and sharing. So, it is very likely that your child will also learn how to resolve conflicts and work with others harmoniously.

9. Improves Coordination:

Martial arts demand great hand-eye coordination. It also increases the harmony between the body and mind.

10. Teaches Respect:

Training of such kind requires great devotion towards your instructor. It teaches children to respect the authority. As they bow in front of their teacher, they develop humility. They also learn to be polite and humble during such sessions.

11. Imparts Anti-Bullying Education:

Many clubs that offer Martial arts training also hold anti-bullying workshops for children. Such sessions increase the awareness of children about the physical, psychological and emotional trauma due to bullying. Apart from this, such workshops also teach children how to tackle bullies. NAKMAS has a nationally recognised Anti Bullying campaign known as the NAKMAS Safe Kids Campaign with many affiliates accredited to the scheme. Take a look at the NAKMAS anti bullying video via www.nakmas.org.uk/safekids

12. Improves Breathing:

Since children's martial arts require physical exertion, therefore, it is highly important to practice proper breathing techniques while performing any move. It will help improve your child's respiratory health.

Now you know how best martial arts for children can improve physical and mental well-being. Why wait? Go ahead and enrol your child today in a martial arts training class! You never know, your child may be the next Jackie Chan!

Does your child learn martial arts? How did the training benefit him/her? Please share your child's experience with us at NAKMAS via ourFacebook page.

More about NAKMAS via www.nakmas.org.uk/about - Please also share this particular feature to help other children.

Libby Ellison
NAKMAS Press & Media Officer
Email: libby.ellison@nakmas.org.uk

Please Note:

All licensed instructors within NAKMAS are highly skilled, highly qualified and are fully accredited by the NAKMAS National Governing Body.

To check the credentials of NAKMAS accredited instructors and affiliates send an email to admin@nakmas.org.uk

The NAKMAS National Register of Qualified Black Belts can be accessed online via www.nationalblackbeltregister.com