karate boy pointing
The popularity of martial arts among children in this country continues to grow, and for good reason. The benefits children can derive from martial arts rival in number the variety of martial arts specialties. It’s just a matter of choosing which one is right for your child.
Jon Frost, owner of Tiger Rock Martial Arts says: “People often think self-discipline is the most important benefit to martial arts training, and indeed it is important, but I would rank it second. To me, the most important benefit of martial arts training for children has always been self confidence. A good program will allow a student to set and achieve goals, develop self defense and artistic skills, and earn belts based on their effort in class. This all builds self confidence, which is the foundation for success in life.”
It’s recommended by the federal government that our kids get at least one hour of physical activity per day, the majority of which should come from “vigorous-intensity” activities such as brisk walking or running. Handily, the American Academy of Pediatrics classifies martial arts, whether it’s karate, judo, tae kwon do, or jujitsu, as vigorous activity.
Physically, martial arts help children develop agility, flexibility, strength and balance. At the same time, they learn to defend themselves and to identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Physical fitness is another great benefit of martial arts training, especially for children. In today’s world kids have entirely too much “screen time”. “Martial arts training allows kids to be “unplugged” and get some exercise and interact with other kids in a very structured and physically demanding way,” according to Frost.
The benefits go far beyond the physical
According to Tim Rupert, head instructor and program director at Gulf Coast Karate Academy: “Physical fitness is something all children critically need in today’s technology-saturated and sedentary world. Oftentimes children do not even realize that they are exercising as training is so engaging. As they become more confident in their physical abilities to defend themselves, they become stronger mentally and develop strong self discipline and respect for themselves and others.”
• Learning self-discipline and skills that will aid focus and concentrate.
• Building confidence and self-esteem, along with an understanding of respect and courtesy.
• Gaining knowledge of what it means to be a leader, which can be valuable in helping them avoid the negative peer pressure they will experience in school and social situations.
• Finding the opportunity to flourish in an independent activity, while also utilizing mental skills.
• Participating in a sport that many believe is actually safer than many other sports, such as football.
Special Benefits for Children with ADD & ADHD
According to Pamela Morris of Florida Karate, “Martial arts training is often recommended for children with ADD and ADHD because benefits such as enhanced focus, self discipline and goal setting skills are brought home and into their school setting. Parents and teachers notice a difference in the child’s behavior because the goal is to have these positive behaviors transcend into all the other areas of their lives.”
Pick and choose
There are myriad types of martial arts from which to choose. Some of the more popular class options include:
• Karate: A Japanese self-development system that involves punches and kicks.
• Taw Kwon Do: A Korean form of a military art, it involves punching and kicking, as well as meditation and breathing techniques
• Judo: A Japanese competitive sport that helps children learns self-control and respect for opponents. Students learn how to throw a partner, using leverage and balance.
• Jujitsu: A competitive Japanese self-defense method that focuses on using the opponent’s strength and weight against him.
• Aikido: A Japanese method that is similar to Jujitsu, but not as competitive and uses gentler movements.
• Thai Chi: A Chinese form that focuses on weight-bearing moves, stretching and balance. It is very gentle and helps with flexibility and improving concentration.
• Capoeira: A unique Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts with dance, music and gymnastics.
Getting Started
Before beginning any martial arts program, visit your pediatrician to ensure your child is physically able to participate. Then, it’s time to investigate local options and attend a test class or two. Talk to the instructors and then watch carefully how they interact with students the same age as your child. Are the students responding to the instructions eagerly? Are they attentive and enjoying the class? If possible, talk to parents for a first-hand account of the program.
Darren Moore of American Sports Karate says: “When choosing a martial arts program, the parents need to understand that they are in most cases very uneducated consumers. To overcome this, I recommend the whole family visit at least two and preferably three or four different martial arts businesses prior to choosing. It is also always a good idea to have your children try a few classes out before you join a program. Most quality programs will happily offer such an opportunity at no cost. Finally, don’t feel obligated to sign a long term contract. A flexible monthly option is almost always the right choice for a young family member just starting out. One can always choose to commit for a longer term when and if the new young martial artist shows long term interest.
If your child enjoys the sample class, find out what the minimum commitment for the studio will be. Even if your child enjoys the introduction class, there’s no guarantee that interest will remain long term. Try a six-week session and give your child the option of renewing, before making a long-term commitment.
Alex Timin of Impact Martial Arts believes that martial arts training offers important lessons in perseverance and determination. Timin says: “Martial arts training is often fun, but it’s not always easy. A good instructor pushes their students’ limits in both their physical skills and mental discipline. When students struggle, when they think they can’t do it, when they feel like they’ve failed - a good martial arts instructor is right there to inspire and encourage them to keep trying, to persevere, and definitely not to give up! Children in martial arts also learn to connect these experiences to their life outside of the martial arts classroom. When things aren’t easy, when they face challenges, when they feel like they “can’t” - kids can recall the many, many times their instructor told them, “Don’t give up, you can do it!” These lessons about perseverance are a huge benefit that children gain from being involved in martial arts training.
Martial arts offers so much for kids, and it’s an activity your entire family can enjoy. Plus, with such an array of options for classes here in Southwest Florida, giving it a try is both smart and easy.
Check out the following studios to get your child started in martial arts:
American Sports Karate
2464 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #528, Naples
9950 Business Circle, #1, Naples
(239) 643-2275
www.AmericanSportsKarate.com
Florida Karate Center
6634 Willow Park Drive, #200, Naples
(239) 254-0060
www.floridakaratecenter.com
Gulf Coast Karate Academy
10565 Tamiami Trail North, Naples
(239) 653-9358
wwwgckarate.com
Impact Martial Arts
5926 Premier Way, #128, Naples
(239) 596-1633
www.impactmartialartsnaples.com
Tiger Rock Martial Arts
1575 Pine Ridge Road, #12, Naples
(239) 596-2501
www.tigerrockmartialarts.com
White Dragon Martial Arts
654 104th Avenue North, Naples
(239) 601-4376