Admit it. When things get tough at home, we all leave the kids in front of the TV and breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, we can start with dinner, maybe checking email or tidying up that huge pile of laundry.

But when your five-year-old son yells “Mom, boys rule!” or his ten-year-old son horrifies him with language that would make a sailor blush, he realizes there must be something wrong with what these “family shows” actually teach our children. And sadly, it’s happening in every medium today, from sports to cartoons, and our kids are learning things that we as parents swore we’d never teach them. Old-fashioned values ​​like respect and self-discipline seem to have been forgotten, replaced by today’s dreaded “bling bling” pop culture.

Just the thought of your angelic three-year-old transforming into a smart-mouthed, money-loving, self-obsessed, slacker designer dress is enough for any parent to consider that menacing military school brochure, but there is one solution. out there to consider.

Martial arts training.

From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the Karate Kid

You and your kids have seen the flying kicks, battle cries, and powerful chops of your favorite TV characters as they pummel bad guys into submission, but, you may wonder, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child something worthwhile? ?

First, know that what you see on TV (except maybe the Karate Kid) is a far cry from real martial arts. The fact is that martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (primarily Japan, China, and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam also have their own practices), martial arts come in a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on comprehensive moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not only the physical aspect of the “sport”, but also mental and emotional lessons.

Comparing that to other kids’ activities and sports, where cut-throat competition and “win at all costs” seem to be the order of the day, it’s no surprise that many kids struggle with self-esteem issues and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine that your child is really learning valuable life lessons, skills that they will acquire throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted, and fulfilling adult life. I wish karate for kids was popular in the 70’s when I was growing up!

The advantages

o Karate and other martial arts for children build confidence and self-esteem, as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

o Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for children, along with their children’s karate programs or similar lessons.

o Martial Arts are ideal for children who do not perform well in team sports, giving them the ability to develop this activity while combining physical and mental practices.

o Many don’t realize this, but it’s a fact that martial arts training is safer than most school sports.

o Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning disabilities, and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in Kids Martial Arts due to the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign Junior up for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to review the different methods available and mix it up with what you know works best for your child. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may arise from a conflict between your child’s personality and training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? So maybe a class that doesn’t focus on sparring (full kick and punch training) but slower defensive maneuvers would fare better. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer more forceful moves and thrive in competitive combat.

Here’s a quick introduction to kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to come across:

japan martial arts

Karate

o Use defensive and aggressive moves

o Focuses on building strength and endurance.

o Involves cutting, punching, kicking, striking, blocking, and sparring

o Can use weapons

Jiu Jitsu

o Use defensive and aggressive moves

o Involves a lot of combat

o Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

aikidō

o Use a more “spiritual” and harmonious style by redirecting the attacker’s aggression as a form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls, etc.

o Taught under the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through their individual inner energy

o Does not involve sparring or competitions.

Judo

o Use smooth, “wrestling-like” movements

o Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts.

o Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development

o Participate in competitions

chinese martial arts

Kung Fu

o The generic term that refers to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles.

o Involves attacking moves as well as defensive techniques

o Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and strikes among others.

o Participate in combat competitions

Korean martial arts

taekwondo

o Competitive in nature, it involves techniques that use elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.

o Emphasize strength, force, and methods of attack.

o Participate in many combats and competitions.

Choose the correct instruction

If you have an idea of ​​the type of martial arts class you would like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s needs and his needs, in terms of teachers he is comfortable with, price, facilities, etc. are important factors.

Let’s say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good instructors

Check their grades, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other kids. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Security

Obviously, you will want to entrust your child to a facility that is safe, well-maintained and clean, with ample space, as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School values

Different martial arts schools inevitably have different values, for example a child’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would take a different approach. Take some time to look at which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.

4. Prices and Hours

Prices for martial arts training can vary by school and location, so make sure the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities, is also essential.

baby black belts

Ideally, start your child off with karate training (children ages four and up are generally accepted, as it’s also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and many parents have found that in just as In just one year, his sons who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as higher self-esteem, respect, and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also choose to join a martial arts training program, making it a great bonding experience for the whole family.