Many people know that learning some form of martial arts could prove beneficial in helping someone improve their physique, grow stronger, provide a means of self-defense and stand up to bullying. However, what some may not realize is that participation in these crafts might also build their sense of discipline.
This skill is important for everyone but can be of paramount importance to children. We invite you to read the following brief blog, which is intended to offer parents of young children several reasons why and how participation in the martial artistic endeavors could benefit young people during their athletic careers and throughout their lives.
Focus
Mastering most martial artistic crafts require a significant degree of focus. Successful participation demands serious concentration regarding issues such as learning numerous skills and maneuvers, applying different athletic concepts and aligning the body and mind. To do so, one must not allow distractions to sway their attention.
Control
Those who succeed in the martial artistic endeavors understand the importance of maintaining strict control of their thoughts and emotions. Martial artists are instructed to not be influenced by negative emotions such as anger or frustration. Detrimental feelings that first impact the mind can cause the body to react in adverse manners.
Goal Setting
Martial artists do not become masters overnight. In most endeavors, a belt system determines the participant’s current skill level. Ascension up the belt ladder requires prospective masters to set realistic goals, identify the tenets that must be met to attain those goals and work towards achieving them. Such a commitment could permeate into other areas of a young person’s life as well.
Commitment
Sometimes, young people (like most individuals) will encounter unexpected obstacles that might delay the ultimate achievement of a specific goal. Martial artists are taught to stay committed to a task. Commitment means staying the course despite experiencing pitfalls or not meeting one’s objectives as quickly as they had hoped. Young people learn that life does not always go according to plan. However, that does not mean goals and objectives will not eventually be reached.
Sacrifice
When someone establishes a lofty goal, attaining such an achievement might take precedence over other aspects of their life. For example, setting out to become a black belt in karate might require years of adhering to a strict diet, devoting numerous hours to physical training regiments, enduring a certain degree of pain and missing out on more pleasing activities with friends and family. Young martial artists learn achievement requires sacrifice.
Steady Improvement Over Instant Gratification
Today’s world is dominated by instant messages and quick communication. Moreover, the media has a tendency to focus on celebrities and wealthy individuals who seem to have “made it” overnight. In many instances, overnight success is quite rare. Attaining significant goals requires much hard work, focus, control, and sacrifice. Many martial arts instructors stress the importance of understanding that the desire is the best or reach the top are admirable aims but improving from where one was yesterday is more important.
Adherence To Rules
Martial artistic endeavors are governed by specific rules regarding how contests are scored but additionally mandating how participants are expected to conduct themselves while engaging in said activity. Understanding and respecting the importance of regulations may also teach your child to respect the governing principles of academic and professional institutions.
Respect For Teachers
The teacher is a revered position in the martial artistic endeavors. Said individuals not only provide instruction on the specific craft but instill the values that make said activities worth partaking in. Instructors command demand respect. The admiration your children could learn from their martial arts instructor could lead them to understand the importance of displaying respect and obedience to other adults such as parents, relatives, and school teachers.
Self-Confidence
Partaking in a martial arts discipline will likely improve your child’s physique and make said individual stronger. Such attributes could build a child’s self-confidence. However, the lessons learned might also boost their self-esteem. Young martial artists often gain the ability to solve problems, handle social issues like bullying and maintain control to avoid potentially detrimental circumstances.
Leading A Disciplined Lifestyle
Young martial artists may apply the lessons learned in the gym to other areas of their lives. Said individuals might decide to follow a healthy diet, avoid potentially harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, refrain from partaking in reckless behavior and focus on important tasks like schoolwork and community involvement.
What Type Of Martial Art Is Best For Your Child?
While many disciplines (such as karate, judo, and taekwondo) share certain similarities, each one also possesses certain individual qualities. Several factors might play into this decision including the child’s age, size, current athletic ability and intended reasons for participating.
Many geographical regions will offer numerous gyms or dojos specializing in one specific craft or another. Parents are advised to research said institutions and speak with instructors to gain an idea of what the classes entail.
