Amean-faced child hurling a bloodcurdling battle cry is not exactly what we wan tour kids to be. In most martial arts, we see not just the war cries synonymousto ancient war chants from Gregorian and Greek mythologies; we see kids leapingairborne swinging their limbs lethargically.
That does not paint a great picture of these arts. However, that is not the true essence of Karate, Judo, and the other arts. While passionate and aggressive approaches are encouraged in the spirit of competition, these arts elevate the child’s professional approach to everything.
Martial arts have grown globally. Many people perceive them positively. There are those that view them negatively. Various researches have shown conflicting pictures of this art among youths. As a parent, you want to expose your child to something that will strengthen him or her.
Those who pursue this form of art successfully, reap great rewards. It starts with the parent. Your child will depend on you to tell them why they are enrolling for these sporting events. If you let the child know that it will have applications in his life, he will pursue it knowing there is a lifetime reward.
If you make the goal short-term, once the child achieves the goal, he or she will lack the motivation to continue. Little knowledge often has dangerous consequences. A martial art takes the same form of instruction as education. There are foundational lessons and continuous classes. The child will fully benefit if he can pursue the art beyond introductory lessons.
Martialart is not just about knowing how to throw a punch or a kick. It is a way of life complete with a set of values and principles. Each type of art emphasizes its values. If your child misses the values, he or she may not realize the full benefits.
Notable sporting arts, most of which originate from China, Korea, and Japan, teach respect and discipline. The most notable ones start sessions with a bow, which is a sign of respect. They include:
- Kung Fu
- Tae Kwon Do
- Karate
- Judo
- Jujitsu
- Aikido
- Taichi
- Wushu
- Jodo
Most arts originating from China use the Wushu Baoquan Li Bow or its close variants. The Rei Bow is popular among Japanese martial artists. Both bows signify respect to others, and they are acceptable in most international sporting competitions.
No parent wants to raise a child who will engage in fists of anger out there. We all want our children to grow responsibly. That is why becoming a martial artist is good for the children especially those who are yet to hit teenage. Six years is the ideal age as the body is flexible.
What Does Martial Arts Teach Your Child?
They Teach Them How to Identify and Overcome Weaknesses
KungFu, Tae Kwon Do, and such arts involve the relentless pursuit of strength and combat techniques. Since you cannot master them at once, a child has to learn early enough that in life it takes considerable levels of knowledge and skills. The instructors focus on the lessons learned and potential weakness. The child will often learn his strengths and weakness. He will learn to remedy the shortcomings. The child gains the confidence to face his would-be oppressors at every step.
They Teach the Child Self-Control
Once a child learns a few tricks, there is a natural tendency to pick fights in a bid to display his or her strengths. Good instructors are aware of such inclination. Even before training a skill, these instructors take time to instill the core purpose of martial art, which is self-defense and actualization.
The episode of Karate Kid (2010) where Jackie Chan, the sensei, makes Jaden Smith, the student, put on and remove his jacket repeatedly and for days is a testament to how self-control is imperative. The trainer can test irritability, patience, composure, and determination.
They Teach Kids to Understand and Pursue Their Life Goals
One aspect of discipline is responsibility. Picking a life goal and fervently pursuing it is the ultimate show of responsible behavior. Even at a young age, children need life goals. They also need to understand them. It is normal for kids to want to become one thing and then change in the course of their lives.
Martialart is a life goal that does not interfere with any other purpose the child has in life. Pursuing the highest level of expertise is one way of letting the child know that he or she can be anything she wants to be. Bullies cannot discourage them from believing in themselves. They already believe in themselves because they continually achieve smaller and realistic goals everyday.
They Impart Kids with the Power of Meditation and Self-Discovery
Self-examination and reflection are keys to future improvement. They also facilitate personal discovery and growth. Martial art involves a healthy dose of meditation and thinking. As the child progresses through the ranks, they learn various endurance techniques, which can build resilience and focus.
Kids Learn To Make Positive Behaviors Their Routine
Exercising is one of the many positive behaviors that kids learn in a martial art such as Jujitsu. In return, they maintain a culture of fitness and health. Kids who do a form of martial art are aware of their body. They know how to take care of their bodies. They also learn how to avoid things that can pollute their bodies such as drugs and harmful substances. The instructors instill discipline to do the right thing at all times.
Conclusion
Parents and children all benefit from martial art in one way or another. Instead of kids spending their times playing video games, which predisposes them to various risk factors such as digital syndrome and lifestyle diseases such as childhood obesity, a parent can opt for martial art. A child can boost his confidence and self-esteem through learning and being part of something positive.
