There would be few people who make it through their childhood without some bumps and bruises along the way, not to mention broken bones and stitches. Injuries are as much a part of childhood as Chocolate or Milkshakes, but Parents and Caretakers will always want to protect their children from unnecessary pain.
Certain sections of the society including certain organizations consisting of Pediatricians have opposed Martial Arts training for kids citing that boxing and Mixed Martial Arts condone violence. One of the main reasons cited by the protesters is that the participants can get injured during the training and competition. In Martial Arts, the rate of injury is as much as you get in football, wrestling or soccer, so isolating boxing or Martial Arts alone is not right. Martial Arts can be done safely, if the proper protective gear is worn including headgear, safe gloves and proper knee pads and boots. For instance, in amateur boxing the kids are allowed to practice on heavy bag and speed bag, and are taught foot movement, strength training and heavy conditioning in addition to sparring. The proper safety measures to follow are also taught. There are also rules that allow them to box only against kids of their age and weight. The fact is that these arts teach children a lot of skills and they need to put in hard work and much dedication to become skilled in either sport.
For children who are shy, introverted and lack self-confidence teaching combat sports is very beneficial as the training builds self-esteem and makes them survive the tough workouts and emerge proud in their accomplishment. For hyper energetic kids too, the combat sports form a good outlet for honing the vast energy they possess towards a positive output. They get to learn discipline and train excellently, which not only helps them in excelling in the sport, but also helps in their studies and future success. When compared to team sports like soccer and football, boxing and Martial Arts teach respect, humility and honor, while the team sports help us to cooperate with others.
For Parents who are not sure about the whole program and are worried about the safety of the Child, it is important for them to select a coach they trust; they must choose a coach they feel comfortable leaving completely in charge of their child for the duration of the lesson. If parents aren’t comfortable doing this, they may have their child in the wrong program. Another aspect to consider is that Parents should not hang around the kids when the classes are on as this will make some kids conscience and they may not allow themselves to express their skills readily.
Lets look at some of the ways kids can benefit from Martial Arts:
Self Defense
The most important advantage of Martial Arts is that it teaches children how to avoid a potentially dangerous situation without having to resort to violence (through body language and confidence). In a worst case scenario of bullying etc., Children will have the tools that could keep them safe from danger.
Builds their balance and coordination
Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai are all great forms of exercises and many people wish that they could have started practicing them earlier. To get kids involved in Martial Arts at an early age is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Developing balance and coordination at an early age will not only keep them fit and healthy, but it will also help them become an athletic and energetic individual throughout their lives. Although children do not understand the full benefits of what they are doing at such a young age, it is the responsibility of the parents to keep them motivated to go to classes in order to attain these physical skills.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Confidence is one of the most important traits for any person to have. Martial Arts have been famous for developing this in people at very early stages in life. As kids become more confident in terms of their techniques and performance in class, they start to show the same in academics and inter-personal relationships.
Learn To Take A Hit And Get Back Up
They say that you have to be able to get knocked down and get back up if you are ever going to succeed in life. No one has the pleasure of never failing, but everyone has the opportunity to get back up after something happens to them. In Martial Arts, that is literally what children will be going through, although the metaphorical sense will also be involved. When kids get a trophy for everything, win or lose, they don’t learn to accept this, but by enrolling them in Martial Arts, Parents make sure that they have every chance to.
Allows for socializing and bonding
In Martial Arts class, children will meet many new friends who will be sweating it out together. Whether it is drilling techniques, playing a game or rolling – it is a great practice for kids to learn to communicate with other kids of all ages, as well as older authority figures like the instructors and assistant instructors. This will allow the kids to form friendships besides the usual realm of a classroom or neighbourhood. Bonds formed on the mat are tougher , stronger and share a code of honour.
Teaches focus and discipline
Children will also learn how to listen to an authority figure and follow instructions – an important skill for future development. Children learn various small lessons, like not speaking when being spoken to by an instructor, or even keeping their gi and belt neatly tied. They will even learn about the importance of hygiene because gis must be clean and nails must be cut. The work ethic they learn in the Academy can translate into their schoolwork and future ventures as they grow up. They will learn that hard work and diligence produces positive results and rewards.
Helps release that excess energy
Martial Arts is not just a healthy physical workout, it also serves as an outlet for children to channel their energy to perform specific tasks. Martial Arts provide an outlet for kids to get rid of that excess energy in a positive manner while also practicing self-control.
“It gives them patience, it gives them listening skills, respect for others and a better understanding of the importance of hard work,” says a Parent.
Another Parent says…“They’ve also become more responsible, especially at home, cleaning up after themselves. It helped them to express themselves, even towards new people. They don’t hide behind me any more. They have big-time confidence.”
It is the responsibility of the Parents to motivate their children and fit the training in the child’s schedule. Even when Parents may feel that the child is losing interest, they need to find ways to rekindle it. Enrolling kids in a fitness program that also allows them to have fun while they pick up some useful physical skills, is the most amazing gift Parents can offer their kids.
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