Between school and homework, kids spend the majority of their day sitting at a desk. That’s why extracurricular activities that allow them to release their energy are so important. Martial arts provides this essential exercise and more. 

Martial arts are an ancient practice from Asia. They were initially meant for self-defense. Today, lots of people do martial arts to build physical and mental strength.

There are many different types of martial arts. Some, like Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, and taekwondo, focus on striking and blocking. Others, like judo and jiu-jitsu, focus on wrestling and grappling. All use planned, repeated movements and focus on the connection between mind and body.

Martial arts as a type of sports has many benefits for children, such as:

• Teaching them discipline.
• Increasing their self-confidence.
• Teaching them respect.
• Improving their listening skills.
• Teaching them determination & perseverance.
• Enhancing their focus.
• Getting them active.

Explain to your child that they can’t use or practice these techniques if someone tries to hit them, but they now have the power needed to push them away.

Tell your child that the skills learned in martial arts are used only in the academy/gym, where they take the classes and cannot practice them on siblings or friends.

Starting at the age of 5, your child can take martial art lessons.