Parents are faced with many choices for activies for their children. With extra-curriclar offerings at school, and options in our communities – there is no shortage of things to do, and places to be. When choosing an activity for your kids, their interest pays a large part. We want them to learn and enjoy what they do, but we also want them to benefit with more than just a fun activity. Check out some of the great benefits for kids from our Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs at Triumph Martial Arts!
Fosters Self-Discipline One of the central tenets of all forms of martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today’s kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren’t always easy to come by. Kids with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is.
Boosts Socialization Skills Kids who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends in a room filled with peers with a common interest. The kids on the playground may not always have much common ground, but kids in martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven training can also foster camaraderie, as kids pair off and build their skills together.
Encourages Physical Activity Limiting screen-time is a great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in a martial arts program not only discourages a sedentary lifestyle, but also gives them an enjoyable year-round activity that inspires them to keep moving.
Learn to Set and Achieve Goals Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, they are learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching their goals.
Increases Self-Esteem Confidence comes with achievement, so your child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move they master and each belt they earn. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they’re enrolled in a martial arts class.
Instills a Sense of Respect Martial arts training will teach your child to show respect. Today’s kid culture doesn’t always include respect for authority, adults or those in advanced positions. When they come to class, they will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves.
Encourages Non-Violent Conflict Resolution If your only experience with martial arts comes from television or movies, you may think the activity promotes violent behavior. This is not the case, in fact our program teaches kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasizes the importance of avoiding a phsyical altercation.
Improves Listening Skills In order to master the skills they are being taught and advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Kids who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they’re told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in the classroom.
Develops Teamwork Skills Whether breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new move, there are few things that your child does in martial arts classes that will be done alone. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important lesson for kids to learn, and martial arts training can help your child learn that lesson.
Improves Other Areas of Life The benefits of martial arts training don’t end in the classroom. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect their behavior at home and have an all-around good influence on them as they develop into an adult.
Triumph Martial Arts is a martial arts and self-defense school with locations in Pella, IA and Clive, IA. We specialize in Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu, KMF-AC Krav Maga, and ATA Martial Arts. We feature award winning programs for kids and adults under the direction of internationally-certified instructors. Triumph is celebrating 20 years of excellence in 2023 and is an A+ accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.