10 Great Reasons Why Your Child Should Try Martial Arts

There are so many great reasons why as a parent you should consider putting your kids into martial arts classes. They will develop skills that will help them gain confidence and self-esteem to learning the values of discipline and respect. I started both my kids into martial arts when they were 4 years old and it has been one of the best decisions I have made for my kids. It is so much more than an extracurricular activity. Once they were a bit older and had choice to continue or stop both continue to attend and grow their martial art skills.

Today in this post, we’ll take a look at 10 reasons why you should think about trying martial arts with your kids.

  1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
    • Martial arts is more than just learning self-defense. It is also about the personal growth that comes with pushing the limits of your body and mind. Over time, the confidence you build from mastering technique and pushing your body’s limits translates into greater self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth. I have seen both of my kids grow in confidence and self-esteem since starting martial arts.
  2. Fosters Mental Development
    • Martial arts is not only a great physical workout, but it can also foster mental development. Mental development, such as discipline, awareness, and focus, are essential skills for life. With a strong mental development focus, martial arts can help your kids achieve their goals in life and realize their full potential, I know I can see how attending every week has helped both my children in this area.
  3. Teaches Discipline and Respect
    • Do you know what else martial arts has been good for? For my kids the instructors teach things such as discipline, respect, and self-control. As a mom we all know discipline and respect are essential characteristics we want our children to have, but sometimes its easier said than done. Having another adult in your corner helping teach your children how to build stronger relationships with peers, family, and the world around them is just another added benefit to having your kids learn martial arts.
  4. Encourages Positive Attitude
    • I feel like martial arts is an excellent way to develop a positive outlook on life. When focusing and practicing martial arts its going to help your kids learn patience, focus and perseverance, which often leads to a positive attitude. It will have your kids staying in the present moment, instead of worrying about the future.
  5. Improves Coordination and Balance
    • What I love about martial arts is that your kids will not just be honing into physical fitness. They will also be improving their coordination and balance, too. Martial arts moves require you to move in sync with your breathing, focus your attention, and create a sense of internal harmony. Knowing that my kids are increasing dexterity, agility, and body awareness, which will help them in everyday activities, but to them it is just fun makes me smile as a mom.
  6. Strengthens Self-Defense Skills
    • The greatest benefit that martial arts grants for my kids is the ability to defend themselves. They are learning effective techniques and tactics, they will develop an understanding of how to more effectively protect themselves in dangerous situations. Knowing I am providing this opportunity for my kids slightly brings down my worry meter that seems to always going off.
  7. Provides a Fun Way to Exercise
    • Martial arts is an ideal form of exercise for both my kids who are different ages. The large number techniques and movements done in martial arts means it is fun for many ages, and you wont get bored since every class is different.
  8. Helps With Flexibility
    • The flexibility that comes with martial arts is one of the most underrated benefits of this activity. Whether you are looking to increase your reach during a kick or stretch out a sore muscle after a workout, the range of motion you gain from martial arts will help you achieve your goals. Learning specific techniques not only helps improve flexibility, but also teaches you how to move in a way that maximizes your reach and can help protect your joints against injury. Martial arts also works your body in ways that general stretching exercises can’t. By moving through different techniques, your body is able to stretch further while also strengthening the muscles and helping them stay flexible. As you gain more flexibility, you will find that activities that used to be difficult such as reaching to tie your shoes or doing a proper squat become much easier.
  9. Enhances Listening Skills
    • I believe that attending martial arts twice a week has enhanced my children’s ability to listen. They have to listen to their instructors and the techniques they are teaching them. We use the listening pose here in my home when I need both my kids to listen and focus on what I am saying.
  10. Fun and Engaging
    • Whether it’s learning a new form of self-defense, getting in shape, or developing strong focus and discipline, martial arts classes have something to offer for everyone. And the best part is that it’s fun too! Plus, it’s a great way for your kids to meet new people and make new friends. And for the parents to meet new parents while watching!

Martial arts can provide so many great benefits for children, from personal growth and development to physical and mental strength. Whether your child is shy, energetic, or somewhere in-between, martial arts classes can help boost self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment.


Best Karate Gear For At Home Fun

As soon as my kids got into Karate we quickly started getting our own gear to keep the fun going at home.


Being Proud of Your Accomplishments

A memorable and classic way to show off martial arts belts is to hang them on a wall in a display. You can lay them out in ascending order of color, with the lowest ranks on the left and the highest ranks on the right, creating a visually striking and powerful representation of your achievements in martial arts. Not only that, but this will serve as a great source of motivation to keep pushing forward and striving to reach the next level. Additionally, the wall display is a great way to commemorate your hard work and dedication to the martial arts.

Both my kids have their belts displayed on their walls. We bought two different personalized ones right off Amazon so you can get something that really fits your child’s personality. Of course my son now going on year 4 in martial arts we had to buy a second display for him to hold all his years of experience. Soon my daughter will be ready for her second as well.

If you would like to see your child get the benefits of martial arts, why not contact your local martial arts school or club today? Signing your child up for martial arts classes could be the best decision you ever make for them. I know it was one of mine.

Enjoy every minute being a mom and continue to inspire your kids!

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Jodi Carlson is a mother of 2 children, wife, and a full time product owner at a large Insurance company. She is a mom just trying to juggle a full-time job with a family life. She shares countless tips and tricks of things she has experienced first hand with her kids. As she continues to guide and teach them to become caring, sensible and responsible human beings, all while working a full time job, maintaining a home and some how still allowing for some personal time and growth. Are you a Girl Scout Leader? Along with Mom Connecting Moms, she shares her 25+ years of Girl Scout experience over at Leader Connecting Leaders , there she shares ideas and resources to help leaders who are inspiring girl leaders of tomorrow plan their troop meetings. Check out Leader Connecting Leaders .