Virtually every parent out there, including myself, has considered having their child take a martial art. We have all seen old kung fu and karate movies along with the massive amount of marketing for kids’ martial arts, with the promise of enabling your child to stand up to bullies and have adequate self defense. As with most things worthwhile, there is no magic wand to make this happen for kids (or adults). However, there are loads of benefits for having your children train martial arts. Some of these benefits include:
- Building self confidence. Whether your child is taking martial arts for fun or for sport, having challenges (executing the right technique) or competing in a tournament, can help kids feel like they have accomplished a notable goal and overcome challenges.
- Self Defense/Anti bullying – As your child take more and more classes, there self defense awareness will grow. To be perfectly honest, there is no martial art that can prepare you or get you out of every dangerous situation, but the more you train, you chances of coming out unscathed improves.
- Being part of a team. Today’s kids have tons of activities that they take advantage of, such as band, sports team, school clubs, church groups etc. A martial arts program allows kids to hang out and bond with other kids, all trying to achieve a common goal of improvement.
- Having fun. If it isn’t fun, your kids won’t want to go.
- You kids will have a foundation to explore other martial arts in the future.
- Aftercare programs – If your child needs aftercare, martial arts classes are a great way to let off some steam after school while learning valuable skills.
If you are evaluating martial arts gyms/dojos look for:
- Great instructor(s). This is oftentimes more important than the style of martial arts. Having a great teacher keeps kids engaged while having fun.
- Style of martial art. This is an overwhelming decision that most parents must face before choosing a dojo. If self defense is your primary goal for you child, than look at programs like Kids Krav Maga. Krav Maga is based on the Israeli Special Forces self defense program that makes defending yourself as simple and as effective as possible. Other martial arts can accomplish this goal but usually focus on other aspects of martial arts. If your child wants to compete in martial arts look at more sport based styles such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, folkstyle or catch wrestling programs, karate, or kickboxing.
- Facility – Take a tour of the facility and make sure it is safe, clean, well lit, and welcoming.
- Pricing – make sure the pricing is simple and memberships have a clear and fair cancellation policy. If the gym is using hard sales pressure to get you to enroll, that is not a good sign.
Best of luck with you and your child’s martial arts journey!
FAQ
WHICH MARTIAL ART IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?
If self defense is your primary goal for you child, than look at programs like Kids Krav Maga. Krav Maga is based on the Israeli Special Forces self defense program that makes defending yourself as simple and as effective as possible. Other martial arts can accomplish this goal but usually focus on other aspects of martial arts. If your child wants to compete in martial arts look at more sport based styles such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, folkstyle or catch wrestling programs, karate, or kickboxing.
WHICH MARTIAL ART IS BEST FOR ANTI-BULLYING?
As your child take more and more classes, there self defense awareness will grow. To be perfectly honest, there is no martial art that can prepare you or get you out of every dangerous situation, but the more you train, you chances of coming out unscathed improves.
Is Krav Maga Safe For Kids?
Through Krav Maga training, children are taught how to recognize common threats such as bullies or adult predators. Our goal is to improve self-esteem, build confidence, respect, and discipline.
Is there an Aftercare Program for Krav Maga?
The Watchdog After School Care program is here to help busy parents find a safe, instructive and fun environment for kids immediately following the school day. You kids will play games, learn Krav Maga, and of course we will make sure they get a jump on their homework!
Is Krav Maga for boys or girls?
Watchdog Kids Krav Maga for all kids from 5-11, and is designed to help keep children safe from bullies, kidnappers, and other threats children face. Most importantly, Krav Maga builds confidence and self-respect within your child. We teach children how to avoid confrontation and the options that have in any given situation.
3 thoughts on “Kids in Martial Arts – 6 reasons to seriously consider it”
Wow, I never imagine that having a kid learn martial arts help them develop a variety of skills, such as knowing when to fight and having better self-esteem. My friend told me that his son has been bullied in school for some reason. I’ll go ahead and recommend this to him as a way to counter the bullying threat.
I loved how you mentioned that they can have self-defense awareness. My 7-year-old son was telling me last night about how he wants to take martial arts classes, and my husband and I want to make sure that we know the benefits it can provide for him. I really appreciate you helping me learn more about the benefits of martial arts for your kids!
I want to make sure that my kids know how to protect themselves. It makes sense that learning martial arts could be beneficial! I’ll make sure that I work with a professional to ensure that they get the right training.