It is quite rare to see a child on their own behalf wanting to pursue some form of martial art at a young age. You usually see one of the parents wanting to place their child into either Muay Thai, jujitsu, karate, and the list goes on. There are a number of reasons as to why a parent would want to place their kid into a seemingly "violent" sport.
1. A child is not focusing and paying attention in school or at home, and needs some type of discipline.
2. The child is shy and has no self confidence, and therefore he/she finds it hard to motivate themselves to complete tasks.
3. The child is being picked on at school, and simply needs a confidence booster as well as some knowledge in self defense. Every student has their own story as to why they were put into a martial arts setting, however some parents might be discouraged from placing their students into such an environment because of how "violent" It is. When kids start martial arts programs it prevents this notion.
I am here to tell you that ironically martial arts such as Karate and Muay Thai are some of the safest sports as opposed to Football or Soccer. You must immediately get rid of the notion that just because your child is involved in a sport where there are punches and kicks thrown doesn't mean it is more or less violent then say getting tackled in football or getting elbowed in basketball. Whether it is karate or kickboxing you are always being taught or practicing at around 10 percent never 100 percent. This ensures the child gains knowledge and knows how to apply it without hurting themselves or one another. As for the notion that pursuing martial arts will make a student more prone to violent activity, well let's just say it brings a smile to my face whenever I am asked this question. Once again you must look at this from a colorful prospective not from a black and white point of view. Studies have shown that students placed in karate are less eager to get into fights as well as do better in school. Why is this? This is because in basic martial arts programs, students from the get go are taught the values of respect, honor, self-control, and discipline.
Students everyday are taught as to why to avoid confrontation, yet are still fully capable of defending themselves if need be When you enroll your child into a martial arts class it becomes a place where students are forced to enter a place where structure is the key to success. That way when they enter the outside world whether it be school, middle school, college, or at home they are used to the idea of showing respect to parents, and having that structure in their life. This is why they excel in all aspects of life versus children not put in martial arts that are only used to TV, video games, toys, and basically living their life without limitations. It is sometimes not enough for the parents to discipline their children, sometimes it takes someone like an instructor to motivate them to work hard. Sports like soccer, tennis, and football are all good sports, but none of them have the mental game necessary like martial arts. In the end I firmly believe all children at some point of their life should be put in a martial art for an (x) amount of years that way they don't just know the meaning of respect they value it. Imagine if your child at the age of 6 valued good morals? He would not make mistakes in life, and would continue on the right path. This is ultimately what every parent wants from their child.
In the Richmond, Virginia area their are many facilities that offer that guidance such as Total Victory MMA & Crossfit, where you can join ongoing classes or even get one-on-one personalized training, to achieve a better fitness level and better quality of life.
David M. Womack
Coach Womack's Martial Arts Background:
Coach Womack currently teaches & trains at Total Victory MMA & CrossFit - Home of the 30 Day FREE Trial! 9562 Woodman Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
804-433-3572
http://www.totalvictorymma.com/crossfit-ricmond/
Great Stuff!!! I will join this martial arts classes for kids.
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