2 minute read
How Children Benefit from Martial Arts Training
by Expert Contributor Lou Marvil, Owner of Level Up Black Belt Academy
When many people think of Martial Arts, they envision the action scenes from movies and TV, the violence of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitions, or perhaps a means of self-protection. The media has popularized those impressions, but under the surface, Martial Arts training provides many outstanding benefits, especially for children. By learning Martial Arts from a reputable instructor and studio that specializes in children’s instruction, the following benefits will permeate all areas of a child’s life:
Fitness
Keeping kids healthy and fit requires that they’re frequently active and moving. Martial Arts classes provide physical training that will increase each student’s strength, endurance and flexibility. These important physical attributes are typically required for anyone to perform well in any sport. Martial Arts, which promotes heart health, is also a fantastic way to get kids off the couch — and off their electronic devices!
Self-Confidence
This valuable character trait is gained by accomplishing small goals that combine to accomplish a long-term goal. If children are to take on bigger challenges, they must experience the powerful feeling of success that comes from mastering smaller challenges. Each small success serves as a stepping stone that eventually develops into massive self-confidence. The Martial Arts curriculum is designed to allow beginner students to experience success, and then the challenge increases after each new rank is earned. Martial Arts will provide a student with 12 belt advancements, from white belt through black belt, that serve as these successes.
Concentration
This is a key part of Martial Arts training that benefits every aspect of a child’s life. If kids are expected to focus or concentrate at school and home, Martial Arts can help them learn the 3 Rules of Concentration:
1. Focus Your Eyes: When someone is speaking, maintain eye contact with them to show you are listening.
2. Focus Your Mind: Think about what is being said and how it applies to you and how you are going to use the information.
3. Focus Your Body: Keep your body still and under control.
These same principles can be applied to every area of life. For example, a child playing baseball needs to keep their eyes on the ball, think about what they are going to do with the ball, and then have their body execute the catch, throw or swing with accuracy.
Martial Arts training is one of the most beneficial things you will ever do for your child. Achieving one’s black belt is a highly revered accomplishment on a college application or a job resume. As you check out the Martial Arts schools in your area, speak with the instructor and also with parents whose children study there. If a school will not allow you to do those things, move on.
Expert Contributor Lou Marvil, Owner of Level Up Black Belt Academy
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