Martial Arts
Country Child speaks to two martial arts academies and discovers the many hidden benefits to learning these disciplined arts.
Martial Arts is a fantastic pursuit for both adults and children. It is also well documented that Martial Arts has a positive effect on individuals suffering from the following challenges: • Poor confidence and self esteem • Lack of fitness • Lack of social skill development • Poor mental well being • Obesity • Lack of motivation, drive and will power • Victim of mental or physical abuse • Illness and injury recovery and rehabilitation • Living with mental health conditions to include Dyslexia, Dyspraxia ADD, ADHD,Autism and Aspergers
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while developing skills in Martial Arts. As children get older classes should meet age specific needs, develop core skills and work on building a ‘Black Belt Attitude’ both in and out of the dojo. It is fascinating how many positive comments are received from parents about how their child is the only one in their class who is carrying their own school bag instead of their parents or how their children have been praised at school for supporting other, less confident children as a result of conversations, activities and tasks in their Martial Arts class. Children grow and become more physically capable and health and fitness are further developed as children learn how to fine tune and enhance their motor skills whilst gaining understanding of their Martial Arts movements."
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As Martial Arts coaches, on any given week we have the privilege of hearing the most exciting thing about a four-year-olds day, listening about university options or college timetables with teenagers, helping children and young adults with emotional issues. In any given day we have the chance to develop skills that far exceed those of kicking and punching.We have talks about manners, about supporting communities.We teach children how to stay safe, about stranger danger and give them techniques to deal with getting lost, being approached by strangers or how to effectively deal with the bully in the playground.We develop physical skills, social skills, discipline and confidence while ensuring our members have fun, make friends and develop physically, emotionally and socially.
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andi Miles of Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy explains, "Martial arts classes are not about creating a mini Bruce Lee, they are about supporting children to become healthy, well rounded individuals with self-discipline and respect for others in a fun and supportive environment, while learning and developing the physical and intellectual skills involved. Common feedback is not that ‘Freddie’ can do a tremendous Kata or roundhouse kick, it is that ‘Freddie’ has increased in confidence or that ’Sarah’ has had a massive improvement with her behaviour. Martial Arts classes are not about creating fighters, they are about creating well rounded members of society who can defend themselves and others if need be. From families who want their child off the Xbox to those who regularly attend squad sessions and competitions, there is an ongoing enhancement to life that comes about as a result of taking part in Martial Arts classes. Classes for children of all ages (the grown-ups too) should be developed to bring out the best in each age group. ‘One size fits all’ doesn’t work in life or in martial arts. In a good club, younger children have structured sessions that develop core areas such as balance, coordination, discipline, fitness, team work, memory, focus and control. These are embedded within games and focussed activities and often give the children a take home thought, action or activity. Mat chats look at how to show manners, stay safe, help parents or be a good friend and activities can include things like creating a list of five good deeds you have done to share with the class. Successes will be celebrated and coaches should support positive development all
