Children's martial arts classes are an amazing way to improve the lives of the kids, their families and the communities. This is because of the values the martial arts impart to children. Those values includes the following:
COURAGE
The kind of courage that young people learn in martial arts is one that encompasses a certain spirit of bravery. It is not simply acting without fear, it is channeling an internal energy to act in spite of fear. Courage is a transferable skill that allows students to set goals, overcome challenges and attain success both in the dojo and in life.
RESPECT
One tenet of martial arts is respect. Children are taught to respect the masters who came before them, as well as their instructors, their peers and themselves. Quality martial arts instructors, focus on this value consistently, encouraging students to carry it with beyond the studio. Self-respect and respect those who are above and below them in status are essential character qualities that stick with kids throughout their lives.
LEADERSHIP
Some young people have inherent leadership qualities, while other develop them with proper mentorship and growth opportunities. The martial arts are a sport that encourages and stimulate young leads with chances to help lower-lever students reach their goals. With these skills, children can be empowered to make positive decisions and act as role models within their school, family and community.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is on of the most important martial arts values because it transfers to other aspects of a child's life. It goes beyond respect for authority and for those who dispense corrections and punishments. Rather, it focuses on self-discipline practices. In martial arts, discipline includes the ability to control one's emotions and short-term desires while working toward more meaningful long-term goals.
CONFIDENCE
When students work toward their goals and see themselves succeed, they begin to feel empowered with self-confidence. In this way, the martial arts teach chidren that hard work and focus can help them accomplish what they set our to do. Kids learn how to work with their own strengths and weaknesses and how to believe in their own abilities. They enjoy increased self-assurance, a quality that makes them more confident in other aspect of life.
FOCUS
The mental and physical challenges of martial arts training require attentive focus from students. This is important for correctly learning a technique and for properly channeling one's energy and strength. Like other martial arts values, focus is needed for success beyond the dojo, as well. When kids learn this skill in their martial arts class, they can begin to apply it homework, chores and personal goal-setting as they move into adulthood.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Like other sports, the martial arts keep students physically fit. They also learn to value the quality of being fit, as it becomes necessary for reaching their goals and maintaining the other moral values imparted within the dojo. Martial arts classes often include cardio workouts, strength training, relaxation drills and flexibility. Having a healthy body also tends to have a positive impact on other aspect of the child's life such as increased energy levels throughout the day, the ability to concentrate and production of endorphins needed for good moods and healthy social interactions.
These benefits of training will stay with a child far beyond their time in the dojo. While self-defense skills are one of the more tangible outcomes of the martial arts practice, positive morals contribute to lifelong character-building and the development of the soft skills needed for all-around success.
