ZANSHIN FITNESS

Martial Arts, when taught properly by trained and professional instructors can teach life skills such as listening, concentration and self control that will give your child an advantage both at home and at school over other children that haven’t been taught these skills.

One example is physical fitness. Just as with adults, one of the most common reasons for enrolling a child into martial arts class is fitness. Childhood obesity rates are climbing, and more and more children are spending a lot more time in front of the television, playing video games and using a computer. However, even among more active children, martial arts is still attractive since it is seen as a very good source of exercise that also teaches skills. Martial arts can help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination, balance, strength and overall energy levels.

Another popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop “life skills“. These skills include discipline, self control, patience, confidence, courage etc. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to really drive home the points you make at home in a very real way.

Self defence is the most obvious reason that should come to mind when considering enrolling a child into martial arts. The focus of a good children’s martial arts class, while still teaching self defence movements, should be on conflict resolution, personal responsibility and avoidance. In that respect, attending a good martial arts class would benefit both the bully by teaching respect for others and self, and the bullied by teaching how to calm a situation or defend oneself if need be.

Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children have behavioral issues, such as acting out in school and at home. This is tied to the life skills reason, but is very specific in what the desired outcome is. These parents are looking for help to attention span, respect, demeanour and self control. An instructor should have good communication skills, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, is very consistent. The child can then really get a lot out of martial arts training.

Parents may also be looking for a safe, wholesome, useful after school activity for their child to occupy some of their free time. These parents don’t want their child to sit at home all evening, but want them to get involved in something that makes them set goals follow them through. Martial arts training will certainly help on that respect. The relationships built between classmates and with an instructor can last a lifetime and have a huge and positive impact on a child’s life.