12 Benefits of Martial Arts For Kids

Despite its massive growth during the past three decades, there are still many parents hesitant to enroll their children in a martial arts program. Fear of injury, hand-to-hand combat and strict discipline prevent them from enrolling their kids in schools like American Karate institute that actually spends more time teaching life skills than they do on sparring.

In fact, practicing martial arts has numerous benefits for children that go far beyond self defense and fitness. Here are the twelve key benefits of Martial Arts for Kids.

Learn respect

In the Dojo, young students learn to bow to their sensei and to their opponents. Respect is instilled from the very first lesson in AKI.

Instill discipline

Overcoming obstacles and achieving the unthinkable requires extreme self-control and the ability to focus on the long-term.

Build confidence

Progressing through ranks and achieving mental, physical and emotional growth builds confidence in children of all ages.

Focus & attention span

Martial arts teaches proper breathing techniques and state of awareness that hones focus in even the most hyper-active children.

Self defense & personal safety

Bullying awareness and defense against predators empowers children and can even save lives.

Deal with anxiety & stress

Effective breathing techniques, structure, focus and improved concentration allow young martial arts students to calmly deal with stress.

Teamwork & social skills

Training as a team and participating in team-based curricular activities help build character and essential social skills in children

Health & fitness

Developing as a martial artist requires dedication to fitness. It is an effective way to combat obesity and encourage healthy eating.

Conflict resolution

While it may seem counter-intuitive, most martial arts teach children how to resolve conflicts without resulting to violence.

Balance & posture

Poor balance and posture can lead to cramped organs and other unhealthy developments. Focus on these areas also improves fighting technique.

Coordination

Focusing on body awareness and breathing helps develop coordination allowing children to excel in many other activities

Memorizaiton

The memory and retention drills students go through develop memorization that benefit children in school and in their day-to-day life.

Contact American Karate Institute for a Free Trial Class

At the American Karate Institute, we teach a way of life. Our Miami martial arts school and MMA Classes has developed a well thought out curriculum that teaches more than just the art of self-defense. We delve deep into our students’ technique, skill set, intelligence, intuition and overall physical fitness. Contact us today if you’re interested in mixed martial arts and self-defense classes and schedule your free-trial class!