Top 5 reasons to enroll your child in martial arts

Martial arts combines discipline with physical fitness but there are many other reasons to register your child for martial arts classes.

Childhood obesity
Childhood obesity rates are climbing and more and more children are spending 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, balance, strength, and overall energy levels.

Life skills
Another popular reason for enrolling children in martial arts is to develop life skills. These skills include discipline, self-control, patience, confidence and courage to name a few. The idea with this classes and this motivation is to reinforce what is already being taught at home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for really driving home the points you make at home in a very real way.

Self defense
Self-defense is the most obvious reason that should come to mind when considering enrolling your child in the martial arts. The focus of a good children’s martial arts class, while still teaching self-defense 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 to respect others as well as your own power, but also the bullied, by teaching how to calm a situation or defend oneself if need be.

Behaviour issues
Many parents turn to martial arts when their children are acting out in school or at home. This is tied into life skills but is also very outcome specific. These parents are looking for help improving their child’s attention span, respect, demeanour and self control. The structure of many martial arts classes can greatly aid in these areas, however, results can vary and depend on the relationship between the child and the instructor. If the instructor can effectively communicate with the child, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, consistent, then the child can get a lot out of martial arts training.

Safe after school activities
Many parents are simply seeking a safe, wholesome, useful activity for their child, something to occupy their time. These parents don’t want their child at home after school and want them to get involved in something that makes the set and follow through on goals. Martial arts training will certainly help in that respect. A good martial arts school can become a second home for children. The relationships built between classmates and their instructors can last a lifetime and have a huge, positive impact on a child’s life.

Whatever reasons you have for enrolling your child in martial arts classes, be sure to discuss your goals with your child and come to an understanding that will make both of you happy. A one-sided arrangement in something with such a large investment of time, energy and money will not work to anyone’s benefit.
For more information, visit the Harmony Centre at 1095 Kingston Road at Dixie and Hwy #2 in Pickering. Or check out their website at www.theharmonycenter.ca or call (905) 839-3488.