Wilf Staton

Kids Martial Arts

So you think your kids should learn a martial art? Do you know what it is involved or even if your child wants to or has the aptitude for it.

Some people think kids martial arts is tantamount to teaching kids aggression. This is not so, kids martial arts is a sport and as such teaches discipline as well in this ever-changing world, self defense.  Some of the possible positives of kids martial arts would be control of aggressiveness, instilling self-respect and self-control.

It is said that the reason that we have such nasty things happening, school shootings, rages and gang fights is because we no longer have things like national service where young men and women have to serve a time with our defence forces. It is also evident that kids and teenagers who do not participate in any type of sport also tend to lack self discipline and control hence get involved, unfettered drinking and drugs and violence. This is why I believe kids martial arts is just one of those sports that gears the child to positive discipline.

When deciding to have your child involved in kids martial arts it is important that you pick an appropriate kids martial arts academy that follows the strict meaning of the art. The major issue with children in the kids martial arts is the integrity and trustworthiness of the teacher and the school.

Remember that your child is still developing physically. The joints and connective tissues of children are more vulnerable to injury than those of adults. Keep this in mind when selecting a style and school for a child and discuss it with the instructor. Kids martial arts schools which allow aggressive joint locks to be applied to children or don’t train them to refrain from snapping/hyper-extending elbows on strikes and knees or kicks should be avoided.

There is no set age for a child to begin kids martial arts training. You as a parent are best suited to judge whether their child is ready to begin some form of kids martial arts training. Your child must be able to follow instructions and mimic actions that are shown to them. Generally the best age for a child to start kids martial arts training is between the ages of 5 to 10 years. This age range is because it is usually accepted that if a child is able to work in a school environment then they should be able to begin learning kids martial arts and the discipline that it entails.

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