The Martial Arts Advantage

If your only exposure to martial arts is from watching The Karate Kid when you were in junior high, you probably don’t have a full appreciation for martial arts and its benefits. Studying martial arts is not just learning to kick and punch. Rather, studying martial arts teaches students discipline, self-control, focus, and develops physical and mental abilities.

The standard definition of “martial arts” includes a number of fighting disciplines that are studied and practiced for the purpose of combat, self-defense and sport, as well as for mental and spiritual development. Most martial arts can be practiced by people of all ages. Drew Leopard, head instructor at Tiger Rock Academy (tae kwon do) in Olathe, says, “Students can start learning martial arts at any age. Whatever age and time of year they start, we insert them into the appropriate class with ease.”

You may be wondering why you would want to sign up your child for a class that is going to teach them to hit and kick…won’t it make them more violent? It’s a concern that is shared by many parents when they are considering martial arts. Master Daniel Doering of FastKick Martial

Arts and Sport

Taekwondo states, “Parents of students in a quality martial arts program truly understand that the kicking and punching that is taught is only part of the experience. The true power of the martial arts is in the transformation that takes place as children become more respectful, disciplined & confident. This all translates into better students at school and improved grades.” Below you will see just some of the things your child can learn in a martial arts class.

Discipline and Focus

Most forms of martial arts teach discipline and require great amounts of focus. That discipline and focus can carry over to other areas of a child’s life. Paivi Giannios, an Olathe mom, has seen positive results since her son began martial arts. She says, “I believe tae kwon do has helped him outside the class…the central tenets, such as self-control, perseverance, courtesy, integrity and courage, are handy concepts to refer to in our everyday life—I frequently ask him if he thinks that he behaved according to the tenets. That is a nice way to have him analyze his own behavior, and it makes him more responsible for his own behavior and actions.”

Respect

According to AKKA Karate in Independence, “Because a structure of respect is built into the martial arts, children develop the ability to listen, learn and achieve within a highly regulated and safe environment. This proves to be an excellent reinforcement of study techniques for school.” Learning to respect the instructors and your fellow students, as well as all human beings, is a central teaching in many martial arts. Andrea Doll from Lawrence says of her son’s tae kwon do classes, “Collin loves [it]. His instructor really focuses on respect...He has to report a good deed for every class!”

Self Esteem

With their focus on personal accomplishment and competition, martial arts are a great way to build a child’s self esteem. As Drew Leopard, Head Instructor with Tiger Rock Tae Kwon Do explains, “We not only try to build self esteem by catching students doing tasks correctly, self esteem is also built by our belt and stripes system that the students earn. We follow a praise, correct, praise method with the discipline, which creates success with the students!”

“Megan did her first test last week where she had to break a board. She talked about it for weeks leading up the test and then she broke it on her first try and she was so proud of herself!” mom Alison Crane says of her daughter’s tae kwon do experience. “She's one of the shortest and smallest kids in her grade, and I'm glad she's found something that makes her feel strong.”

Physical Coordination/Fitness

Kids who learn martial arts are participating in a fun physical activity that gets them up and moving. They not only become more physically fit, but they also can become more coordinated and have opportunities to compete against other kids in tournaments, just like in other sports. Drew Leopard began studying martial arts at the age of 7 and says that one of his favorite aspects of tae kwon do is the competitions that he still participates in 15 years later. Martial arts can be a life-long activity that promotes physical fitness and agility.

If you have been considering martial arts for your child, spend some time reasearching local martial arts schools and give it a try! Most companies offer a trial period so your child can test out whether the activity is something he or she will like. You may find that your children not only learn some cool kicks and punches, but also life skills that will stick with them forever! As Mr. Myagi says in The Karate Kid, “Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better.”

Tae Kwon Do

Tae kwon do is a Korean martial art that is 2,000 years old. It is a strong system of blocking, striking, rounded and straight lined techniques. It is the most widely practiced martial art in the world.

Karate

Karate originated in Japan and is a martial art of unarmed self-defense in which one strikes an opponent with the hands, arms or feet from a poised position. Focus is on striking the opponent rather than wrestling or grappling.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese art that involves powerful blocks from a low stance and fluid movements. Many of the movements are derived from the fighting styles of animals such as the snake.

Judo

Developed in Japan, Judo focuses on defeating an opponent by grappling, throwing them down, and also using strangle or choke holds. It compares more closely to wrestling rather than to boxing.

Kick Boxing

Kick boxing was developed in the United States in the 1970s and is similar to karate, with more full contact kicks and punches.

In addition to martial arts, many other activities offer enrichment opportunities for your child. 

Visual Arts

• Stimulates and develops the imagination and critical thinking, and refines cognitive and creative skills.
• Has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and has proven to help level the "learning field" across socio-economic boundaries. 
• Strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success. 
• Develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance and goal-setting—skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 
• Teaches children life skills such as developing an informed perception; articulating a vision; learning to solve problems and make decisions; building self-confidence and self-discipline; developing the ability to imagine what might be; and accepting responsibility to complete tasks from start to finish. 
• Nurtures important values, including team-building skills and respecting alternative viewpoints.

Source: Americans for the Arts, 2002Dance

• Helps with spatial awareness. Dance lessons allow children to learn how to move more smoothly through his or her environment. Overall coordination can benefit them greatly in many other activities, including sports.
• Teaches social skills. Most dance studios arrange classes by age group, so children learn dancing along with others their own age. 
• Develops students’ abilities to perform under pressure, in front of an audience. This lesson can definitely be expanded as the child grows up and will help build the confidence needed when he or she makes presentations later in life.
• Prepares children for other athletic activities by keeping their muscles active. This activity can be seen as a year-round conditioning for seasonal sports such as football, soccer or basketball. Professional athletes often take dancing in the off season to keep their muscles trained.
• Allows many children to gain self confidence that they are otherwise lacking. Through dance, a child can learn new ways to express himself or herself.

Source HealthHow.net

Sports

• Helps keep your child healthy and prevent obesity. Children who play sports regularly are getting an aerobic workout, which has numerous health benefits, including strengthening of the immune system and heart, making blood flow more efficient and releasing endorphins, a brain chemical that can lessen depression and anxiety.
• Develops social skills. Young children are still learning appropriate social interactions like sharing, taking turns and managing disappointments. Being on a sports team can encourage the development of all of these social skills. Older children will have the benefit of making friends with similar interests who are equally committed to their team. 
• Has a positive effect on your child's self-esteem. Your child will learn to use his strengths and discover that hard work can pay off in a big win. Equally, your child will learn how to appropriately cope with loss and disappointment, 
• Improves academics. According to a 2009 study by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, high school students who participate in team sports perform better in standardized tests, have a higher graduation rate and higher overall GPAs.

Source Livestrong.com

Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her family. Special thanks to Drew Leopard of Tiger Rock TaeKwonDo in Olathe!