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Top 5 reasons kids should practice martial arts
This article was written and published by TheDojoApp.com
1. It helps them make new friends
The bond between martial artists is stronger than most other sports. Martial arts are physical, and they require physical confrontation. When confronted with someone of similar size, strength, and skill, students develop a sense of respect for one another. They realize they are capable, and so are others. Out of healthy respect for themselves and others, long-lasting and rewarding relationships develop.
2. They will learn better human relation skills
During martial arts training, students need to learn the concept of physical space, how physical contact is both an invasion and invasive. The sport literally and figuratively breaks down barriers. Students will confront people of all types and abilities during martial arts training. This kind of exposure helps to prepare them for a dynamic and diverse social environment.
3. They learn new coping skills
Your kids deal with a world unlike anything we’ve seen before. The pressures of a social network, expectations, and a world full of need and change are overwhelming for children with no experience to handle it.
Martial arts are an outlet. Their physicality trains physical fitness, which balances the body physiologically and emotionally. But it also emboldens kids with a warrior’s mentality of gratitude, humility, respect, and self-confidence.
The world is full of confrontation. We’ll teach your kids how to thrive with it.
4. They develop better focus and concentration
Practicing martial arts requires patience and persistence. Not everyone is at the same level of skill, but kids need to know that they can change and grow. A body is the one thing that everyone has that they can always improve. When you show kids that they can get better when they focus on improving their strengths and weaknesses, you provide them with hope that their dreams are possible.
The rewards carry over into every aspect of their lives, like better studying and better behavior at school.
5. They develop better respect for authorities
In martial arts, as in life, there is always a teacher and a student, and nothing can replace the value of mentorship. Martial arts, more so than other activities, emphasize discipline and respect for authority.
Kids need to learn that they’ll go far on their own, but they’ll go the furthest with the help of others. A teacher’s wisdom is the most valuable kind of guidance. A martial arts teacher sets a standard that helps kids relate better to other figures of authority in their lives, like teachers and parents.
Helpful links
How to choose a martial arts school
What do the stripes on karate belts mean?
Martial arts has been proven to improve a person’s well-being
Learn what swim lessons and self-defense have in common
Swim lessons and self-defense may seem worlds apart. What does the breast stroke have to do with kicking and punching? AHA! The answer is nothing (that I can think of). I’m not talking about the specifics of each, rather, more of the reasons for each. And those reasons are fundamentally the same; to avoid getting into a bad situation OR what to do when you’re in a bad situation.
Swim lessons are like self-defense for water
If you have taken lessons or were taught how to swim, you have the skills to enjoy the water. You are not afraid to hold your breath and go under the water because you were taught how to do it safely. There is more to learn if you visit the ocean. Tides can pull you away from shore – something you won’t encounter in a swimming pool. You need to know how to get out of that situation ( swim parallel to the shore! ) so that you will not panic. Panic never leads to a positive outcome. Taking swim lessons does not mean you will be the next Michael Phelps. It simply means you participated in educating yourself to protect yourself from harm while in the water. This type of knowledge means you can enjoy yourself and have a healthy respect for water, not a stifling fear.
Self-defense class is like learning to swim on land
We know that 70% of Earth is covered in water. If my math is correct that leaves 30% of dry land. Most teens are required to take a driver’s education class before tesing for their license – I know I did. What I took away from that class was how to look for warning signs, like black ice in cold weather and slick roadways when it first starts to rain. I also was taught about ABS brakes and hydroplaning. Once again the basic theme is how to avoid being in a bad situation AND what to do if you find yourself in a bad situation.
Most likely if you ask someone if they took swim lessons the answer is “Yes.” You will probably get the same answer if you ask if he or she has taken driver’s ed. Ask someone if they have ever taken a self-defense class and a large majority will answer with a negative. Of course there is usually at least one person who carries mace or pepper spray. That could be more dangerous than never having taken a real defense class!
Make self-defense as important as swim lessons
Enrolling in a self-defense class should be as important as swim lessons and driver’s education. A great class will teach the warning signs and how to avoid them. It will also include a physical component and will help you test your skills in a safe environment. You will learn about physiological changes when in an unsafe situation, and why some defensive techniques may be better than others.
There is really no one section of society that needs a self-defense class more than another. Everyone needs it. Make an effort to seek out a local self-defense class, workshop or seminar. It’s an important part of life’s curriculum!
SAVE THE DATE! FREE Women’s Self Defense Class
The next FREE Women’s Self Defense Class is March 21st, 2019 at The Bushido School of Karate in White Plains, N.Y. Sign-up for e-mails to be notified when registration begins. You’ll learn more than how to use your own weapons – don’t miss out!
Check out pictures of past Women’s Self-Defense Classes at Bushido Karate
Student Spotlight No. 30
The Bushido School of Karate is so appreciative of the students and families that are a part of our Bushido Karate family. We’ve had the pleasure of teaching for over 2 decades and in that time have been privileged to teach thousands of students. Everyone started at the beginning with no shortcuts, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. Our weekly Student Spotlight features randomly chosen students on their own journey at The Bushido School of Karate.
This week’s spotlight is on Xiadong!
Xiadong is 25 years old, is in graduate school and is currently a blue belt at Bushido Karate. She started karate classes in July 2018.
I know how to control my body well, which kind of gives me more freedom. I also have gained self-discipline.
– Xiadong
February 20, 2019
Student Spotlight No. 29
The Bushido School of Karate is so appreciative of the students and families that are a part of our Bushido Karate family. We’ve had the pleasure of teaching for over 2 decades and in that time have been privileged to teach thousands of students. Everyone started at the beginning with no shortcuts, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. Our weekly Student Spotlight features randomly chosen students on their own journey at The Bushido School of Karate.
This week’s spotlight is on Seckou!
Seckou is 15 years old, is in 10th grade and is currently a brown belt at Bushido Karate. He started karate classes in June 2014.
I feel like I am always learning and growing; I always look forward to classes.” -Seckou
I did significant research before I selected a karate school for my Godson, Seckou. I was very impressed with The Bushido School of Karate. In addition to learning valuable self-defense they emphasize training the whole person, mentally and emotionally. Thanks to Shihan, Senseis and Sempais, Seckou has obtained skills which will last him a lifetime and become a fine young man.”
-Seckou’s Godmother, Marie
February 5, 2019
The facts about self-defense
This is a topic I’ve wanted to address for some time. Specifically women’s self-defense, since this is where much of the marketing dollars are spent. Millions are spent on development and production, marketing and advertising, all aimed at one demographic: women!
Pepper spray, claws and sirens OH MY!
These all sound like a sure-fire way to defend yourself. Just have that tiny can of pepper spray in your hand AT ALL TIMES and spray exactly in the intended area. Or wear those claws on your knuckles AT ALL TIMES so that you can easily become a tigress defending her cubs. Sirens are great if you are expecting people to come help you, no matter where you are. Oh, and you need to carry it AT ALL TIMES
“The Art of Umbrella Self-Defense” also known as “Mary Poppins Save My A#@!”
I’ve taught dozens of Women’s Self-Defense Classes and every time I ask if anyone has taken a self-defense class previously. The very large majority are “No”‘s (!!) with a few “Yes”‘s now and then. And a lot of time those yes answers included being taught to use any object close to you as a weapon. Hearing that really makes me cringe. It’s a disservice. The sad fact is that many times your purchased self-defense weapons – like sprays and devices – or objects you randomly pick up are used against you.
The weapons you have everyday
In our karate* school we begin to add weapons training to our curriculum for Intermediate level students. Most have been training consistenly for 12 to 18 months before we allow them to even touch a weapon. The reason is very simple: they first have to get used to their own weapons – brain, hands, feet, legs, etc etc – before they can learn more. The use of weapons is to be used as an extension of our own weapons.
*Yes, I know, karate means “empty hand”. Our students learn and practice “empty hand” techniques, like, forever!
Women’s Self Defense Class
The next FREE Women’s Self Defense Class is March 21st, 2019 at The Bushido School of Karate in White Plains, N.Y. Sign-up for e-mails to be notified when registration begins. You’ll learn more than how to use your own weapons – don’t miss out!
