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Confidence and Martial Arts

April 16, 2020 | 0 Comment(s)

Confidence and Martial Arts

Martial arts are crucial for those who want to obtain confidence. If you want your child to develop not only a strong and flexible body, but also a strong spirit, it is the right choice for them to master a martial art. This training will provide them with holistic mind development, with a strong character, and the right vision of the world.

Mastering a martial art will impact every aspect of a person’s life. It cannot only save them from street attacks and bullies in school, but it also instills good inner qualities and boosts self-esteem. There are numerous ways with which martial arts have an influence on various spheres of a person’s life.

  1. A strong, firm body boost a child’s confidence

While practicing a martial art, a child becomes stronger and more masculine. If you look at different 15-16 year old boys, you will notice that they differ from each other with their appearance. Some boys look like they are still kids, others look more like men. With their physical data, they can even use self-defense against adults.

No doubts that a person’s physical strength and appearance reflect on how they perceive themselves. It is not necessary for your child to fight everywhere to prove something to their classmates. Everyone will see their muscles, their confident behavior, and the absence of fear.

The point of martial arts is to give you an assurance that you have a plan for different situations. Thus, when someone talks to you with aggression, to test you, they will change their intentions when seeing your calm reaction. You will demonstrate calmness because of knowing that, at any time, you can disgrace the adversary with a strong hit, but you choose to act more generously.

We must also mention, that great appearance adds a bonus to a person’s attraction. When a person notices that more people like them, their mood is boosted and their self-esteem grows.

  1. Life lessons

While mastering a martial art, a person learns many things. For instance:

to respect more experienced seniors,

to work in a team,

to work with a pair,

not give up,

to accomplish tasks, and

to endure difficulties.

In this way, a child will better understand the world and will feel comfortable outside their home. Besides, when a child trains constantly, they become independent, because they know what they are doing. They can easily go to the courtyard of the house and perform an exercise without being shy. In that manner, a child will always act independently when they need to accomplish their task.

For instance, they will bravely enter the office of their boss, when they are insured in the importance of their cause.

Martial art will help develop strategic thinking. Without a strategy, you can win competitors neither in sport, nor in life.

The next life lesson consists of a child’s ability to learn to be ready for someone attacking them. I’m talking about both physical and mental attacks. They will not fear danger after they meet it in the ring numerous times. Thus, they will properly see this world: it is dangerous, but you shouldn’t fear it.

  1. Socializing

A child becomes more interesting as a person. There will always be topics that they can support in a conversation. When a person understands that it depends on your skills and knowledge, whether you win or lose, they start to seek more erudition in that field. As a result, a person becomes more comprehensive in other directions of development. It happens when they have learned the value of knowledge.

A child that engaged in sport always has “additional” friends, aside from those that they will gain in school. In fact, their sport friends may happen to be closer to them because they share mutual interests. As a result, confidence will grow.

When a child is capable of protecting themselves, it is easy for them to practice small talk without any shyness. Even if they make a mistake, no one will punish them fiscally. In this way, they can practice speaking skills which will raise their socializing ability.

The same principle works when a person wants to go out somewhere. They are less fearful, and as a result, they will visit more places, companies, and parties. This way, they will gain more life experience.

  1. Philosophical views

Practicing martial art will inspire a child to believe in one’s self: that they capable of mastering anything if they really want it. It will also form their world view; they will learn to see themselves as good people that, nevertheless, can defend themselves from aggression.

When a person understands their responsibility for their actions, it means that they are growing up. When your child practices fighting in the ring, they will feel a subtle border where they have the moral right to apply their fighting skills and where it is forbidden.

Martial art teaches avoiding unnecessary aggression. However, when it is inevitable, it teaches you to give your best in fighting. Sometimes, a child doesn’t feel that they are right to hit their offender, or hit them strong enough. Proper combat mentoring explains where you need to be patient and humble, and where you need to show readiness to be militant like a lion.

But, what if you don’t see the ability to teach a proper philosophy in a particular coach? What if their students treat themselves aggressively towards those who are weaker during the workout session? Then, you should probably search for another coach.

Every parent that wishes their boy or girl to become braver and more confident, should find a good master of the art of combat. If your child is going to take their training seriously, soon you will see other people in them: more mindful and more fit for life. If you will not spare money now for their development, it will return to you in their lack of physical and mental health, successful future, and gratitude for showing them the way.

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Confidence and Martial Arts

March 27, 2020 | 0 Comment(s)

Martial Arts for Kids – Building Confidence and So Much More

Ask an adult raised in, say, the 80s and a child today what comes to mind when they hear the word “recreation” and you are likely to get two very different answers. The adult will tell tales of spending days outdoors from sunup to sundown playing with friends, riding bikes, or spending summer days at the beach or pool. You won’t hear much, if anything at all, about fun times spent indoors. Conversely, today’s kids will answer with days spent playing video games, watching their favorite TV shows, and scrolling through their preferred social media apps. There is very little physical activity unless it involves heading to the kitchen for a snack during commercial breaks.

In fact, children are moving less than ever these days. Unless they are involved in school sports or possibly a recreational team, they are not nearly as physical as the kids of decades past. Of course, it is easy to lay the blame on technology. However, it is hard to deny that our hectic schedules are enabling our kids to become lazier than ever before. The good news is that many parents are starting to recognize this and are trying to break from the trend. They want to give their kids something fun to focus on other than a screen but other than traditional sports teams, what else is there?

Martial arts can have a multitude of positive effects on a child. These classes offer training for not only the body, but the mind and soul as well. We want our children to be fit both physically and mentally for their whole lives, not just while they are playing sports during their school years. The ways that kids can benefit from this activity are vast, so let’s touch on a few changes you can expect to see in your child once they begin their training.

Bullies Will Think Twice About Messing With Your Kid

It’s no secret that bullying is a tremendous problem in our schools, on our playgrounds, and even online. A bully preys on someone that they perceive to be weak and defenseless. Kids that take martial arts classes are learning self defense as well as self-discipline. The discipline enables them to just ignore a bully and walk away but they will also know how to defend themselves if need be. A bully will detect that your child is not prey and look somewhere else to start a problem.

Self-Confidence that They Will Carry With Them Forever

Knowing that they can handle themselves in any situation will go a long way toward bolstering a kid’s self-confidence. It will give them the courage to stand up for themselves and others and to speak their minds. Instilling this kind of confidence in a child at an early age gives them an advantage heading into adulthood as they will already know how to carry themselves. They will also know how to interact with others respectfully, even if they have a difference of opinion.

They Won’t Become “Followers”

Many children, by no fault of their own, often find themselves becoming followers of a more dominate figure in their social circle. However, a child learning karate or judo for example, will be exposed to strong examples of leaders in the form of their instructors. They will use them as a model to follow when they encounter a group that is missing leadership. Kids also learn the significance of teamwork and the importance of team leadership, which will serve them well in adulthood.

Learning How to Fail is as Important as Learning to Succeed

Most children are inherently shy. They are afraid of looking foolish in front of their friends or people that they hold in high esteem. Learning confidence through martial training will help to alleviate this fear. Their instructors will impart to them that perfection is not the ultimate goal. They will learn that progress is far more important than always being perfect and that they will have to fail occasionally in order to succeed.

It’s a Fun Workout that Will Combat Obesity

Kids today are battling excess weight more than any generation before them. Combine an increase in fast food intake with a decrease in daily activity and the result can be devastating to a child’s self esteem. Obesity opens a child up to bullying as well as an array of possible health issues. Martial training is a fantastic way to get a kid in shape and keep them that way. They will be burning calories while learning an important skill and having fun the whole time!

It Increases Focus and Mental Stamina

Focus is one of the seven skills that a child learns in martial training and it can benefit them far beyond the studio. A kid focused in the classroom is obviously going to do better than their peer who isn’t. As an adult in the workplace, the ability to focus on the task at hand is a very valuable skill. The mental stamina that is acquired during training helps a child become aware of their responsibilities and enables them to be disciplined.

Martial arts can do so much more for a child than teach them self defense. It bolsters confidence, which increases self esteem. A good class provides structure as well as a place for kids who are still growing into their bodies to learn coordination. It’s also a safe space for a child to chop and kick out their extra energy or frustration while figuring out how to do it with control. Learning how to listen to and respect others along with conflict resolution are also invaluable skills that will serve them well for their whole lives.

The sense of accomplishment that a child feels when they make progress is incomparable. The feeling of success, knowing that it came from setting goals and accomplishing them, is unparalleled. Taking off one belt and replacing it with one representing the next level can boost a kid’s morale like nothing else. It’s these moments that a child will carry with them forever as wonderful memories made while learning some of life’s greatest lessons.

 

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How Martial Arts Can Help Put An End To Bullying

February 8, 2019 | 0 Comment(s)

Bullying is something that is affecting children all over the world in schools every day. It is important as parents to be able to address this issue and find ways to put an end to this bully type activities. Martial arts can be a great way for bullies and victims to find common ground and end this problem that occurs on such a regular basis by building confidence and other great habits. Learning how martial arts can help put an end to bullying will give you the push you need to enroll your child today. 

Children will learn respect 

When children start to learn this sport, they will learn a great deal of respect. First, having to respect their teacher will give them a feeling of respect that they can take into schools. Also, learning about the power of martial arts will come with a respect for their new power that they need to harness and a whole new feeling of confidence. 

This sport teaches sportsmanship 

Many times bullies can develop within sports. When there are those who aren’t as naturally talented as other athletes, they can get bullied on and off the field. However, if these children have been involved in this sport, they will have a much stronger feeling of sportsmanship that they can use both on and off the field. Sports stars and those who sit on the bench will be able to be friends and push themselves towards a better understanding of each other. 

Responsibility is learned with this sport 

Being responsible is something that needs to be a part of someone’s character if they want to master this sport. Starting to bully someone is just about one of the most irresponsible things that a child can do. When this sport is a part of a child’s life, they will feel the weight of responsibility on their shoulders. Being a bully is just something that will not feel like a responsible thing to do. 

Positivity is huge in this sport 

Negativity and being a bully go hand in hand. If you are feeling negative about yourself or your life, you are going to have a much easier time being a bully to others. You will want to push your insecurities off onto others and take the spotlight off of your own negativity. However, if you are practicing this sport, you will be able to feel much more positive about your life. The more positive that you are feeling, the less like you are to go off and be a bully to people for no reason. 

Long lasting friendships are formed in this sport’s training groups 

Bullies usually pick on others because they do not have a strong friend group. When you feel like you are alone, there is nothing to lose. When you have nothing to lose, you don’t care about your reputation being damaged by being a bully. However, when children are taking part in this sport, they will have the friend group needed to feel like they are loved and accepted. These friendships will keep the development of bullies down on both ends. Bullies will also feel like they do not want to pick on those who have friends to stick up for them. 

No one wants to bully a someone who is a master in this sport 

When there is a bully looking for his or her next victim, they usually look for someone who is an easy target. The weaker individuals are the ones who are going to be bullied first. Knowing the basics of this sport is a sure fire way to have fewer bullies in your life. If you are able to learn the mastery of this sport, you will be much less of a target in your life. No one wants to bully a master of this sport. If your child advertises that they are a black belt, they are usually not going to be picked on in the halls at school. 

Bullies will back down when they see the confident body language of someone who has mastered this sport 

Children who practice this sport on a regular basis are going to have a much stronger and more confident body posture. This body language makes it easy for bullies to see that this is someone they shouldn’t mess with. The more your child takes part in this sport, the stronger they will appear physically with their body language. 

This sport will help make it easier for kids to stand up for themselves 

When it comes down to it, there might be times where kids need to actually stand up for themselves in a serious situation. While this is the last thing that you want to have happen, this sport will give your child the skills they need to defend themselves in a violent situation. 

Discipline is learned with this sport 

Discipline is a habit and skill that can be used all throughout life. The great thing about discipline is it will show potential bullies that this activity goes against any type of self-discipline. They will instead be able to push these mean feelings out by disciplining themselves to think more positively and be more kind. 

Children who do this sport are more social 

Karate classes teach children to be more social with each other. Anti-social behaviors are usually the ones that push kids to be bullies. This sport will make it easier for your child to learn the art of making friends. This will give them the ability to push towards friendships and lead them far away from the thoughts of starting to bully. 

Happiness is normal with kids who study this sport 

Bullying usually only happens when the bully is feeling very unhappy in their own life. This sport helps children to feel happier and have something to look forward to each week. When your child is happier, the thought of being a bully just won’t pop into their mind at all. 

Throwing this sport into the mix will give your child a fun way to push themselves towards worthy goals and strong friendships. This activity will push the thought of being a bully out of the minds of children that may have been more inclined to these activities in the past. With the ability to learn a great skill, form strong friendships, and set great habits, karate is a skill that could benefit just about any child.

How The Martial Arts Benefit A Child’s Self-Discipline?

January 31, 2019 | 0 Comment(s)

Many people know that learning some form of martial arts could prove beneficial in helping someone improve their physique, grow stronger, provide a means of self-defense and stand up to bullying. However, what some may not realize is that participation in these crafts might also build their sense of discipline. 

This skill is important for everyone but can be of paramount importance to children. We invite you to read the following brief blog, which is intended to offer parents of young children several reasons why and how participation in the martial artistic endeavors could benefit young people during their athletic careers and throughout their lives. 

Focus

Mastering most martial artistic crafts require a significant degree of focus. Successful participation demands serious concentration regarding issues such as learning numerous skills and maneuvers, applying different athletic concepts and aligning the body and mind. To do so, one must not allow distractions to sway their attention. 

Control

Those who succeed in the martial artistic endeavors understand the importance of maintaining strict control of their thoughts and emotions. Martial artists are instructed to not be influenced by negative emotions such as anger or frustration. Detrimental feelings that first impact the mind can cause the body to react in adverse manners. 

Goal Setting

Martial artists do not become masters overnight. In most endeavors, a belt system determines the participant’s current skill level. Ascension up the belt ladder requires prospective masters to set realistic goals, identify the tenets that must be met to attain those goals and work towards achieving them. Such a commitment could permeate into other areas of a young person’s life as well. 

Commitment

Sometimes, young people (like most individuals) will encounter unexpected obstacles that might delay the ultimate achievement of a specific goal. Martial artists are taught to stay committed to a task. Commitment means staying the course despite experiencing pitfalls or not meeting one’s objectives as quickly as they had hoped. Young people learn that life does not always go according to plan. However, that does not mean goals and objectives will not eventually be reached. 

Sacrifice

When someone establishes a lofty goal, attaining such an achievement might take precedence over other aspects of their life. For example, setting out to become a black belt in karate might require years of adhering to a strict diet, devoting numerous hours to physical training regiments, enduring a certain degree of pain and missing out on more pleasing activities with friends and family. Young martial artists learn achievement requires sacrifice. 

Steady Improvement Over Instant Gratification

Today’s world is dominated by instant messages and quick communication. Moreover, the media has a tendency to focus on celebrities and wealthy individuals who seem to have “made it” overnight. In many instances, overnight success is quite rare. Attaining significant goals requires much hard work, focus, control, and sacrifice. Many martial arts instructors stress the importance of understanding that the desire is the best or reach the top are admirable aims but improving from where one was yesterday is more important. 

Adherence To Rules

Martial artistic endeavors are governed by specific rules regarding how contests are scored but additionally mandating how participants are expected to conduct themselves while engaging in said activity. Understanding and respecting the importance of regulations may also teach your child to respect the governing principles of academic and professional institutions. 

Respect For Teachers

The teacher is a revered position in the martial artistic endeavors. Said individuals not only provide instruction on the specific craft but instill the values that make said activities worth partaking in. Instructors command demand respect. The admiration your children could learn from their martial arts instructor could lead them to understand the importance of displaying respect and obedience to other adults such as parents, relatives, and school teachers. 

Self-Confidence

Partaking in a martial arts discipline will likely improve your child’s physique and make said individual stronger. Such attributes could build a child’s self-confidence. However, the lessons learned might also boost their self-esteem. Young martial artists often gain the ability to solve problems, handle social issues like bullying and maintain control to avoid potentially detrimental circumstances. 

Leading A Disciplined Lifestyle

Young martial artists may apply the lessons learned in the gym to other areas of their lives. Said individuals might decide to follow a healthy diet, avoid potentially harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, refrain from partaking in reckless behavior and focus on important tasks like schoolwork and community involvement. 

What Type Of Martial Art Is Best For Your Child?

While many disciplines (such as karate, judo, and taekwondo) share certain similarities, each one also possesses certain individual qualities. Several factors might play into this decision including the child’s age, size, current athletic ability and intended reasons for participating. 

Many geographical regions will offer numerous gyms or dojos specializing in one specific craft or another. Parents are advised to research said institutions and speak with instructors to gain an idea of what the classes entail.

Martial Arts and Confidence

January 24, 2019 | 0 Comment(s)

There are so many benefits for children who participate in martial arts. This includes things like setting goals for themselves, learn to focus, learn to not only respect themselves but their peers as well, and giving their self-confidence a boost. 

As parents, we all want our children to have self-confidence as they go about their daily routines. Having that confidence allows them to be leaders instead of followers, to raise their hands in class and answer questions, and participate in society. 

While some of us are born with this sort of assurance oozing out of our pores, it does not come so easily to others. Sometimes new things can be downright scary and for those children, a little push out the door may be helpful. The more new things you try, the more you succeed at, and the higher your self-confidence becomes. 

You may be thinking that a class will cause your child to become more aggressive, but in truth, the teachers work to show students the importance of respect and how to give it to those around them, not only toward adults but to their peers as well. This means that not only will your child learn how to show respect, but they will see what it is like to have that same respect given back to them by their peers, which can do wonders in an of itself to decrease a child’s poor self-image and boost confidence. 

So what is it about martial arts that really helps to give kids the self-esteem they need to succeed throughout their lives? 

Structure 

All kids thrive on structure. They are happiest when they know what to expect. When something is going to begin or end, where to go, and what is going to happen. Knowing what to expect can help reduce any anxiety or fear children may be having about the situation, instead of helping them to feel ready to succeed. 

Offering a Safe Environment to Experience Failure 

Think about it. When you try something new and are not that good at it, would you want someone telling you negative comments, or pushing you to try again? Martial arts helps to create a positive environment for children to gain the courage they need to continue to try new things and become successful in everything they do while being firm about their expectations at the same time. 

When children fail at something, parents and teachers can help by continuing to be positive, take a closer look at what happened, and to help the child think of a new way to try the activity so that they may be more successful the next time. 

Be Firm 

Sometimes children develop irrational fears about something when it is new and unknown to them. As parents and teachers, we can help to reduce that feeling by pushing the child to finish an activity while remaining by their side as they try. Sometimes an activity must be accomplished, and there is not an option to quit, like going to school. A child may have a fear of going to school for the first time, but as parents, we do not give in to that fear and let the child stay home. Instead, you offer your child a bit of firm support, insisting that she go to school while at the same time remaining positive about what the experience will be like. 

Progress is What is Important 

While setting goals and working toward them is important, it is also important that children do not simply expect to have instant results for the things they try. Instead, giving importance to each step along the way will offer your child more determination as they no longer feel like a failure for not completing an activity fast enough. 

Offering a Role Model 

Children thrive when they have others around them who are positive, smile, are willing to try new things and offer support. Role models in this sport can be found not only in the teachers but in fellow students, who may be a little older than your child, or even the same age. 

Defense 

Bullying is an unfortunate problem across the world. With one out of every five children facing the issue every day, it is important that they build the self-esteem they need to stand up for themselves when necessary. 

While it is not the main focus of the class, the arts to teach children how to defend themselves when necessary. Violence will not be promoted, but just knowing they have the skills to stand up for themselves may give a child who is routinely the subject of attack for a bully the self-confidence they need to get through their day without being afraid. 

Size and Gender Do Not Matter 

The arts focus on teaching your child that it is hard work and perseverance that will lead them to success. Focusing on techniques that help smaller individuals come out on top will help to show your child that everyone has the ability to succeed, no matter their size or gender. 

All of these things help to boost assurance in children. Having the ability to think introspectively will, in turn, help your child to have more respect for himself as well as for others, no matter a person’s age, size, or gender, which is a great confidence booster. 

The same results can be accomplished in your own house. Take a closer look at your family routines and change them around so that your children always know what to expect. It is also important to reward your child when they are successful at something, which can be done simply with your love and support.

How Martial Arts Assist Children’s Growth and Help Them Learn How to Defend Themselves

January 18, 2019 | 0 Comment(s)

During my childhood, bullying was the primary thing holding me back in school, and I never wanted to attend school because of it. Schoolwork was incredibly easy compared to the constant verbal and physical assault from my peers and I often wished to be home-schooled. Looking back, I really wish I could’ve had more confidence and assertiveness in dealing with my bullies, I eventually did develop those traits, but teachers and counselors often didn’t offer enough to ever permanently solve my issues with bullying. The only thing that really ever solved the problem was learning martial arts and defending myself when bullies attacked. 

The first thing I should immediately state is that I have never truly believed that violence is the answer to any problem and that learning a martial art doesn’t promote that either. The importance of it is learning to defend yourself when danger or violence strikes you, not spread it to others. It also greatly helps in building a child’s confidence and promoting fitness in their life, it isn’t just about fighting and it certainly wasn’t that way for me. It felt like it was about learning a new way of life, learning how to respond instead of reacting and learning to protect myself both physically and emotionally. 

Martial arts aren’t just a physically good activity for a child though, it can also be incredibly social. When I attended my first class as a kid, I met new people, I realized that not everyone was bad or out to cause harm. It truly expanded my horizons and allowed me to become a much more social person as I grew up. I started having something to look forward to after school, whether it be practicing a new technique with friends or engaging in thrilling tournaments. I would talk enthusiastically with my parents at dinner about impressive new lessons my instructor taught and started finding friends with similar interests in school. It felt like the world was my oyster for the first time in my life and hopefully, your child would also experience that if they choose to practice a martial art. 

Now, I have spoken about the other benefits I experienced with learning a martial art, but in the end, I did learn it to help defend myself when I was attacked at school. I had quickly learned the essential lesson that teachers and other adults wouldn’t always be around to save me in these dangerous situations and that’s why I chose to learn it, so I could defend myself independently of others. This is something I look back on and actually find really interesting too, as I was an incredibly skinny kid that had a lot of trouble standing up to others. After practicing martial arts, I suddenly found myself being able to put bullies that were two times my size in submission holds and actually succeed in getting away from most fights uninjured. Even in the worst situations where I was at a significant disadvantage, I was able to subdue them until adults arrived and could break it up. Either way, bullies started to leave me alone, I was no longer an easy target and other peers with the same issues started to befriend and respect me. I didn’t loathe going to school anymore, it was now a place I wanted to go and without the confidence and techniques I learned from a martial art, I don’t think that change would have happened. 

I believe I have extensively discussed the benefits and how my world changed as a result of learning a martial art, but you may be asking, what specific techniques did I learn and what do I recommend? I personally learned Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that focuses on grappling your opponent and subduing them. It was founded based on the concept that a smaller person, young or old, can find success in defending themselves against stronger and heavier opponents. Its concept is applied through perfectly executing the techniques one would learn, correctly using leverage and taking fights to the ground to apply choke-holds and joint locks if it was absolutely necessary. Another benefit of Jiu-Jitsu specifically is that its sparring and live drills focus on sparring without hurting the other as it simply isn’t focused on that. Instead, it’s focused on successfully applying the technique and causing your opponent to tap out when it’s executed, meaning no one actually gets hurt. Now, I am not saying that Jiu-Jitsu is the only martial art your child could use for self-defense, as there are many others that can serve the same purpose. Just some of the others that I recommend are: 

  • Muay
    Thai
  • Krav
    Maga
  • FMA 
  • Aikido
  • Hapkido

All of these are viable options for learning how to defend yourself in potentially dangerous situations and although I personally use Jiu-Jitsu, I have seen others attain great success with the rest of these. Lastly, I just wanted to mention that these self-defense techniques that I have learned have lasted me a lifetime and have protected me in situations as an adult just as much as when I was a child; Because of this, you and/or your partner could consider learning a martial art with your child, it could be a great bonding experience after all. 

In conclusion, learning a martial art is something that changed my life as a kid and it could change your child’s life as well. It didn’t just allow me to defend myself, it also gave me self-esteem and made me a much more mature person in general. It helped me make new friends and connect more with family as well; I truly got a new lease on life. I personally learned and recommend Jiu Jitsu, but there are other styles that are great for self-defense and I have seen others achieve great success with them. Overall, I think that learning any martial art can help children defend themselves from bullying and help them grow as people.

Confidence and Martial Arts

December 20, 2018 | 0 Comment(s)

Were you confident as a kid? If not, then you most likely understand the struggle of having to always doubt and question yourself even when there is no reason to. If you were lucky to be a confident kid, then you definitely want the same for your kids. After all, self-confidence can lead to self-belief and self-compassion. All of these are important traits if you want your kid to progress in life. 
One way to boost a kid’s confidence is to enroll them for martial arts. Besides helping them to stay physically active, it can help to boost their confidence amongst other things. Here are some of the ways that martial arts can be helpful to a young kid. 

It Helps to Boost Focus

Focus leads to voluntary, organized, and independent actions. However, a kid that does not have focus will find it hard to make it in life. 
Various studies found engaging in a sports activity such as karate can help to improve focus. In karate especially, kids are presented with various physical puzzles, which they must solve in seconds. With time, this will teach them to make independent decisions, thus improving their focus and success throughout their life. 

Your Kid Will Lean That Life is About Progression

In karate, one moves from a novice until they one day hopefully achieve the highest level. This ranking system gives kids a sense of accomplishment. They learn that they have limits but with hard work and practice, these limits can be overcome. When this happens, it will help to boost their confidence. They will understand that even though they are low right now, it will not always be like that. In the future, through hard work and persistence, they can achieve the highest goal possible. 

They Learn to Embrace Failure

In Karate or Judo, failure is part of the learning process. However, when a kid faces failure in class or the school gym, it can make them disheartened. In future, they will not be as confident when trying something new. They can be withdrawn and refuse to engage in anything competitive. 
However, karate will teach a kid that failing is part of learning. If they never fail, they will never know that they made a mistake. Instead of fearing failure, they will learn to embrace it since there is always a chance to try again tomorrow. This can make them confident since they now have a positive view of failing. 

They Will Learn that They Can Stand Up for Themselves

In the school system, bullying has become a huge problem. As much as every parent would wish it did not exist, the hard truth is that one in five kids is bullied. While you cannot stop bullying, you have the power to bully-proof your kid. This can be done by teaching them judo or karate. 
Through this physical training, they will learn how to respect their peers and instructors. This will be in spite of age, rank, size, or gender. As such, they themselves will never become bullies. They will also gain the courage to ask questions and have the social skills to interact with classmates. As such, they will know how to respond to bullies and walk away when things get bad. However, they will also have the skills to neutralize any physical attack if it ever gets to that. 

It shows that Size and Gender Does Not Matter

While men dominate karate and related sports, girls can also pick up the skills and succeed. However, in these sports, girls learn that size is not important in hand-to-hand combat. It can help them to stop being intimidated by the size of others. For instance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches one to use their small size to overcome larger opponents. 
When a young girl especially understands this, she will be confident enough to face any challenge in future, despite her gender. She will be confident enough to make meaningful contributions in her career, without feeling intimidated by the size. 

It Helps them Become Tough Mentally and Physically

No doubt, any sport that involves hand-to-hand combat will require strength physically and mentally. Sometimes, it takes everything for one to push through the pain and achieve their goals. The sport will take your kid out of their comfort zone, which will help to toughen them up. Unfortunately, the world is a tough place filled with mean people. However, these sports can turn them as tough as the world while at the same time ensuring they maintain discipline. 

The Kid Gains Structure and Clear Expectations for their Behavior

A kid who goes for karate or judo lesson will gain structure and learn that behavior has consequences. Good instructors will have clear rules and these rules are often reinforced. Besides that, most instructors encourage good behavior inside and outside the dojo. As a result, this can help to keep a kid out of trouble with the police. In the current world, it is easy for a kid to fall wayward when they do not have structure. They will thus learn to control their behavior. 

They Learn Self Control

Kids learn concentration and self-control. In these sports, attention is central to the training. Kids will need to stay focused if they hope to improve their skills. If an instructor notices your kid is drifting, he will ask them to take a ready stance. This helps them to reset their mind and expect whatever they are told next. 
In life, no one can always get what he or she wants. However, it can lead to poor decisions where self-control does not exist. For instance, a kid might decide to play video games instead of study. In essence, kids will learn to have discipline even in their personal lives. 

Summary

Life is a journey and one of the best gifts you can give a kid is to give them the ability to be independent. A good way to do this is to enroll them for karate classes.

Boost Your Child’s Confidence

July 25, 2012 | 0 Comment(s)

Although we sometimes talk about confidence as something that a person “has,” confidence actually involves a very specific set of behaviors.

Identifying these traits as desirable is the first step. Children need a clear set of expectations that they understand are important and know they must follow.

To help them recognize the importance of the goal, these qualities must first be labeled as positive.

Let’s take good posture, for example. In martial arts class the instructor would say, “Black belts have their backs straight and chests out. You do want to become a black belt, don’t you?”

Or, “I know you are good looking, so let’s accentuate it!”

Or, even point out the negative: “When you’re slouching like that your posture looks so weak and I know that’s not case. You are a strong person, so back straight and chest out. Go!”

Stating the issue, explaining its importance and giving children a clear directive will help children understand the link — in this case, that standing up straight makes them project the look of confidence.