Abe earning his Black Belt.
There are so many reasons these days that kids need to learn martial arts. In fact, though there are numerous activities that kids can do, there are some very important things that can only be learned in a martial arts training hall. Here are the top five reasons that your kids need to be in an authentic martial arts training program.
5. Unshakable Self Confidence tempered by Humility.
Self confidence comes from getting good at something. It could be anything, but people gain confidence from real life successes. However, what makes Martial Arts education unique in this regard is that not only do students have the opportunity to succeed, they also learn how to defend themselves against violence. Quite simply, if your kids know that they stand a good chance of coming out on top when faced with a violent bad guy they become more confident.
Not to mention the great physical fitness aspects of Martial Arts training. When your kid feels better about his or her body, their self confidence will sky rocket.
There is also a huge component of humility. Martial Arts are unique in that they give students immediate feedback in training. This gives kids the chance to experience failure as well as success, making the successes real.
An earned success with an understanding of failure breeds self confidence tempered by humility.
4. A keen understanding of how to set goals and reach them.
The use of belts to denote a ranking system was invented by Judo founder Jigaro Kano in the late 1800s. It was such a great idea that many other styles adopted the concept. Yes, it’s a pretty new custom, but a brilliant one.
The great thing about belts is that they provide a measurable goal system with long term goals and a series of short term goals leading up to them. Furthermore, there are specific things that must be accomplished to achieve each goal.
From the belt system, students learn how to set goals, and then build a structure of how to achieve them. This is an incredibly valuable life skill.
3. How to effectively deal with bullies.
First off, the aforementioned Self Confidence makes Martial Arts students bad targets for bullies. Second, Martial Arts education builds a strategic mind. This makes the student better able to see through the manipulative behavior of the bully as well as how to deal with the potential for defense against violence.
Also, bullies often lack Self Confidence. When your kids have Self Confidence they recognize those who don’t and no longer really care about their negative statements.
2. The Strength to rise above life’s challenges and problems.
By experiencing success and failure, learning to set goals, being in great physical shape, and having a keen strategic mind your kids will have the strength to weather life’s storms and the mindset and training to find solutions.
One of the things that I personally teach in every single class is the power of a Positive Attitude, Best Effort, and Perseverance.
“Nobody can control all of the events in their lives, but with a Positive Attitude you can shape the outcome of any event to your favor. By putting forth your Best Effort at whatever you are doing you will get better at whatever it is until eventually you get pretty good at it. Perseverance is key, the only way to fail at the positive thing you are trying to accomplish is to quit doing it.”
Me, Every Class.
1. The Personal Power to effect real change for the better.
Everything above leads your kids to one simple conclusion: the power to make things happen, and the moral fiber to make these changes positive ones. As a parent, all I want for my kids is for them to be happy, fulfilled, contributing members of society. I’m willing to bet that your thoughts for your kids are pretty similar. To do this, our kids need to develop certain skill sets, build certain mindsets, and create certain personal habits.
I can’t speak for all martial arts schools, but at the White Oak Martial Arts Center we have intentionally and specifically created a curriculum designed to teach our kids the skills necessary to have the personal power to change their lives for the better.
After one of our students earns a Black Belt, there is still continuing curriculum. In fact, getting a black belt is kind of like getting your drivers license. You can drive- but now it’s time to really learn how to do it! Along with kunging and fuing, the first lesson our Black Belts learn about is Compassion.
