Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Many Benefits Kids Receive From Karate Classes

By Leigh Metopher


As parents, we are always looking for positive learning experiences for our children. If the activity improves both mind and body, this is an especially good option. Karate training has many benefits for children, many of which will be felt throughout their lifetime. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to consider enrolling your child in karate classes.

It seems like children are spending more and more time watching television and playing video games. This lack of exercise is detrimental to our overall health, so in addition to encouraging your child to head outside and play and limiting screen time, karate classes are a great source of exercise. Not only will they be exercising, learning martial arts improves your balance, flexibility and coordination. This can improve child's athletic ability overall, which can make them successful in other sports, such as basketball or soccer.

Martial arts training is goal-oriented and kids will be working toward earning different belts. Having a goal improves our focus and fosters self-discipline. Earning each new belt also boosts your child's self-esteem, because they truly have to work hard to achieve this goal.

One key component of karate training is the idea that you must show respect for your instructor, who is called a sensei. A sensei not only teaches a child to respect their instructor during karate class but encourages a sense of respect and a good work ethic in all respects of life. Self-discipline is a necessary skill in karate as well as other aspects of life, and showing respect to others also is a highly important skill. A student also is taught to respect himself and the other children in his class or on his team. So while children are working to earn different belts as individuals, they are still learning the value of positive social interaction.

Too often our idea of martial arts is based on violent movies and TV shows, but karate is an art that teaches self-defense and self-control. While you are certainly being taught to defend yourself, a great sensei will encourage students to always consider non-violent resolutions to conflict. Sometimes simply having the confidence that you can defend yourself helps you avoid conflict.

At Team MAI, for instance, the sensei will focus on teaching respect, confidence and discipline. Of course, in addition to these skills, the instructors also want the kids to learn in a fun and positive way. After all, children should enjoy their karate experience as well as learning important life skills. For a San Marcos martial arts school, Carlsbad martial arts school or San Marcos martial arts academy, check out the classes available at Team MAI. The instructors also offer summer camps for their students, as well as their popular "Ninja Nights," which are slumber parties that provide some great opportunities for building lifelong friendships.




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