What Are Martial Arts?
Martial arts are an ancient Asian discipline. Originally, they were intended for self-defense. Many modern people practice martial arts to improve their strength and cognitive health.
Martial arts were developed to improve mental wellbeing such as self-control and inner focus, as well as physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. As a result of the exercises and psychological lessons learned in martial arts schools your kid will build a deeper understanding of these skills, and they will benefit from them for the rest of their life.
In addition to these health benefits, children can learn self-defense skills, make new friends, and feel safe and happy.
Physical benefits:
Better Coordination
Martial arts moves can help children have a better sense of their bodies in space. This is beneficial for children who have difficulty with motor skills. It also teaches children about the power of the mind over the body.
Advanced Flexibility
Did you know that bad posture can cause neck discomfort, muscular strain, tension headaches, and other problems? Improving your flexibility is one of the finest methods to improve your posture. Stretching is crucial in martial arts. It protects kids from damage, enhances their range of motion, and boosts their general performance and blood supply to the muscles. These routines will also have a physical impact on your child’s posture, preventing potential health concerns.
Lower Blood Pressure
Martial arts practitioners have been found to have reduced blood pressure and heart rates. Martial arts can enhance general heart health, reduce cholesterol, and give more controlled blood sugar and insulin levels since it is similar to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Muscular strength
Last but not least, martial arts significantly enhance physical strength. It has the ability to increase energy and stamina, strengthen muscles, especially the heart, and decrease blood pressure. It tones the muscles and also strengthens the bones.
Mental Health Benefits:
Exercise on a regular basis can have a notably good influence on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also lowers tension, enhances memory, and supports better sleep. Martial arts may teach youngsters and adults to build self-confidence. This has been shown to relieve stress while also decreasing the likelihood of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Exercise has also been proven in studies to reduce symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults since their hyperactivity can be controlled better.
Increased confidence
Martial artists of all ages benefit from increased confidence. Martial arts, whether for yourself or your child, may help you gain confidence. Practicing, developing, and excelling at a skill boosts self-esteem and provides confidence in other areas and activities.
Improved social skills
Martial arts may also help in the development of social skills. This is due to the collaborative atmosphere. You’re working with others who have similar interests, and you’re all learning and growing together. This is especially advantageous for kids. They will be able to learn how to handle disagreements, make new friends, and show compassion for others.
Get out extra energy
It is a common misconception that martial arts increase aggressive behaviors. In fact, teachers frequently suggest that fight shouldn’t be an option. Kicking and karate chopping, on the other hand, allow children to vent out their frustrations or emotions while still developing self-control.
Stress relief
Did you know that martial arts may help you reduce stress? Often, this is achieved by concentrating on the current moment and on things that you control. Many martial arts also emphasize full control over your breathing and thinking.
Other reasons to try:
Self-defense skills
One clear advantage of practicing martial arts is enhanced self-defense tactics in circumstances where there is an actual threat.
Individual growth
Almost all children suffer from the pressure of competing with their peers. However, in martial arts, the focus is on self-improvement. There is no such thing as “letting the team down.”
Martial art is cool
Children who learn and think differently may feel awkward or out of place at times. However, a lot of young people think martial arts are fun. When you’re dressed in martial arts equipment and chopping boards in half, it’s difficult not to feel cool.
Quality Programs for Your Child
VT1 Martial Arts Academy offers fitness and martial arts classes for people of all different ages, experiences, and goals. The Academy work with children and their specialized classes for kids. On top of programs specifically for kids and teens, their sessions cater for complete beginners to those wanting to fight professionally.
Popular Martial Arts:
Karate: Known for developing self-discipline, focus, and memory – Great cross-training for children for Soccer, Basketball, Netball.
Muay Thai: Famous for its effectiveness, gaining fitness, coordination, and building confidence – Great cross-training for Soccer, Cricket, Netball, Swimming.
Jiu-Jitsu: Perfect for developing confidence, problem-solving, body awareness, and self-defense – Great cross-training or Rugby, Basketball, Hockey.