Why parents want to KickStart their kids into Martial Arts…
I am a parent, I have three young girls and I want them all to do martial arts.
I am also a coach in the martial arts as well as fitness and personal development, but I truly feel that if I weren’t i’d still want my kids to do martial arts.
I have many friends both near and far whose children do martial arts. Some to a high level, some just for a couple of months as a hobby, one among many, how lucky they are!
So the question is why do kids do martial arts and what do they gain from it? Well from personal experience I know the value of martial arts as a practitioner and a coach, but there is also a wealth of scientific research out there supporting the positive value of incorporating martial arts training in to our lives.
“Numerous investigations into this topic over three decades show that the practice of martial arts promotes positive psychosocial changes” Brad Binder, Ph.D.
KickStart your child here
The practice and involvement of students in MA, is not just psychological but also physical. I feel that often there is an over emphasis on the mental benefits of this type of training, when actually the physical aspects and gains are just as important. Promoting physical skill, strength development and coordination are surely key factors in a sense of physical well being and self-belief.
“Physical activity was consistently related to improvements in self-esteem…The literature suggests that physical activity in youth is psychologically beneficial.” Karen J. Calfas * , Wendell C. Taylor , 1994, Human Kinetics Journals.
While the physical benefits of training would be welcome on any sporting endeavour as highlighted below.
“martial arts training does help improve physical functioning, especially in the areas of increased strength, balance, and stamina…(participants of martial arts) reported an increased sense of well-being and overall improvement in quality of life.” Richard A. Martin, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 2002.
KickStart your child here
One of the great things about Martial Arts is you are never too old or young to start. At Can Do Martial Arts in Abingdon, you will find a fantastic array of arts to suit everyone.
Our brand new programme KickStart MA is perfect for those young people finding their feet (ages 3-6), focussing on developing fantastic motor skills, agility, coordination and strength in movement, while teaching a broad range of martial arts techniques from a variety of systems. This is a challenging programme that will provide your child with numerous opportunities in life, developed by Ben Richardson, former England International and M.Sc, Sport & Exercise Science, and head coach at CDMA.
To find out more about what is offered at the Abingdon Dojo, call 01235 364 370, or email office@candomartialarts.co.uk and tell us how we can help you get started.