Martial arts improves a person’s lifestyle in many different ways. In addition to teaching self defense, martial arts improves health and mental focus.
There is no age or gender restriction when it comes to who can take martial arts classes. Both the young and old can indulge in many different forms of martial arts practices.
Children are the best students in all forms of martial arts practices. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Empty your cup…” in action films. What this means is that when you want to learn a new form of art, you must first forget all that you think you know about the practice. A child’s mind is still fresh and grasping any concept taught to them will be easier than it is the case with older students. A child’s muscles are still young and conditioning them will also be easier than it is the case with most adults.
Introducing your Child to Martial Arts
If you are thinking of taking your child to study martial arts, then there are a few factors you’ll need to consider before choosing a sensei (martial arts instructor) or Dojo (Hall or space where martial arts is taught).
Location
If there are many dojos operating in your region, then you’ll have some work to do when choosing a martial arts center to take your child. For starters, you’ll need to consider convenience when selecting a dojo. If your child will be taking martial arts classes after school, then you want a dojo located either along the way to your home or nearer to it.
Instructors Rank and Background
Different organizations govern the way martial arts practices are conducted. For instance, Tae Kwon Do is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation while Karate is governed by World Karate Federation. If you needed to learn more about an instructors rank and background, then these would be the best places to start. You can check your local Karate or Taekwondo Federation websites to learn more about the teachers in different dojos around you.
Facility
The dojo you choose for your child should not only be safe, but should also be clean and equipped with the right martial arts equipment. Most dojos own websites where you can get a glimpse of what to expect at a dojo. You can go through pictures of the facility and determine whether it is right for your child. For safety, most dojos will have padded floors and training gears for the children. Some dojos will require that you invest in the child’s training gear while others will provide them for you.
Choosing a Martial Arts Practice for Your Child
There are many forms of martial arts practices, the most common ones being, Taekwondo, Kungfu, Karate and Judo among others. While each form comes with its own background and style, all martial arts practices are geared towards improving discipline. The best way to select a martial arts form for your kid is to let them choose if they are old enough, or get recommendation from a knowledgeable person. Taekwondo is particularly gentle and can be great for children. It is also a sport in the Olympics which means that one can make a career out of it. Karate can be vigorous in various ways but that type of training improves strength and sharpness. Kungfu is a great practice that trains the body and mind but finding a reliable instructor requires a lot of research.
Note that once you start any form of self defence classes for kids is designed to be a lifelong practice. This means that once you commit yourself, it won’t be very easy switching to a different practice as you’ll have to start fresh.
