Martial arts have long been a popular activity for kids, offering physical exercise and the opportunity to learn discipline and self-respect. Although martial arts involve training in combat and self-defense, they don’t make kids violent. On the contrary, they have a positive impact on kids’ behavior.
Many parents believe training their children in martial arts can teach discipline, respect, and self-control. However, there has been a longstanding debate about whether or not martial arts make kids more violent.
Some argue that the aggressive nature of martial arts training can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior. In contrast, others believe it can have a calming effect on children and help them channel their energy positively. Interestingly, many support the latter notion that a martial arts class positively impacts a child’s behavior.
In this article, let’s explore this issue in greater depth and understand how martial arts training can help children be calmer and more respectful of others.
How do martial arts affect children’s behavior?
Like any other extra-curricular activity, martial arts will impact your child’s behavior. However, the impact of martial training results from the principles being taught during their training. One of the core principles of martial arts training is to respect yourself and your opponents.
Martial arts training promotes self-esteem in children, which is an important predictor of behavior. Studies have shown that children with higher self-esteem have a better relationship with their peers and parents and are less aggressive.
Mental control is also an important tenet of martial arts training. Teachers at Training Ground martial arts classes emphasize the importance of avoiding conflict. The thought that violence is the last resort is deeply ingrained in the martial arts philosophy.
Consequently, children who train in any martial arts program are calmer and less aggressive than children playing contact sports like hockey. Martial arts schools promote a culture of mutual respect and discipline that positively impacts a child’s psyche.
Besides, learning martial arts is a great way to keep your child physically active and fit. Physical activity has also been linked to an improvement in the mood and release of endorphins in the brain that promote a sense of general well-being. So, it is safe to say that martial arts training will positively impact your child’s behavior.
Do martial arts encourage aggressiveness?
The self-control and discipline taught in all forms of traditional martial arts techniques help to control aggressive behavior. There is no place for aggressive and violent behavior in a martial art dojo, and children are taught to respect their opponents.
The emphasis on self-control helps children learn to regulate their emotions and behavior.
Many might think martial arts training promotes aggressiveness, especially among young children. However, the truth couldn’t be any farther from this notion.
In addition, training can teach self-defense techniques, which can help individuals feel more confident and empowered, potentially leading to a decrease in aggressive behavior.
Do martial arts help children with anger issues?
Children with anger issues and aggressive behavior can greatly benefit from martial art training. Such children can find training to channel their aggressive feelings into a productive activity.
Once a child finds a way to channel that anger, a violent outburst is less likely. As we mentioned before, martial arts can help children learn self-control and self-regulation, which can also contribute to decreased aggression.
That said, it is crucial to adequately handle children with anger issues while training them in traditional martial arts. It is crucial to convey the importance of control and discipline in such children.
Check out Training Grounds martial arts classes for kids to learn more about how training can help children with anger issues and aggressive behavior.
Should aggressive children take martial arts?
Mixed martial arts training to curb aggressive behavior might sound counterproductive, but it is a great way to handle an aggressive child.
Parents often feel that if their child is a bit aggressive, allowing them to train in martial arts will exacerbate their aggressiveness. In contrast, martial arts prepare children to channel their aggression productively.
Rather than getting trapped in their thoughts, training allows aggressive children to deal with emotional control. It gives them an outlet to learn and master the life skills of self-discipline and control.
The skills children learn in a martial arts school help them to manage their aggression and calm them down.
More is needed to control aggressive tendencies
It is crucial to remember that aggressive tendencies in children have an underlying cause. Martial art training alone will not be sufficient to curb this behavior. Aggression can increase over time if the underlying issues are not addressed properly.
Martial arts programs often involve some form of meditative exercises that can also positively impact the mental conditioning of an aggressive child.
What is the best age to start taking martial arts?
The answer to this question depends on the child and the type of martial arts they are interested to learn. For most techniques, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, kung fu, and Karate, your child is ready for basic training at the age of 4 years.
During the initial years, the children learn the basic moves and the importance of discipline and control. The more serious training starts when children are between 10 and 13 years of age.
Enrolling younger children in a martial arts school ensures that they have developed the basic skills and the attitude to prepare them for the serious training to come.
However, ensuring that your child feels comfortable attending martial arts classes and motivated to learn something new is crucial. Forcing the children to join martial art sessions against their will might prove counterproductive.
Will children use techniques learned in martial arts against other children?
Martial arts teach your child to exercise control and self-discipline. Even though they might possess combat skills, they are less likely to get involved in a physical altercation than children without control and discipline.
The main aim of the training is to ensure that the children have the necessary skills to defend themselves, but they don’t use them until it is the last resort.
The control only increases with more time spent in training. Consequently, children with martial art training tend to be much less aggressive than those playing other sports like football or hockey.
Are martial arts good for children with ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can greatly impact a child’s behavior. One of the most common outcomes of this disorder is the lack of ability to focus on one task for an extended period and increased impulsivity.
The regimentation and discipline of techniques like BJJ and Judo can provide the structure that children with ADHD need to help them focus.
The training is often broken into smaller chunks making it easy for children with ADHD to maintain focus while making consistent progress. The smaller milestones during training also help such children feel accomplished.
Children diagnosed with ADHD often find it difficult to concentrate. A martial arts class can help them learn to focus. Most martial art techniques also emphasize being focused during the training, which can help children with ADHD.
Besides, children with ADHD can find a productive outlet for their excess pent-up energy.
Some scientific studies have also found a positive correlation between training and improvement in concentration in ADHD.
Training can be a great way to help children with ADHD find an inclusive and understanding community.
Takeaway
Martial arts are very popular among children, and regular training sessions can have a host of benefits. Apart from boosting their self-confidence and strength, training can also teach children the importance of control, self-defense, and emotional regulation.
A training class can help a child develop discipline, control their temper, and make them less aggressive. It can also boost concentration in children diagnosed with ADHD.
At Training Grounds in Westwood, New Jersey, we provide quality martial arts training in various techniques, from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to Judo, Kung-Fu, and Karate. We love to see the transformation martial arts bring about in children making them more self-reliant, confident, disciplined, and determined.
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