How Karate Training Can Help Kids

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.

Obviously one key benefit of karate training is that it provides a good source of exercise. Kids these days are more sedentary than ever before so any activity that gets your child off the couch and away from screens is a good thing. Karate works out just about every possible area of your body as well, improving your coordination and flexibility as well as your overall cardiovascular health.

Everyone needs to learn how to set a goal and then achieve that goal. Karate is absolutely designed to help children with goal-setting and achievement. After all, the goal is to earn a specific belt level and once that has been accomplished, you set a new goal for a higher belt level. Every time they earn a new belt, they will have a huge sense of accomplishment because they truly worked hard and earned something of value. This can be a great way to boost your child's self-esteem in a concrete way.

Learning to respect others is a huge life skill, and this is definitely a big focus in martial arts training. The sensei, or teacher, will have high expectations about the behavior. A sensei also expects his students to be respectful in all other areas of life, such as when interacting with parents, siblings and classroom teachers. Students are expected to show respect for their instructors as well as other students in your classes. A child might be working on an individual belt, but his class is learning skills as a team which builds social skills and improves one's ability to work with others.

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.

When searching for a Carlsbad karate school, San Marcos karate school or Encinitas karate school, look for a dojo that focuses on self-defense, building self-confidence and having fun at the same time. At Team MAI, the goal is to teach important skills such as self-discipline, respect and confidence, but the instructors want all of their students to have a great time and enjoy plenty of positive social interactions with other students. In addition to classes, which are based on age and belt levels, Team MAI offers fun overnight events and summer camps.




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1 comment:

  1. A competitive form of self-defense that teaches students to use their opponent's weight and strength against him. Having a partner fosters cooperation.Best Karate in Connecticut

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