Study after study has shown that training in martial arts can augment a child’s self-confidence. For many, becoming more certain in one’s own abilities and worth is of critical importance, and martial artists such as Jiu-Jitsu blue blood Rener Gracie have successfully applied their expertise to “bully-proofing” these vulnerable boys and girls. But what about children who aren’t being victimized daily by the school pest? Can kid’s martial arts training benefit them even if they already have average or even high self-esteem?
The answer is that of course it can!
Children’s martial arts training doesn’t just build inner strength, but actually encourages students to take pride in positive attributes. After all, a child can be self-confident because he thinks of himself as too cool to care about academics or even because he’s a bully himself. What children learn in martial arts gyms on the other hand is that failing school and using unprovoked violence aren’t anything to be proud of. A good martial artist values discipline, respect, perseverance, and humility. She strives for success in mastering math tests with the same enthusiasm with which she tackles belt tests. She treats children outside of the gym with the same dignified consideration that she shows her Precision MMA instructors and fellow students.
Honing a skill such as Poughkeepsie Jiu-Jitsu or karate also gives children something concrete to take pride in. Each perfected move and belt promotion is an opportunity for a student to set a goal, practice self-discipline, and reap the benefits of his own hard work. His knowledge of his ability to do this, in turn, will give him confidence to meet challenges in other areas. This aspect of martial arts training is particularly beneficial to young girls and boys because as they enter adolescence and eventually adulthood, they will come across many new, unfamiliar situations. They’ll unfortunately meet people who might criticize them unfairly or call into question their basic worth. Being able to recall not just general praise (“you’re so good at sports!”) but a specific achievement (“I was awarded a black belt because I worked so hard for years towards this goal!”) can give someone the boost they need to persevere in a difficult situation.
Poughkeepsie kid’s martial arts training also instills a sense of teamwork. This may seem counter intuitive because martial arts aren’t team sports, but in reality lessons of cooperation are just as easily picked up at a gym as on the soccer field – if not more so. Under the guidance of a competent adult instructor, such as those at Precision MMA, students quickly learn that individual success depends on having a good sparring partner and the willingness of others to helpfully critique one’s weaknesses. The system of belt rankings instills an atmosphere within the gym where students learn from those more advanced than themselves and proudly pass on their knowledge to children with lower-rank belts. And when it comes down to it, few scenes evoke as deep a sense of camaraderie as a group of martial artists from the same gym passionately cheering on their friend during a match.
Finally, Poughkeepsie kid’s martial arts training can benefit all children because it promotes physical fitness. Students stand to gain health benefits including better cardiovascular health and a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases down the road. Studies have also shown that unfortunately people who are in good shape (even young boys and girls) tend to be perceived and treated more positively by others. Because restrictive dieting and weight training are inappropriate for children, practicing a sport such as a martial art is uniquely capable of spurring healthy, valuable life-long habits without destructive side effects.
The self-confidence gained from training coupled with adult support at home, in school, and at the gym can help children extricate themselves from terrifying, demeaning, or perhaps even dangerous bullying situations. The ability of Poughkeepsie kid’s martial arts to make an impact on the lives of children struggling with mental anguish or physical violence can never be understated. In addition, martial arts training builds positive values, gives children a concrete sense of accomplishment in their own hard work, encourages cooperative competitiveness, and can serve as a foundation for a lifetime of physical health. These benefits are available to all children, including those who are fortunate enough to already have high self-esteem.
Start your child on the martial arts journey that will change their life. Precision Mixed Martial Arts is the premier kid’s martial arts school in the Poughkeepsie area. Give us a call at 845-392-8495 and make sure to ask about our 30-day free trial. Precision MMA is located in the Freedom Business Center at 1097 Route 55, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Visit our website at http://www.lagrangemartialarts.com