When there are so many different forms of distractions that are surrounding children nowadays, it can be challenging to motivate your child to exercise and raise their level of physical and overall health. Not only that, but negative habits can follow them into adulthood. Parents must provide opportunities for their children to be fit and learn how to value their health.
Martial arts classes for children can be a fun activity that will help them build their stamina, agility, flexibility, as well as physical abilities for motor coordination, space-time awareness, and body awareness. Learning martial arts with their peers benefits their physical, cognitive, and social well-being.
Enroll your children in Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy. Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy is a competitive martial arts training center in Monroe, Louisiana. A wide range of martial arts classes is available at our training center, with classes for children as young as three years old all the way up to senior citizens.
A Monroe martial arts instructor will help you achieve your goals, whether you’re looking to be in better shape, lose weight, learn how to fight, learn self-defense, or participate in tournaments. We provide an organized program, a clean training center, and a supportive atmosphere conducive to the growth of your self-confidence and awareness. Members have access to unlimited training without having to sign a contract nor pay on a monthly basis. Join our community now! Act fast because enrollment is now open!
Why Are Martial Arts Good For Our Kids?
Children and adults alike benefit much from martial arts training in terms of their physical and mental well-being. Not only can they provide hours of fun, but they may also impart valuable lessons on discipline, self-defense, teamwork, and other vital life skills to your children.
Take a look at the incredible benefits of martial arts training for kids to help you decide whether or not to enroll your children in martial arts lessons.
Exercise
Martial arts are a great way to keep your kids active and healthy while also having a lot of fun! In addition to getting a good cardio and strength workout, kids can also improve their agility and reflexes as well as their overall coordination and balance. Keeping active and fit can help kids feel good in their everyday lives as it gives them more energy for school and other pursuits. It’s a terrific alternative for kids who do not like sports.
Meet New Friends
Very much like team sports, martial arts school is a great opportunity for your kids to meet other children and develop new friendships while they learn. Your child’s learning will be more enjoyable if he or she makes new friends in class and encourages one another to achieve their best.
Promote Teamwork and Sense of Belonging
Even as martial arts is evaluated on an individual basis, it can help children develop their teamwork as they strive toward common goals. Once a student reaches a particular level in most martial arts, he or she is required to practice moves with each other (called sparring). Training and practicing together is much more helpful than training alone. Thus, students must learn how to work cooperatively. They are also trained to treat one another with respect and to support and encourage one another on their martial arts journey. Additionally, membership in a team fosters a feeling of belonging and the formation of lifetime friendships.
Personal Protection
Learning self-defense is among the most valuable benefits of martial arts for both children and parents. Parenting involves worrying for the safety of your child when you are not around to protect them. Martial arts is an excellent way for kids to acquire self-defense skills, allowing you more peace of mind and your children to feel more safe in the world.
Discipline
You don’t have to worry about your child being more aggressive if you teach them how to block, kick, and punch. In reality, research has shown that martial arts training can help to minimize aggressive behavior by instilling discipline and self-control in its practitioners’ minds and actions.
Mindfulness
The effects of martial arts training on the mind are well-documented. By instilling virtues like humility, mindfulness, patience, and respect in your child, these virtues can help them develop into a well-rounded individual. In fact, it has been shown to improve a person’s ability to focus, relax, listen better, and persevere under pressure.
Self-Esteem
Your child’s self-esteem will soar if you enroll them in a martial arts class. There is no need for your kid to compare themselves to everyone else in class because the emphasis is often placed on personal growth, not competition. It’s a terrific opportunity for your kid to build their self-esteem as they move through levels of belts at their own pace.
What Are The Best Martial Arts For Kids?
Tae Kwon Do
When it comes to martial arts for children, tae kwon do is often at the top of parents’ lists. However, aside from its popularity, your children will gain much from learning taekwondo.
Your children will gain muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. They also learn how to control their bodies because taekwondo has a wide range of forms.
“The Immortal” Regian Eersel, a Dutch-Surinamese kickboxer, started learning taekwondo at just the age of eight. He first got into martial arts to burn off energy and learn how to protect himself.
“The Immortal” was crowned ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion in May 2019.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is yet another excellent martial art for children. It teaches kids skills to compete on the floor using grappling and submissions and is sometimes referred to as “the gentle art.”
BJJ teaches your kids patience and problem-solving skills by having them figure out how to avoid getting submitted when trying to tap out their training partners.
Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes started training in BJJ at the age of seven after the death of his mother. He ultimately changed his life after winning several grappling and World Titles in mixed martial arts. “The Flash” recaptured the ONE Bantamweight World Championship in March 2019.
Wrestling
Wrestling is among the world’s oldest martial arts. It involves different takedowns, locks, and pins.
Since wrestling is among the most difficult disciplines to learn and participate in, your children will have unrivaled physical and mental fitness.
Brandon “The Truth” Vera, a Filipino-American wrestler, studied wrestling while in college and continued his passion for the sport in the United States Air Force, wherein he joined the government’s military Greco-Roman wrestling team.
“The Truth” built on his wrestling foundation, eventually winning the first ONE Heavyweight World Championship in December 2015.
Judo
Judo is intended to fend off strikes and utilize the attacking mindset of the opponent against them. The emphasis of judo is on throws that require timing and control of the opponent’s body weight.
This is not the martial art for your child if he or she wants to learn a martial art discipline that includes striking. Judo is among the best martial arts for mastering defense and throws.
Is There a Right Age to Start Martial Arts?
The age at which children should start martial arts training is a contentious issue in the martial arts and self-defense communities. Many parents’ perspectives differ as well. Some advocate starting as early as possible, whereas others warn that doing so may be detrimental. There are several factors that go into making this determination, such as martial art style, school philosophy, and so on.
While it is good to instill a competitive spirit in children at a young age, it should be balanced with other skills such as learning, teamwork, and teaching other people. This is critical for their growth and development as individuals. Bear in mind that intense training is not something that should be adopted at a very young age.
What should I consider before I decide to enroll my kid in a martial arts academy?
These are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to enroll your child in a particular martial arts school.
The Child’s Development
It’s okay if your child’s development pace is slower than others. It’s perfectly normal! In some cases, children as young as 3 years old show an interest in martial arts, while in others, the interest develops around the age of 10. In order for the training to be beneficial, it must be enjoyed by the child prior to the age of six. Teaching other skills, like how to resist peer pressure, is not appropriate at this time.
The motor skills needed to master kicks and punches may not be present in children under the age of six, but they can still have a wonderful experience exercising, engaging with their classmates, and learning about the martial arts. Make an appointment with a martial arts instructor and watch a few lessons to get a better sense of whether your child is ready.
Parent-Child Communication
All parents want their children to be the best they can be in every aspect of their lives, yet this attitude could easily put them in harm’s way. Their happiness, safety, and overall well-being are more important than anything else.
Even if it is only for sitting still for a few minutes or expressing sympathy for a classmate, you should communicate to your children and congratulate them on their progress. Do not place too much pressure on them while still maintaining faith in their success. It is important that young children (and all of us, for that matter) live with a strong feeling of self-worth and self-control.
The Martial Arts Instructor
The life lessons that may be learned from martial arts training are only one of the numerous benefits of taking martial arts classes. There is no better way to get to know a martial arts instructor than by meeting them in person. Qualified teachers will suggest a personal meeting before accepting enrollment.
Specific program features are not as important as meeting your child’s needs. Not all teachers are trained to teach young children, so make some effort to observe the class. Pay special attention to the structure, discipline, and expectations of the instructor.
Risks of Injury
Before enrolling in martial arts, ensure that they get a physical exam and speak with their physician. Excellent martial arts programs will highlight the harmony of mind and body in order to foster a healthy, balanced existence.
Injuries caused by improper movement are the primary concern of parents when it comes to their children participating in martial arts. This is more likely to happen to younger children. While an active fitness program is important, long-term injury can happen if they are not developmentally ready for martial arts school. Spend some time observing the program and getting feedback from the parents in the waiting area. Analyze the surrounding environment and pay attention to how the adults and children interact. Instinct is your best guide.
Familiarize yourself by learning about the class schedule as well as how much time is devoted to warm-ups, active rests, and intensive training before enrolling. Keeping class sizes small, focusing on muscular conditioning and warmups, and providing several opportunities and cues to focus are some of the best ways to achieve a good balance.
Enroll Your Child In Our Kids Martial Arts Program
With our martial arts classes, your child’s intellect, body, and character will all be improved in a fun and engaging way! They’ll master the key skills of balance, coordination, and spatial awareness using games and quick drills that are designed to keep them engaged and interested.
Choosing Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy for your kid’s martial arts education means that you’re providing them an opportunity to learn from some of the best martial arts instructors in the field in an atmosphere that values respect and self-discipline.
Come join us at Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy! Our academy is a proud member of the Grappling Fight Team (GFTeam). We deliver world-class competition to individuals and families looking to start their martial arts adventure. Those who attend our Monroe martial arts academy will benefit from our top-notch and nationally-recognized Head Coach.
Furthermore, our training facility is suitable for people of all ages. Whether this is your first time to learn Martial Arts or have prior experience in a certain sport, we can design a training plan to fit your ability and experience!
You’ll learn the principles of martial arts and the Brazilian jiu-jitsu lifestyle at our world-renowned GFTeam training center! We are much more than a martial arts academy. We are also a family that cares about your mental and physical well-being.
Take a look at our training programs right now! Now is the time to make that call!