But when your five-year old yells at you "Mom, Kids Rule!" or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these family programs really teach our kids. And sadly, it's happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded "bling bling" pop culture of today.
Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider, Martial Arts training!
From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid
You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?
First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.
Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the "sport," but mental and emotional lessons as well.
Comparing that to other kid's activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and "winning at all costs" seems to be the order of the day, it's not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.
The Advantages
Martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.
Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.
Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to excel in this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.
Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training is safer than most school sports.
Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in a martial arts program because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.
Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that they will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular when we were growing up!
Martial arts are great for all ages but many people do not consider taking their children along to local classes. Mainly considered as an adult activity, kids often miss out on the opportunity to learn Martial Arts and learn the vital skills that they teach. So just what exactly can Martial Arts do for your kids then?
Martial Arts and the Skills it teaches
There are a variety of different martial arts and each one offers its own advantages. Overall though there are some advantages which all of the various Martial Arts practices give to children. These advantages include:
? Higher Self Confidence
As Martial Arts teach you to look after yourself and to protect yourself, it can give kids a higher self confidence. This is great especially for kids who are quite shy. It introduces them to others and it allows them to become stronger and to feel stronger mentally. So, if you do have a child who has low self esteem, one of the best things that you can do is enrol them in a Martial Arts class.
? Keeps Them Fit
All Martial Arts involve some kind of physical activity and that can help to keep kids fit. Many kids these days simply prefer to sit around and watch television; however with Martial Arts it gives them something to do. It is fun and they will actually like doing it so what more could you ask for?
? It Keeps Them Out of Trouble
As the activities give kids something to focus on, they learn to become more aware, more grown up and they will also keep themselves out of trouble. All Martial Arts tend to focus on the mind and body and the ethics behind them are really good for kids to learn. If your child has something to focus on they are less likely to get into trouble.
Overall there are many reasons why kids belong in Martial Arts classes. They meet new people, they have something to focus on to keep them out of trouble and they also learn how to protect themselves. It is all about giving power and a sense of belief to the kids and teaching them that you do not always have to react with violence when something attacks you, but you can use physical contact to restrain the opponent and protect yourself.
Kids certainly seem to love all forms of Martial Arts and there are more advantages than disadvantages of signing them up for a class. So, if you have never thought about enrolling your child into a class near you, you may want to reconsider.
Both Steve Doss & James Liu are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Steve Doss has sinced written about articles on various topics from Halloween Costumes, Children. Steve Doss has taught self-discipline and focus to thousands of children through the martial arts. Find out how your child can grow up with both confidence and a respectful attitude at. Steve Doss's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
James Liu has sinced written about articles on various topics from Martial Arts, Recreation and Sports and Martial Arts. for more information please go to .. James Liu's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.