It's is something to consider carefully as there is always a risk of injury when taking part in something like kick boxing or karate. There's no getting around the fact that it is physical and your kids (or you for that matter) could get hurt taking martial arts classes. Having said that I will tell you that I took karate classes when I was a kid for about 6 years. I can honestly say that I've seen more people injured due to falling off of a trampoline they have in the back yard than I have in a martial arts class.

So what out weighs the risk factor in deciding whether or not to let your kids take up martial arts? I'll go over a few things.

1. Martial arts encourages self discipline. This is very important for youngsters to learn as you all know. I think it is pretty widely known that martial arts teaches kids how to be responsible and respectful. It's more than just punching and kicking each other. There is a sense of honor and respect that permeates almost all styles of martial arts lessons. The only karate instructor that I've ever seen actually encourage his students to be mean and ruthless is the evil sensai from the Karate Kid movie! My instructor, Thomas Gagne from Londonderry NH (this was 20 some odd years ago) constantly taught us to be patient and judicious in our use of force and always stressed that it is better not to fight if given the choice.

2. It will keep your kids from getting fat! Lots of people these days are overweight and they in turn feed their kids too darn much! Kids are getting fatter than ever these days and it's just down right shameful. Nothing can be better for keeping your kids in shape than martial arts classes. You don't want your kid to be the one at school that everyone picks on because YOU let them get fat!

3. Martial arts classes will give your kids a sense of confidence that's very important to their overall self esteem. Adolescence can be a tough time in life with lots of insecurities and issues like that. Martial arts training instills a true sense of confidence that will help your child become more well adjusted in a social setting.

4. It will keep your kids from getting their buts kicked at school or at the bus stop! Hey, I was in school at one time too and I remember what it was like. There is nothing worse than a bully. Imagine your kid suffering whatever humiliation some bully has cooked up for him. Of course I'm not saying that your kids should take up karate so they can go to school and kick but. I'm just saying that it would be nice to know that YOUR kid can take care of himself or herself if the situation calls for it.

5. It's fun! This is a great activity and people of all ages enjoy it. What better way to have your kids stay in shape than with something they consider fun and cool too. YOu can't beat it.