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Why Should Children Choose Martial Arts Over Other Sports?

In the technology-driven world in which we live today, children spend hours on end using screens and devices, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle that can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. With 1 in 4 children now considered overweight or obese, the importance of physical activity for children is stronger than ever. Encouraging kids to exercise or take up a sport from a young age will help them grow up to become healthier adults, both physically and mentally. However, are all sports equal? We might be biased, but at ICC we believe martial arts are the superior sport for kids. From BJJ to Karate, there’s so many incredible benefits to learning a martial art that other sports simply cannot rival.

Self-Defence Skills

Statistics show that around 25% of Australian children experience regular bullying. One of the primary benefits of choosing martial arts over other sports is self-defence. Martial arts will equip students with the practical skills to physically defend themselves in dangerous, real-life situations. Kids will have the confidence and skills they need to handle challenging situations, avoid potential dangers, and stand up to bullies.

Discipline

Mastering a martial art requires a high level of discipline, focus, and commitment. Through repetition and hard work, kids who practice BJJ, Karate, and Kickboxing will learn how to set goals, challenge themselves, and persevere even when things get tough. These are valuable skills that will transfer to other areas of life, such as academics and personal relationships. Learning self-discipline from a young age will help to create mentally strong, resilient individuals who are confident to tackle all kinds of challenges.

Physical Fitness

While most sports will help to build fitness, martial arts can improve strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Additionally, due to the technical nature of the moves and techniques, children who practice martial arts also tend to have better posture and body awareness. Practicing a martial artform will certainly help to foster a lifelong love affair with exercise and fitness.

Character Development

All styles of martial arts are based on fundamental principles and values such respect, loyalty, humility, honour, and perseverance. Whether it’s learning to respect themselves, their opponents, and those around them, showing up, being on time, always doing their best, and carrying themselves in a dignified manner – abiding by these values can help kids develop a strong moral compass and become well-rounded individuals.

Mental Health

Martial arts can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health. By engaging in martial arts, children can learn self-discipline and enhance their focus and concentration, they will also learn how to manage their emotions and develop a sense of inner peace. All of this can help a child to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. In addition, martial arts can provide a safe environment for individuals to express themselves physically as well as mentally. Through this process of self-expression, children and teens may find themselves more at ease with who they are and how they fit in the world around them. This can be particularly helpful for kids who struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues.

No Off-Season

Most sports, especially team sports, have off-seasons and that can mean several months where children have no training, games, or competitions. It’s also the right among of time for bad habits to resurface and gains to be lost. There is no off-season with martial arts, classes continue throughout the year ensuring children stay engaged, social, and active all year round.

Any sport can be beneficial to a child, however, by choosing martial arts over alternatives, children will gain invaluable lessons, skills, and principles that they can carry with them throughout their adult lives. An excellent way to stay healthy and fit, martial arts help promote a sense of well-being, mental clarity, and emotional stability, and above all they are fun!

Sydney Kids Martial Arts

ICC offers a wide range of martial arts styles in a safe and comfortable environment taught by highly qualified instructors who are experienced in working with children. Enrol your kids in our 2- week unlimited trial program and allow them to experience just how fun being active can be!

For classes in kids martial arts, Lugarno, Padstow, Penshurst, and Canterbury students rely on us. Book online now or call today to speak with our friendly staff.

Give our BJJ program a go and experience the improvements to all of these fields. It is considered to be an excellent first style where the skills are easily transferable.

START YOUR 2 WEEKS UNLIMITED TRIAL!