The Benefits of Martial Arts for Children

Kyokushinkai Karate is an exercise to bring into balance the mind, body and spirit.

Our society is moving at such a pace that stress and anxiety is all around us. As a result many adults need to learn how to relax and children need to develop their ability to focus and concentrate. Children love martial art, they can work at their own level, because there is no pressure that they might let down the team, and their confidence grows as they continue to strive for a new grade or a new belt

Fostering Self-Discipline – One of the central tenets of Kyokushinkai Karate is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today’s kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren’t always easy to come by. Kids with Kyokushinkai Karate background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is.

Boosting Socialization Skills – Kids who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they’re in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. The kids on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven forms also foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their skills together.

Encouraging Physical Activity – Limiting screen time is a great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle she/he has used to, but also gives her/him an enjoyable activity that inspires her/him to keep moving.

Learning to Set and Achieve Goals – Kyokushin Karate is based around an accomplishment system of coloured belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When the child strives toward each new belt, he/she is learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his goals.

Increased Self-Esteem – Confidence comes with achievement, so the child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he/she masters and every belt he/she earns. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they’re enrolled in a Kyokushinkai Karate class.

Instilling a Sense of Respect – Learning Kyokushinkai Karate style will require the child to show his/her instructor unflinching respect. Today’s kid culture doesn’t always include respect for authority, adults or those in advanced positions. When he/she goes to her/his Kyokushinkai karate class, though, the child will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves.

Encouraging Non-Violent Conflict Resolution – Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.

Improving Listening Skills – In order to master the skills, she/he has being taught and advance through the belt ranks, the child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Kids who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they’re told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in her/his dojo.

Developing Teamwork Skills – Whether he’s breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new manoeuvre, there are few things that the child does in his martial arts classes that will be done on his own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to learn, and instruction in the martial arts can help your child learn that lesson.

Improvement in Other Areas of Life – The benefits of Kyokushinkai training don’t end in the dojo. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help the child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect his behavior at home and have an all-around good influence on him/her as he/she develops into an adult.