Find Martial Arts Classes Near Me
Martial arts can teach you how to be healthy, inside and out. But, before you sign up, visit multiple schools and attend trial classes to ensure the philosophies and training approaches align with your personal goals and capabilities.
Some martial arts-like karate and tae kwon do-focus on striking. Others, like jujitsu and hapkido, focus on grappling.
They Help With Coordination
Developing coordination is a natural byproduct of taking martial arts classes. It’s also a great way to teach kids how to focus and be aware of their surroundings.
This is especially useful for children with ADHD because it helps them learn how to filter out distractions and stay on task. It’s a skill that will come in handy when they need to pay attention to the person trying to steal their lunch or dodge that creepy subway stranger.
Practicing martial arts also helps kids develop perseverance and goal-setting skills. Eventually, they’ll be able to look back at all the small steps they took to achieve their goal of mastering a new technique or routine.
They Provide Structure
Martial arts instructors and fellow students create a supportive environment in which kids can thrive. Each class has a set structure with a routine that kids learn to follow. This helps them develop a sense of discipline and responsibility.
Kids also gain a sense of accomplishment and self-worth when they master new skills. They feel proud when they beat a board or perform a kick that their instructor once struggled with.
Practicing martial arts teaches kids that it’s important to stay calm and focus in tense situations. This can help them in school, work and social settings. In addition, practicing martial arts can reduce stress levels by releasing feel-good endorphins in the body.
They’re Cool
Martial arts can help kids and teens learn to control their emotions. They can also teach them to stay calm and think clearly in stressful situations.
Marital arts students often feel a sense of elation and pride when they ace a test or master a new technique. They also enjoy a boost of “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins from each training session, which can help improve their moods and overall outlook on life.
Students learn to respect their instructors and senior students, valuing age, rank, expertise, and experience. This helps kids develop self-respect and confidence in their abilities. It can also give them a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
They’re a Safe Way to Get Out Extra Energy
Martial arts give kids a safe outlet for energy that can otherwise be expressed in negative ways. Kids learn to channel their energy in a productive way that helps them focus at school.
Practicing martial arts also gives kids a chance to practice breathing techniques that can help them calm themselves down and remain focused in stressful situations. This can be a useful skill to develop at school and in other areas of life.
Kids learn to respect their instructors and their peers. They also learn to listen attentively and answer questions when their instructor is speaking. This can help kids behave better at school and avoid visits to the principal’s office.
They’re an Accepting Environment
Martial arts are a diverse group of combat practices based on different cultures and philosophies. They are also a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of energy and focus to practice.
Kids learn to respect their instructors and fellow students as they build self-esteem and develop discipline. They also learn that putting their best efforts forward will help them become better martial artists.
Most martial arts classes include interaction between students of different ages and skill levels. This creates a unique learning environment where younger children can learn from older students while older students can model good behavior for the youngest members of their class.
They’re a Good Match for Kids Who Learn and Think Differently
Kids often feel overwhelmed by their day-to-day tasks, and extracurricular activities that get them moving help relieve some of that energy. Martial arts provides that outlet, plus it helps build balance, coordination, and posture.
Kids work at their own pace, and they earn different colored belts when they reach specific levels of skill. This process gives them concrete, attainable goals that boost their self-esteem and keep them motivated to continue improving their skills.
Kids also learn nonviolent ways to resolve conflict and are taught to respect their instructors and peers. These are skills that can help kids avoid bullies or become their own best ally if they’re being bullied.