Boost Your Child's Confidence with Martial Arts

I believe anything you get your child involved in is ultimately a good thing. The 3 things that come from most organized sports (or any group involvement) are teamwork - or a sense of belonging, personal accomplishment among peers (like hitting a home run) or WITH peers - a common goal, and sealing the child's priority in the family. (There are of course, other benefits, like the value of a good coach or learning the rules of a popular game to keep your child acceptable, or simple education.) But ultimately, it boils down to those 3 things over time; sense of team, personal victory and importance.

I believe good parents value these things in the life of their child - they are indeed very good things. And make no mistake; all activities generally come with a time or financial commitment. Yet, these more common activities only offer a 3D return. Adversely, the martial arts offers 2 additional degrees that are all too often overlooked. Yes, martial arts offer each of the common goals listed above AND 2 more advantages for your child: deep historical roots and confidence!

Historical Roots

Martial arts offers more "roots" in history, culture, philosophy and diversity. For children who are less prone to "raw talent" or love learning more than "sport," martial arts offer an unending venue of exercising these strengths, mind and body.

Say my child plays basketball. How many of his lessons from the first day on the court to his last will teach him about history or basketball over time? The answer: very few, if any. The truth is, basketball is not that old of a sport and has very few deep ties to culture or variety. The same is true for baseball...and many other mainstream sports today.

Martial Arts, on the other hand, are extremely diverse. Karate is not just karate. There are literally hundreds of styles, each with a deep origin, philosophy and style. Kung Fu (full of intricate moves) is very different than Tea Kwon Do (known for flashy kicks.) Wing Chun, for example, is known for trapping and simplicity (primarily using hands) compared to say "Judo," where throws are king!

As the diverse styles of martial arts prevail, there is usual a hunger in avid students (of any style - all which can be taught through repetition) to learn alternate styles, or defend their own learned style. The learning of style, origin and philosophy of ONE style could take a lifetime. So, if you child is engaged in history and likes to read, or learn - beyond brut strength and talent, martial arts offers more for lifelong passion than other sports might and always yields exercise (mental and physical) that will endure time.

Confidence

Confidence is earned so many ways and can manifest in so many sports with practice. However, in mainstream sports, often the most confident and skilled cannot combat RAW talent, in the end. This may be true of martial arts, but not always. Martial arts offer an opportunity for every learner, regardless of skill. Commitment is the only distinguishing factor.

In addition, martial arts teach a skill that is a confidence builder in nature; self defense! If anyone feels comfortable defending themselves through repeated practice, nothing seems out of reach.

If my child becomes a baseball star, it certainly doesn't mean he will learn when to exercise his strength and how. If he is ever in an uncompromised situation, will it matter that he can hit a grand slam? No. On the other hand, if my son can defend himself and feels confident with any opponent physically, what situation is insurmountable? THIS is the confidence that comes with martial arts, that is not always seen in other sports, or activities.

In the end, martial arts offers a common goal and sense of belonging like any sport, it is a venue to shine as an individual champion and beckons the support of family. But those things come with most activities parents get kids involved in. Still, no sport challenges those prone to "learning" over brut and no other sport in the world offers the confidence found in martial arts.