Looking for After-School Sports Teams? Consider Martial Arts!

Like many parents, you have probably considered various after-school sports programs for your child. The variety of programs that are available can leave you spoiled for choice. Would your son or daughter love baseball? Soccer? Football-and will you choose tag or touch? What about the swim team, tennis, or bowling? Well, one sport that many parents overlook is martial arts.

The martial arts, such as karate or tae kwon do, offer incredible opportunities for your child. It's much, much more than simply learning how to punch and kick. During martial arts classes, students learn discipline. They must stand still during the bowing in ceremony and pledge to treat their instructors and fellow students with respect-and these are not just empty words. At my own son's tae kwon do class, I have seen their instructor send students off the floor early for being disruptive or not paying attention. Without fail, these students are much more focused and determined to succeed at their next class.

Also, the martial arts teaches children to focus. During class, the students practice throwing strong punches and kicks, but they are also taught to look around them, make sure that no one is in their way, and how to control these new skills. They are taught to consider the consequences of using these skills, as well as the consequences of their other actions. During my son's journey from white belt to yellow belt, he has improved his grades at school, improved his 'attitude' marks in class, and greatly reduced the amount of time he spends whining and complaining. He tells me, "I'm going to persevere, Mom, because the sooner I get [whatever chore he's dreading] finished, the sooner I can play on the Xbox." What parent wouldn't love that attitude?

The emphasis on respect in martial arts is truly key. The children are taught not just to respect others, but to respect themselves. They are taught self-defense moves and how to escape from someone who grabs them, but the underlying message is always, "It is okay to say 'No!' It is your right to get yourself out of an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, even if you have to yell and shove an adult to do it." My son had been the target of bullies at school, but after six months in tae kwon do, he reports much, much less problems with them. Has he gotten into fights? No, not even once. But his newfound self-confidence and respect for himself shows in everything he does. The bullies simply don't want to take on a kid who no longer looks and acts like a victim.

Martial arts teaches children more than just how to punch and kick. They learn life skills that will stick with them throughout their lives. Every month, my son's instructor, Mr. Backstrom, emphasizes a life skill. These life skills are taught throughout the lesson, at every lesson, and are discussed with the students both before and after lessons. As I mentioned in my example above, my son has really learned what 'perseverance' means. This month's life skill is self-control. Some others have been honor, discipline, teamwork, and respect. What other sport teaches children such important lessons?

Also, martial arts tournaments are a great way for children to learn all about healthy competition. Usually priced very reasonably-the two that my son has been to cost less than thirty dollars in registration fees each-they are really terrific events. Imagine a huge room full of competitors, all determined to outperform and outdo everyone else… yet there is absolutely no trash-talking. No gloating or intimidation. No, everyone there is supportive, respectful, cheerful, and friendly. Before each ring begins competing, it isn't unusual to see people in the same ring helping each other to fine-tune their skills, or refresh their memory on a difficult move. Martial arts tournaments, in my opinion, are truly competition at its finest.

So when you are thinking about an after-school sport for your son or daughter, please consider the martial arts. Not only will your child have a terrific time in class and at competition, you will notice some terrific, positive changes in your child's attitude and behavior outside class and at school. Really, it's one of the best investments in your child's future that you can make.