Self-defense training for kids will help protect your child against bullying or other challenges they might face at school or in their daily lives. However, introducing your child to the world of self-defense and MMA for kids is about so much more than teaching them the physical moves and practical defense techniques; it can have a big impact on their self-confidence, helping them to feel more confident in themselves, more confident in their daily lives and better prepared to deal with difficult situations. Here are just 5 of the ways in which self-defense training can help to improve your child’s confidence.
1. Self-defense training for kids can improve physical fitness
With digital temptations such as smartphones, game consoles, and TV now readily available, many children are leading very inactive lifestyles which can lead to weight issues that may negatively impact your child’s self-esteem. 13.9% of 2 to 5-year-olds in the US are clinically obese which rises to 18.4% in 6 to 11-year-olds. Self-defense training for kids is a great way for your child to learn the principles of an active lifestyle in a fun and active setting whilst also being introduced to the fundamentals of a healthy diet. Setting healthy habits and an exercise routine for your child while they are young, sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good health and reduces the chances of them suffering from weight-related issues in adolescence and adulthood. Self-defense classes are active and physical, helping children burn fat and build muscle. If your child is overweight then self-defense classes can help them to get back into shape and regain their self-confidence.
2. Martial arts training can improve communication
Many children who appear shy or struggle to communicate simply need to practice their communication skills in a fun and friendly setting outside of school or home. Martial arts and Self-defense training for kids classes require participants to work in pairs, groups and teams, helping them to learn leadership skills as well as take directions from their peers and listen to their teachers and instructors. Clear communication underpins every self-defense class and practicing these skills whilst watching others do the same will help your child feel more confident communicating in other aspects of their lives.
3. Self-defense training fosters positivity
Here at Elite Training Center, all of our classes center around respect, kindness, and verbal conflict resolution. We teach children to have a positive ‘can-do’ and ‘will do’ attitude and help them to understand how to resolve conflicts calmly and verbally in a positive manner. As children grow they increasingly come to realize the connection between thinking, feeling and a positive mindset can not only benefit them by helping to improve their mental wellbeing, but it can also help them achieve greater results in school and in other aspects of their home lives.
4. Kids learning to protect themselves can help them face bullying
No one likes to think of their child being bullied at school or on the playground, but sadly there are children out there who take pleasure in being unpleasant to others, and more than 1 in 5 children will experience bullying at some point in their childhood. Bullying can take many forms and can be verbal, physical and now even conducted online through smartphones and social media. Self-defense classes can help children to learn valuable skills, both mental and physical, to help them deal with a situation should they ever find themselves being bullied. They will learn how to protect themselves in a physical situation and also how to deal with verbal and online conflict. Knowing that your child possesses the skills they need to face bullying will not only put your mind at ease but will help them to feel more confident knowing that they are equipped to deal with the situation should it occur.
5. Self-defense training can teach your child important values
Honesty, integrity, respect, strength, and discipline are just some of the important values that are embedded in self-defense and martial arts culture. By taking part in self-defense classes your child will be exposed to these values and will see them in action throughout their training. They will learn what these values mean through their interactions with their peers and will then be able to apply them to their everyday lives, putting them in good stead for adolescence and adulthood where understanding the importance of honesty, integrity, respect, strength, and discipline can come in very handy.
