6 Reasons Why Your Child Should Be Taking Karate

6 Reasons Why Your Child Should Be Taking Karate

No matter what your child struggles with; whether it be ADHD, or any other type of mental or physical disability, Karate classes are a beneficial activity for all levels of development. The philosophy behind every class at MertoWest Martial Arts reaches far beyond what sports teaches. Our martial arts classes work to train the body and the mind - developing your child from the inside out. Here’s a few of the many benefits we know karate classes will have for your child: 

‍

1. Amazing exercise

We know the average kid spends about 4-6 hours a day in front of a screen and unfortunately only 1 in 3 kids exercise each day. Martial Arts classes are an amazing way to get your child moving without them feeling like it’s a workout. Our Ninja Warrior style obstacles as well as the technique of karate will have your kids balancing on one leg, swinging on ropes, and remembering complex combinations of movements. Children Karate classes are the perfect way to exercise and have fun while doing it!

2. Burn off some steam

We all know how hard it is to be a kid. Expressing emotions or burning off excess energy can feel almost painful for our children. Martial Arts classes provide a safe and enriching environment to do just that! During a single martial arts class, intense physical activity, as well as punching a mannequin or kicking a bag are excellent ways to release any pent up energy or emotion. After just one class your child may feel 100% better!

3. Develop Hand-Eye Coordination

Every child is different, and some may require a little more assistance developing coordination. At MetoWest Martial Arts our karate classes provide lessons that work to stabilize and control the body - something that is integral to our children's development and everything we do. Learning to kick and punch with precision, as well as many of the complex physical movements we learn in martial arts and on our Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, will help your children further develop these essential skills. 

4. Build Self confidence 

As a parent, it can be hard to teach your child how to have confidence in themselves. Beyond the physical benefits of Martial Arts, there are also many mental and emotional benefits. We know that exercise on its own can help with confidence as it stimulates the production of endorphins, dopamine, and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. And you know what else happens when you feel good? Your self-confidence naturally improves. At MetroWest Martial Arts we also work very hard to build community in our classes. MetroWest Martial Arts is a family. We train together and we support each other. 

5. Focus

Many of our students at MetroWest Martial Arts come to us with ADHD. Children with ADHD struggle with paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. You may think martial arts would be difficult for children who struggle with attention disorders, but in fact studies show that complex physical activity, like martial arts, strengthens neural networks in the brain, and enables kids with ADHD to practice self-control. Movement helps them develop coordination while also building strength. We also see many of our students' grades improve from studying karate. 

6. Developing Self Respect and Discipline 

At MetroWest Martial Arts, the second your child steps into the studio our teachings go into effect. Our philosophy begins and ends with self discipline and respect. We respect our instructors and our fellow students. We practice this through our many lessons and teachings throughout class. As your child respects his fellow students and his instructor they are also beginning to grow a greater respect for themselves. This highly disciplined (but also fun!) way of teaching bleeds into every part of your child's life. Karate is learned in the studio but its many lessons are carried throughout your child's life.

‍