I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the many benefits of martial arts for children. Martial arts can help children develop physical strength, coordination, and balance. These are skills that will be developed over time in just about every single drill, game, or activity that we do at the dojo. The goal that I stress to the children in classes is to continually improve. Get better each time you do something! With physical strength, coordination, and balance being part of every drill combined with the concept of always improving, you will start to see a difference as their training continues.
It can also help them develop mental strength, focus, and discipline. Our activities in class take great concentration to achieve and improve on. While every child develops at a different pace, it is invaluable to have them surrounded by other kids working on the same goals as they are in class. With this peer support and examples being set, you will see improvements taking place at a faster rate.
Martial arts can also help children learn to set and achieve goals, as well as build self-confidence and self-esteem. While I don't personally believe that a student's rank has anything to do with how important the activity is to them, earning ranks at Karate is a consistent motivating factor for kids. They love EARNING (we EARN rank at 603 Karate, we don't GET rank) their new stripe and belt promotions. And it is something to be proud of, it took a lot of hard work and dedication!
Finally, martial arts can help children learn to respect themselves and others. Respect is at the heart of everything we do at 603 Karate. I refer to the saying that "Karate begins and ends with RESPECT". It is a great sight to see student's congratulating others when they achieve something or help another student who is struggling with something. This is a common sight at 603 Karate I'm happy to say. I believe that Karate is a great way for children to stay active and healthy, while also learning important life skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Please contact me to have your child try out a complimentary class!
