Learning Martial Arts Can Help Kids Defend Themselves From Possible Attackers

martial arts self-defense taekwondo Aikido Judo karate

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Aug 31, 09:46 am

The reality is that parents are not always with their children to protect them. Many parents feel that it's important to teach their kids how to defend themselves when their lives are at risk.

Aside from getting self-defense instructions and learning to protect themselves, there are many benefits to children learning martial arts. It can be a good physical exercise, a way to learn new skills, and a fun time with their peers. According to Premiere Martial Arts, parents need to consider that possessing these skills helps their kids to be safe even without an adult accompanying them.

The ability to protect oneself physically from harm should be accessible to everyone, including children, as it is a fundamental human right. Teaching kids self-defense is important, especially in school, where bullying often happens. Parents need to ensure that children can defend themselves.

Martial arts training can help children gain more confidence

Kids below six years old should never be left alone with anyone they don't trust, as at that age, they would not know how to stand up to schoolyard bullies. Children must be educated about strangers' awareness and predatory dangers that exist in the world. Even though kids can yell, kick, and bite, knowing self-defense will give them more advantages.

More than 6.5 million children in the United States participate in some type of martial arts. Children can choose to learn what they think best suits them since martial arts have different types with their unique focus, history, and style. Some classes have more individual practice and mastery of kicks, punches, blocks, and other moves. Other styles focus more on competition and direct combat with other students. According to Very Well Family, the examples of martial arts are Taekwondo which involves 80 percent kicks and 20 percent hand techniques; Aikido which teaches a non-aggressive form of self-defense; Judo usually entails takedowns to the ground; and Karate which is somehow similar to Taekwondo as it also involves kicks and open hands to block strikes. The main difference is the origin of the martial arts.

Martial art training allows kids to become mentors

Martial arts also means working with peers and mentors in a group environment. Sparring, a part of training in martial arts, allows children to fight and carefully engage in conflict within rules. Thus, it teaches them to become mentors themselves.

It also teaches children leadership and how to get along with others in a cooperative manner. The skills that kids would gain from training can help them avoid conflict and prevent them from becoming a victim of bullying. It can also help them defend themselves if attacked on the streets.

They will also learn many important lessons and help them become responsible and disciplined, per Evolve Daily.