It is important that the traditional values of most martial arts, such as respect, discipline, self-confidence and modesty should be taught to children. Obviously there are numerous physical benefits to be gained from the right kind of training. This requires good levels of aerobic fitness, flexibility and a healthy approach to diet. Most students will find that with this kind of training their overall ability in other fields be it football, basketball or hockey will improve. Martial art training develops fast twitch muscle fibres; good hand/foot to eye co-ordination, and the flexibility train can help prevent muscle tears and injuries common to other sports.
Young children who enjoy regular training will also develop important social skills. Martial art training involves individual and team performance, so the athlete is likely to feel alienated among their peers. They will learn to have a competitive spirit, whilst maintaining respect for fellow athletes. In the early years (4-7) a child is learning the social skills for future life. In the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s parents had more input into the child’s early development. Now with modern technology television, computers etc. a parent have a reduced input into their child’s moral standards, belief and social skills. Potentially, the children of the future are learning / being programmed by advertisers and the media to become there perfect consumer. Before the advent of this technology children used to climb trees, play in the park and generally use their own imagination to occupy and entertain themselves. There is also the risk of the modern child not fully developing important social skills
Through practicing a martial art we can improve three keys areas in young people’s lives; Self Esteem, Self Confidence and Self Perception or Identity.
By teaching a syllabus of techniques and letting the children achieve their grades the children learn with regular work they can achieve anything, thus there self esteem goes through the roof.
Self Confidence by learning new skills and the practical use of these skills on the other students, along with physical changes in the body e.g. they become stronger and suppler there is massive confidence increase.
In order to raise the standards of martial arts as a competitive sport, children need to be involved at an early age, by teaching the core elements of martial techniques combined with stretching and strengthening programs to develop co-ordination. Simple games and activities may lead on to gymnastics, body shapes, stances and balances, which are a foundation for future progress.
As more and more people become concerned about violence in our community and worried for their children’s safety, the idea of sending them to a martial art class becomes a very attractive option. It is important to teach that violence solves nothing in people’s lives, and will never make you rich or command respect; “Violent people come to violent ends!” My master’s definition of a Martial art is; “You can control your opponent in any situation with your art, teaching kicking and punching techniques just means your teaching someone to hit something or one and not an art”. This means that if someone should say thing offensive to you. You have the confidence and self-esteem to stand up to them and ask them who do they think they are talking to.
It is important to recognize that children go through several stages of development. Until the age of seven a child does not normally develop free and coordinated movement. Powers of concentration develop simultaneously and consequently the performance of martial techniques tends to be somewhat erratic to start with. They are successfully achieved through repetition and with patience from an understanding instructor. |
