Martial Arts is always a positive outlet for children to learn discipline, stay active and make friends. However, it is more important now than ever for parents of children to consider martial arts during these especially difficult times.
There are 4 key reasons why 2020 is the perfect year for your child to start training in the martial arts.
1. Structure
Martial arts provides a sense of structure in a time where the lines are starting to blur between work/school and home life.
It is no secret that the pandemic has caused many adults and children to lose an otherwise set routine. With school and work moving online, it blends more and more with home life by the day.
However, according to Jena Lee, MD, medical director of pediatric consultation/liaison and emergency psychiatry at David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, daily structure is particularly important for children’s psychological and emotional development.
While we are in a global situation that we cannot control, it is important to try to mitigate the negative impacts. Martial arts provides an amazing sense of structure with regular classes.
2. Socialization
Martial arts gives children an outlet to socialize safely.
Tiney Ricchiardi of The Denver Post explains the urgent need for socializing, albeit safely, in the face of a much different school year for Denver kids. She quotes José Ramón Lizárraga, assistant professor of learning sciences and human development at CU Boulder, in saying that there is “no replacement for face-to-face socialization.”
We have taken drastic measures to ensure that our school is safe for all of our students, and that they are safe training here. We regularly disinfect and clean our school, provide hand sanitizer, and implement strict social distancing.
Training in the martial arts can be your child’s way to stay in touch with friends in a controlled and safe environment.
3. Physical Activity
It is no secret that because kids have been stuck at home and not getting enough exercise. A study cited by Fox 5 NY stated that kids gained an average of 8 to 10 pounds while in lockdown.
Martial arts is a fun and healthy way for your child to burn excess energy and stay fit during this increasingly difficult time.
4. Improved Focus
The skills we instill in martial arts of discipline and respect have impacts on our students outside of our classes. Students of the martial arts have an easier time focusing in school and earning better grades.
While our county is offering e-learning and in-person options for school, focusing and staying on top of school work will be hard for both options. It is a stressful time to be a kid, so learning how to focus in martial arts will have positive impacts on their ability to succeed in school.