Which Martial Arts Class is Best for Your Child?

The most popular class by far is karate, which is an un-armed combat style of martial arts that is a great way for them to learn self-defense techniques through hand-to-hand combat. In addition to the various physical exercises they will be learning, karate will also encourage them to view martial arts as a way of life, focusing on bettering oneself instead of focusing on others.

What they will learn:

• How to kick, strike, and block opponents by using their hands and feet.
• How to break boards and control their body through practicing different forms and techniques.
• Respect for themselves and others.

Benefits:

• Increased self-esteem.
• Life skills in the form of self-defense and learning how to lead a balanced and happy life.

Similar to Karate, Taekwondo is a practice that has a strong focus on striking and kicking opponents for self-defense, but with more emphasis on kicking and leg techniques. This is a great option if your child is competitive in nature, since there are many opportunities to put them in competition or tournament fighting/sparring as they progress.

In addition to the physical nature of the sport, Taekwondo training also teaches students about the mind-body connection through different breathing techniques. These are to help them improve their mental strength and focus so that they can successfully master the practice and the complicated techniques that it often involves.

What they will learn:

• Breathing techniques to improve memory and concentration.
• How to strike and kick opponents.
• Self-discipline and socialization skills

Benefits:

• Becoming more centered and focused through practicing the breathing and meditation techniques that are part of this practice.
• Increasing fitness and having the ability to defend themselves.

Kung Fu is a more fluid and physical form of Karate that involves more aerobic based exercise training. If your child struggles with weight but you do not want to hurt their confidence, then this can be a great practice for them, as they will be doing more rigorous exercises while also learning self-discipline and respect. The exercises in Kung Fu are performed much quicker – leading to students breaking a sweat – and through these exercises children can release any extra energy or pent up anger.

Kung Fu can also be a better fit for children who struggle with kicks, as the movements focus more on using the upper body. The practice also puts a lot of emphasis on balance and concentration, which can help kids who struggle in that area to learn the techniques properly.

What they will learn:

• How to balance emotions and use them in a more positive way.
• Strength, agility, flexibility, better reflexes.

Benefits:

• Self-confidence.
• Increased physical fitness.

Judo is a more intense martial art that is not for children who do not like physical contact. It is based on wrestling and grappling with opponents at a very close range and overcoming their strength. Similar to Jiu Jitsu, Judo training involves more throws, joint locks, and pinning techniques than the other practices and is competitive in nature.

What they will learn:

• Physical and mental control.
• How to use your opponent’s attack mentality against them.
• Defense techniques.

Benefits:

• Concentration and self-control.
• Physical stamina.

Similar to Judo’s focus on wrestling and grappling, Jiu Jitsu is all about learning how to use your opponent’s own weight against them. Based on hand-to-hand combat, Jiu Jitsu involves nearly every part of the student’s body, and because of this leads to them developing strength, flexibility, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. 

What they will learn:

• Cooperation and partnership.
• Emphasizes that force is only to be applied in self-defense.
• Self-awareness and how to appropriately respond to a situation.

Benefits:

• Increased balance and flexibility.
• Self-discipline.
• Having more energy and stamina.