Self Esteem Issues? Look no further !
Say Goodbye to Self-Doubt: 5 Ways Martial Arts Can Boost Children’s Confidence
Today, many parents understand the physical importance of martial arts: This fun, engaging activity is the perfect way to help a child develop a strong cardiovascular system, keep off excess weight, and strengthen his or her joints and muscles.
What is less talked about, however, is the emotional significance of this ancient sport—martial arts are also an excellent way to help raise a child’s self-esteem and self image, helping to embolden even the most shy and hesitant youngster.
The reason for this is not limited to the fact that the sport engenders better self-defence capabilities (though, if a child is being bullied, this is another excellent benefit); instead, it’s due to a diverse combination of factors which come together within the martial arts environment:
1. Martial arts fosters self-discipline: Self-discipline is one of the core tenets of almost all forms of martial arts, and this is excellent for enhancing a child’s self-esteem and self image. People who are self-disciplined feel more in control of themselves, more poised to meet life’s challenges, and less reactive—the basic foundation of steady nerves and confidence.
2. Martial arts builds a sense of community: Many children who lack self-confidence find it very hard to initiate activities and conversations with thier peers, leading to feelings of alienation which only worsen their issues. Martial arts bridges these gaps by giving kids a common interest and common activity over which to bond. Some forms of martial arts, like jiu jitsu, are very partner-driven, providing shy kids with an instant friend who will stick by their side throughout the session.
3. Martial arts includes a reward system: In order for children to feel confident, they need to have their achievements recognized and validated by authority figures. As almost all martial arts involve a variety of levels children ascend through (e.g. the colored belt system in Karate), this sport contains an effective reward system where children’s achievements are affirmed regularly.
4. Martial arts develops hand-eye coordination: Having better hand-eye coordination will lead to a child being more agile, better at other sports, and better at common peer-oriented activities like playing video games. This creates a positive cycle of skills earned in one area spilling over into many other areas that will help a child receive recognition from his or her friends, resulting in better confidence overall.
5. Martial arts encourages respect for authority figures: The connection between this aspect of martial arts and self-esteem isn’t obvious to many of us at first glance, but those who are familiar with child psychology know that children actually need to feel a sense of respect and deference toward the adults in their lives in order to be truly happy. Why? By feeling that the adults around them are capable, in control, and worthy of admiration, children feel safer and put less pressure on themselves. This, of course, causes self-confidence to come more easily to them, as they aren’t placing unrealistic expectations on their own shoulders. In addition to this, having respect for authority figures encourages children to seek out positive role models in their lives. For more information, please contact Howard or Joe at www.pbjjc.com.
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