What Children SHOULD Be Learning at School but Are NOT: Part 3
What do you envision for your children when you put them into school?
As parents, we want our children to be successful, disciplined and confident. However, our children may be exposed to harmful situations in school, such as bullying, obesity and peer pressure, which may prevent our children from reaching their real potential. Good news is, there are things we can do to combat this.
A subject that is not taught at school but we feel should be, is martial arts. It teaches discipline, confidence and fitness which will keep your children on the right track.
Obesity rates are high in both American and the UK. This often leads to bullying and low confidence for children in school. With these two significant issues in their lives, it makes it difficult for them to concentrate in school.
It is always said not to try and learn when we are upset. Negative emotions affect how we absorb information and may even make us associate the subject with negative feelings. How then do we expect our children to learn effectively while feeling sad?
Participating in martial arts every week in school can help achieve great fitness levels for children, reducing the chance of obesity from day one. A good martial arts teacher will focus on each individual, guiding them to achieve self-confidence. The training of martial arts encourages children to be more disciplined and show respect.
Martial arts enhances one’s the ability to fight or defend oneself, but only when absolutely necessary. This practice of martial arts could lead to less bullying, as children can learn how to manage anger and when force should not be used. On the rare occasions when bullying occurs, the victim would know how to protect themselves, which provides tremendous comfort and security for a child.
Living in an environment where you feel confident, understand martial arts disciplines and don’t fear a bully can have your child reaching heights even you didn’t see possible. A happy and safe learning environment means a productive one for your children.
Here are 5 martial arts that can set your children on the right path:
JUDO
Country of origin: Japan
The basics: Wrestling and grappling at close range.
How it helps kids: Based on the concept of “maximum efficiency,” Judo is less about brute force and more about mental and physical control, which is a powerful exercise for kids who have more energy than they know what to do with. Similar to karate, they can also take control of their progress as they earn belts for each new level.
Best Age to Start: 4. One expert calls this the safest of all martial arts for young kids, due to the minimal risk of concussion or other head and neck injuries.
JUJITSU
Country of origin: Japan
The basics: Also big on wrestling and grappling, not striking or kicking. Students start on the floor, ultimately aiming to use their opponent’s own weight against them.
How it helps kids: They gain flexibility, balance, learn cooperation, partnership and respect for adversaries. Definitely useful in any playground conflict.
Best Age to Start: 6 to 10
KARATE
Country of origin: Japan
The basics: Like Tae Kwon Do, striking, blocking and kicking are key, with an emphasis on self-defense. In a nutshell: Fewer fancy kicks than in Tae Kwon Do.
How it helps kids: Like all martial arts, karate offers a safe outlet for excess energy and allows kids to set tangible goals for themselves — as they progress, they earn different colored belts, helping them to visually represent their achievements.
Best Age to Start: 6 to 10
TAE KWON DO
Country of origin: Korea
The basics: The focus here is on striking, blocking and kicking (including jumping and spinning roundhouse kicks), with an emphasis on competition skills and tournament fighting.
How it helps kids: The foundation of the art form is self-respect, respect for their fellow students and for their instructors (students bow to their Grand Master at the conclusion of each class). They are taught about the mind-body connection using breathing techniques. Bonus: In one class we observed, five-year-olds learned to count to 20 in Korean.
Best Age to Start: 7 to 12
KUNG FU
Country of origin: China
The basics: A highly physical form of karate with more fluid movements.
How it helps kids: Students move quickly — and break a sweat, releasing extra nervous energy or even anger. It’s aerobic exercise, but one that demands concentration, discipline and respect.
Best Age to Start: 7 to 12
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We all want what is best for our children including the best education possible. Teachers every day try to give us just that. But for the subjects the schools do not teach, other passionate people are waiting to help teach your children, today.
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At PassionDig we believe in teaching you everything that you need to grow and to live a happy life. Whether that be how to cook or how to save money for that special trip. We are here with passionate teachers who are waiting to guide you.
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A special thanks to www.purewow.com for the information on what age groups suit what martial arts.
