An after-school program like sports, music, and video games are all beneficial after-school activities, in their own way. But martial arts for kids is about so much more than just physical movement. It’s about learning valuable skills like focus, discipline, perseverance, and making fitness fun. We gathered up our top 5 reasons why Sacramento parents choose martial arts for kids, and some of them may surprise you, like 2! Read on to find out more.
Reason 1: Martial Arts for Kids Helps Kids Focus
Stepping outside of an after-school program for a second, we can say with confidence that a lot of kids struggle with staying focused and concentrating. Some of it’s just part of being a kid, some of it has to do with shortened attention spans with increased screen time, and some of it can be genetic for kids with attention issues.
What’s really cool is that kids martial arts classes actually help students with attention problems and trouble focusing. Why? Well, martial arts for kids is actually about way more than just punches and kicks. It’s a tool that we use to develop character and build incredible life skills. Our instructors are like ninjas, sneaking in quick games and activities to build focus over time. But aside from games, the act of martial arts itself requires discipline too. To master the physical moves, kids need to be still, listen intently, and concentrate on what they’re doing.
Once they’re able to get the moves down, our instructors praise them, using positive reinforcement to create a reward-connection between paying attention and being celebrated. Soon, the students understand the connection between receiving positive feedback and staying focused, and they start to see great results. This ultimately helps them achieve better grades and become more confident, which you’ll read about in Reasons 2 and 3.
Reason 2: Better Grades are Possible with Martial Arts for Kids
Did you know that a karate after-school program can help your child get better grades? Here’s how it works: Through fun games in class and consistent practice of the martial arts moves, we teach them how to improve their focus and attention skills. With this newfound focus, our students become more “indistractable”- they have better control of their bodies and are able to pay attention more easily, meaning they squirm less in their seats in class and can concentrate on the tasks at hand.
Better focus leads to better listening, so they’re retaining the information better than ever before, completing their assignments with a higher quality of concentration. And, because the information is “sticking” better, they’re able to recall better on tests and quizzes, they’re scoring higher because of this heightened recall, and voila–better grades! Yes, it really is that effective. Now you may be starting to see why parents love martial arts classes!
Reason 3: Martial Arts is an After-School Program that Builds Confidence
Every parent wants their child to be confident in themselves. But sometimes, group after-school activities can lead to kids comparing themselves to others. If your child isn’t especially athletic or they’re particularly shy, it can be difficult to find an after-school program that suits them where they don’t have to worry about “letting the team down” in any way.
What’s so awesome about a martial arts after-school program is that it’s an individual sport in a group setting, so our students don’t have to worry about being the best of the best; they just have to focus on being better than they were yesterday. They learn how to compare themselves not necessarily to others–which can be a losing game–but to the previous versions of themselves, in order to keep improving. In this way, our students can see in real-time how awesome it feels to set goals and achieve them, and they can understand the discipline and perseverance it takes to become successful. Those are skills they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.
Reason 4: Our Martial Arts Instructors are Positive Role Models
If you think about it, an after-school program is about the end result; the show in Drama Club, the games in sports. This is where martial arts is the most different from other programs. “Winning” the belt ranking is not our sole focus. Because martial arts is an individual sport in a group setting, our instructors are able to take the time to hone in on each student and help them progress along their own unique journey.
Our kids then begin to look to our instructors as positive role models, and our instructors are more than happy to fill the role! They have dedicated their lives and careers to bonding with the kids and nurturing them through positive reinforcement, positive self-talk, and a focus on progress, not perfection.
What’s so awesome about martial arts is that every black belt was once a beginner, so every instructor can teach from a place of integrity and relate to students when they’re feeling frustrated or upset! We show our students how to get back up when they’ve been knocked down, always stay humble no matter how far they progress, and how valuable personal development and a commitment to growth can be. Those deeper lessons just aren’t as common in other after-school program.
Reason 5: It’s Just Fun!
This one’s a no-brainer; martial arts for kids is just plain fun! Our amazing instructors make each after-school lesson fun and engaging. Our kids martial arts classes are all about non-stop activity. We break each class into different sections to keep kids interested and continually learning in these critical years of growth and development.
Fun activities and games not only help the kids stay engaged with our lessons, but they also help our students make the connection that physical fitness and movement are sources of positive emotion. It’s a connection that will reward them for the rest of their lives. All of this focus on fun is also a way for our instructors to sneak those life skills, like focus, confidence, and discipline, into each lesson. These are the benefits of an after-school program. The kids don’t even realize they’re learning something–they’re too busy having a blast!