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What Is the Right Age to Enrol My Child in Martial Arts?
Learning a martial art is an enriching way for your child to gain the confidence and discipline that will help them succeed in life as they grow. As the outdated view of martial arts being a violent sport fades in favour of it being an activity that promotes character growth, more and more Australian parents are now enrolling their children in martial arts classes. If you’re considering enrolling your child in a martial arts program, you might be wondering what the right age is to help them get the most out of the classes. We’re here to provide guidance on how old your children should be to benefit from learning a martial arts discipline. What’s the best age for kids to start martial arts? The best age for kids to start learning a martial art is from 4 years old and onward. At this preschooler age, children have lots of energy and willingness to explore new concepts, particularly with physical activity. A martial arts class provides a fun and dynamic outlet for kids to explore and play in a structured way while helping them learn important character values like respect and self-control. Naturally, some parents will have reservations about martial arts as an activity due to its physical nature, but the truth is, the classes are designed with safety as a priority. Instructors are just as concerned about the comfort and enjoyment of the kids as they are with their progress. Considerations for different age groups The two main age groups for kids martial arts classes are 4-7 years and 8-14 years old. Each age group is run differently to cater to the children's level of ability. Martial arts classes for 4-7 years old will typically focus on teaching them non-striking solutions and fun fitness activities based on actual martial arts techniques such as from Wing Chun. The goal is mainly to equip them with the means to guard against common challenges faced at their age like bullying. Classes for children 8-14 years old will start to incorporate more extensive techniques to help them explore and discover their personal abilities and gain confidence in dealing with the stresses of school and relationships. Through the practice of taught techniques, children will also learn essential life values and build good character to carry them far in life. What age is too young for martial arts? Children under the age of 4 years are typically considered too young to be in a martial arts class. At this early age, children will still be developing their core motor and comprehension skills such as learning how to walk and talk, and thus will not be independent enough to attend a martial arts class. The benefits of starting martial arts early Starting your child early in martial arts has multiple benefits, chief among them being character development. Many problems faced by individuals during adolescence and adulthood often stem from unresolved issues during childhood. With the right foundation in character development early on, children will be able to have a solid foundation to learn and grow on, minimising the impact that negative influences can have on them. Another key benefit of starting martial arts early is the enrichment that it provides to children. Modern entertainment options such as gaming and social media are by no means bad, but they don’t offer as much learning value to children as martial arts can. Martial arts is a great physical outlet for children to release their high-levels of energy while keeping them fit, flexible and healthy. Kickstart a love of martial arts with UMF Academy Ready to enrol your child in a martial arts class? UMF Academy is the premier provider of martial arts programs in Townsville and North Queensland. Our Little Dragons (4-7 years) and Young Warriors (8-14 years) martial arts programs are the sole incorporators of the industry renowned Character Development System, which imparts essential life skills and values to give children the best shot at succeeding in life. Both of these programs are also based on Wing Chun Kung Fu techniques — our instructors at UMF have direct lineage from Ip Man to Grand Master William Cheung. Contact us to learn more about how you can enrol your child in the best martial arts academy in Townsville today!
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7 Best Muay Thai Sparring Tips For Beginners
Your first few steps into a new martial art is exhilarating — with so many techniques to learn you will no doubt have a lot to take on and practice as a beginner. For Muay Thai, a big part of this excitement is getting to spar with others. That said, sparring can result in blows to your body, technique, and your spirit if you’re not quite ready for it. Sparring for any martial art should be conducted under the watchful eye of your martial arts instructor - here are the 7 essential tips that we give to all Muay Thai sparring beginners. Our top 7 Muay Thai sparring tips for beginners Don’t go too hard Sparring isn’t something that all beginners will jump into right away. Your instructor will only give you permission to spar only when they think you are ready. The main reason for this is that there’s a possibility of injury during sparring sessions — many beginners get overwhelmed by the heat of the moment and hit too hard, hurting themselves and their sparring partner in the process. Remember, the purpose of sparring is to help you see how your techniques perform against a dynamic opponent, not to see if you are “better” than them. Focus on how you deliver your strikes and blocks instead of going all out on your sparring partner — they’re not going to appreciate it, and you won’t learn anything from the session. Wear the right equipment You’re going to be hitting and getting hit when sparring, so make sure that you wear the right kind of equipment for it. These include: Boxing gloves – As we’re talking about Muay Thai kickboxing, you’re going to need the right gloves. Make sure they are the right size and fit. Shin guards – The last thing you want is to drive your bare shin directly into your opponent’s leg. It is as painful as it sounds, so remember to get proper shin guards that fit you and don’t slip down. Headgear – Find a protective headgear that fits you snugly without making you feel too constricted. Sufficient padding is also a must. Groin Protection – Guys should already know better than to neglect having a groin guard. Ladies shouldn’t overlook this protection too — getting kicked hard in the crotch is painful for anyone. Mouthguard – Don’t be tempted to cheap out on a proper mouthguard. Get a professional grade one as an investment, and your teeth will thank you. Separate sparring from fighting Let’s get one thing straight — sparring is not fighting. Beginners often make this mistake; and it’s not hard to see why. When faced with an opponent, your mind’s fight or flight responses can take over and cause you to lose focus of the objective of sparring. Your sparring partner is not trying to hurt you, so you shouldn’t try to either. Try not to take things personally either; accidents and injuries can happen to matter how careful the both of you are, but they are never intentional. Learn to keep a clear mindset of what you want to practice when sparring and place less focus on the actual fight. Find the right sparring partners It may sound counter intuitive, but having a vastly more experienced sparring partner is actually more beneficial for your learning. Of course, it can be intimidating facing someone who may be much stronger than you, but again, the lessons of sparring are to see how well you execute the techniques you’ve learned in a real environment. Instructors will often match beginners to experts as experts already have the ability to control their strikes and have a better understanding of how sparring is conducted. This creates a more controlled environment for beginners to learn in rather than trying to “beat” the other person. Work on your weaknesses A training dummy won’t counter after taking a hit, but your sparring partner will. This is why sparring is such a great opportunity for learning where your weak spots are, and how you can work on improving them. Even fighters with flawless technique can fall prey to simple mistakes for reading opposing moves, which is why the experience of sparring is so valuable in training. This way, you can learn dynamically and progress from mastering a technique to mastering how and when to apply it. Put together combinations Stringing multiple techniques together is the most organic way to get better at sparring as a beginner. Each kick and strike you’ve learned so far are meant to be used in tandem, not individually, and it’s during a sparring match where you can try out just how effective your personal combinations are. Take the opportunity to try out different techniques and don’t forget that sparring is just as much about learning to strike as learning to defend. Have fun Last but not least, just have fun. The reason why you’ve come so far as a Muay Thai practitioner is because you have a passion for it — and it’s that passion that you should fully embrace even during sparring sessions. Learn to enjoy the process instead of always pushing yourself forward. You’ll find your journey to be much more memorable this way! If you’re looking for a place to begin learning Muay Thai kickboxing, UMF Academy is the No.1 martial arts provider in Townsville and North Queensland. Our Muay Thai classes are conducted by master instructors that can guide you with the proper training towards your first sparring session.
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5 Reasons To Get Your Child Started on Kickboxing / Boxing
When it comes to kickboxing or boxing (or any martial arts for that matter), many parents worry that enrolling their child may be setting them up for conflict. UMF Academy is the only martial arts provider in Townville that offers the industry’s #1 Character Development System in our kickboxing program for kids. The Character Development System prepares children to respond to conflict and challenges by stopping them before it starts, to avoid it and prevent it. The truth is, enrolling your child in kickboxing / Boxing isn’t about setting them up for playground supremacy. Kickboxing or boxing provides a long list of physical and mental benefits that can help your child to build confidence and thrive with conflict resolution skills that they can carry through their formative years. In this article, we’ll tackle the stigma of martial arts for kids and look at 5 reasons why you should consider enrolling your child in kickboxing. Kickboxing / Boxing Builds Confidence Whether your child is an introvert or an extrovert, kickboxing is a great way to build confidence. The confidence instilled through kickboxing for kids isn’t just about knowing that they can handle themselves if push comes to shove. For kids, it’s about building confidence through physical development and holistic fitness. Not simply the confidence to navigate their way through the school halls, but confidence in their outward appearance and how they carry themselves in everyday situations. For children that may be more reserved, kickboxing and boxing is an excellent way to bring them out of their shell and instil those critical building blocks of self-confidence. Kickboxing /Boxing Teaches Conflict Resolution One of the biggest misnomers about kickboxing and the martial arts is that they are based on conflict. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the trust. For kids who learn kickboxing/boxing, they are instilled with the notion that peaceful resolution must always be their first resort. Kids who know understand their own physical capabilities are more likely to navigate through times of confidence with discipline and conflict at the front of mind. For young kids, knowing that they have the combat skills required to handle themselves in a physical altercation means that they are less likely to instigate conflict and more likely to deescalate conflict situations. Kickboxing / Boxing Teaches Respect Just like all martial arts disciplines, kickboxing and boxing is grounded in discipline and respect. For kids starting out on their kick boxing journey, the notion of respect is something that will be taught from their very first lesson. Respect for their instructor, their peers, and for their environment helps to foster a competitive, fun environment for everyone. Kickboxing places a strong emphasis on patience, discipline, and respect for the craft and those around them. Kickboxing / Boxing is Fun! It would be remiss of us to write a list about the best reasons your child should start kickboxing without mentioning the F-word – FUN! Kickboxing / Boxing isn’t just about learning and growing as an individual, it’s about having fun in an environment of like-minded peers who share the same goals and same objectives. Kids love kickboxing / Boxing classes because it teaches them real-world skills that build confidence in a fun and safe environment. Boxing and kickboxing is one of the fastest growing disciplines of martial arts for that very reason! For many students, the allure of kickboxing / Boxing comes from learning a new skill with real life application, however, after their first classes many of the students are hooked on the ‘fun’ element of learning a new skill in a safe and welcoming environment. 5. Kickboxing / Boxing Builds Social Networks Just like team sports, boxing and kickboxing for kids is a great way to build a network outside of the classroom. For many young students, enrolling in kickboxing means forming life-long friendships with children outside of their school peer group. For many children, it also means meeting children from many different backgrounds and creating bonds that go beyond sharing a classroom. For kids, the emphasis is on creating friends in a fun and respectful environment that can help to build their network of peers. Final Thoughts When it comes to martial arts and self-defence, the tide is certainly changing in Australia. As more parents recognise the social and personal development benefits that come from kickboxing / Boxing and becoming involved in the martial arts, the community continues to multiply and welcome in new children. If you’re still on the fence, head down to UMF to chat with our friendly team about how we can get your child enrolled and excited about the opportunities of learning self-defence in a safe and supportive environment. UMF Academy is the only martial arts provider in Townville that offers the industry’s #1 Character Development System in our kickboxing program for kids. The Character Development System prepares children to respond to conflict and challenges by stopping them before it starts, to avoid it and prevent it.
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4 Best Martial Art for Women's Self Defence
In response to crime rates in modern society, self-defence for women is more important than ever for ensuring their personal safety. According to the ABS, it’s estimated that 1 out of every 3 women in Australia have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.Learning a martial art is one of the best ways for women to not only equip themselves with practical skills for protection but also to boost their self-confidence and peace of mind when travelling. If you’re considering taking up a martial art for self-defence, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve highlighted the 4 best martial arts for women and why they are great for those looking to improve their self-defence capability. The Value of Martial Arts and Self Defence for Women It’s a sad reality that women are disproportionately represented in martial arts due to the false traditional stigma of violence that’s associated with martial arts. Most martial arts have their roots in defence rather than being a tool for offence or aggression. Martial arts are also widely known for being a medium for enhancing one's self-discipline and self-control and promotes values such as respect and mastery of the self. Women are often subject to unfair treatment due to archaic societal perceptions of masculinity. It’s no wonder that they also face higher risks of crime-related violence, and in some extreme cases, sexual assault. In such cases, the value of martial arts cannot be understated in helping to deal with perpetrators or even prevent them from acting against you altogether. 4 Best Martial Art for Women's Self Defence Krav Maga Originally developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art that focuses on survivability rather than ‘winning’ over an opponent. It’s best known for having wide applications in real-world situations. Because Krav Maga doesn’t require a lot of mastery over specific techniques, it’s one of the easiest martial arts to pick up for women. You can start learning Krav Maga today and immediately learn moves that are applicable in commonly encountered situations, such as snatch theft or against a knife-wielding assailant. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu As its name suggests, Jiu Jitsu originates from Brazil and is a martial art that features the use of grapples, ground fighting, and submission holds as part of its key set of techniques. Being pinned to the ground by an assailant is one of the most difficult positions to defend yourself in, especially so for women, as a lot of physical strength is required to push another ~ 70kg person off you. In taking up Jiu Jitsu, women can learn how to defend themselves against attackers even while lying on the ground and drastically improve their chance of escape. Muay Thai Kickboxing Muay Thai, or kickboxing, is an extremely popular combat sport that features the use of both legs and arms for both defence and offence. Lots of women favour Muay Thai as it also happens to be great at burning calories and helping with weight loss. But aside from that, kickboxing also teaches self-defence skills for women like how to escape from wrist grabs, chokes, and hair grabs. Wing Chun – the style Bruce Lee trained in Wing Chun was popularized around the world by Bruce Lee and also gained a lot more recognition after the movie “Ip Man” was released across the globe. It’s a martial art that is characterised by its focus on close-quarters hand-to-hand combat and straightforward techniques. Wing Chun was developed by woman it’s based on science and proper body mechanics. With techniques that don’t require a lot of arm strength, Wing Chun is gaining popularity among women who want a reliable way to defend themselves without needing to apply a lot of force. It’s an accessible martial art that can be picked up quickly regardless of your fitness level. It’s formidability comes from its ability to transcend size, abilities, disabilities etc. Tips for Choosing the Right Martial Arts Style for You When it comes to finding the best martial art for women, we like to recommend choosing one that you are most comfortable with. Watching demonstration videos is a good way to try and envision yourself performing these techniques, as well as seeing firsthand how they apply to self-defence. It may seem daunting to pick up a martial art for self-defence, but it’s simply a matter of practice to be able to reliably use it in dangerous situations. Once you’ve started attending regular classes, your trainers will be able to guide you and build your confidence in your abilities. Not to mention, your fitness, strength, and agility will improve dramatically. At UMF Academy, we offer all the above best martial arts for women in North Queensland and Townville. Our classes are conducted by experienced Instructors of each martial art to help you along your self-defence journey. Contact us today to find out more about our classes!
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6 Important Benefits of Jiu Jitsu for Kids
Jiu jitsu is one of the fastest growing sports around the globe.For parents looking for a fun and safe way to encourage their children to participate in exercise and sport, jiu jitsu offers a variety of physical and mental benefits and instils essential life skills that can help them thrive. UMF is the only Townsville martial art school that provides the industry’s #1 Character Development System. In this article, we’ll look at six important benefits of jiu jitsu for kids and how martial arts can promote a healthy and safe environment for them to flourish in their formative years. Table of Contents Self confidence Physical benefits Discipline & Respect Social aspect Peaceful resolution Year-round consistency Self confidence When it comes to the benefits of jiu jitsu for kids, self-confidence is at the top of the list. Whilst we never want to find ourselves in situations where we need to apply jiu jitsu, the practical aspect of jiu jitsu makes students confident in combat situations. Not only does jiu jitsu make kids more confident in combat situations, but it also makes them feel less inclined to get involved in them because they have nothing to prove. For many young jiu jitsu students, the reassurance of their training provides them with the confidence that they can de-escalate and overcome challenges which, in many cases, results in them feeling less inclined to prove it. Physical benefits As you might expect, jiu jitsu is a great pay to promote physical activity for children in a fun and engaging environment. Jiu jitsu training promoted cardiovascular and aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility across a range of motion. For kids that may struggle with conventional sports like Little Athletics or alike, jiu jitsu is a fun and engaging way to improve their fitness in a safe, fun, and controlled environment. Discipline & Respect Martial arts are founded on the principles of discipline and respect – two essential skills that can be instilled in children from a young age. There are few other sports that place such a strong emphasis on patience, discipline, and respect for your instructors and fellow competitors like jiu jitsu. In class, children will learn the virtue of patience and respect towards both the art of jiu jitsu and their fellow practitioners. Outside of the class, kids become ambassadors for the martial art of jiu jitsu where they are empowered to uphold its unique and positive values to all of those around them. Social aspect For kids, jiu jitsu is a great way to make new friends and expand their circles to include new peers that they might not interact with in school or through other extra-curricular activities. Jiu jitsu for kids is a great way to interact, socialise, and bond on the shared interest of the sport of jiu jitsu. For most kids, they will make lifelong friends from their very first jiu jitsu class in a fun, team environment that promotes mutual respect and trust. Peaceful resolution Contrary to the narrative that we sometimes see from the media, jiu jitsu and other forms of martial arts are about seeking a peaceful resolution – not inciting physical combat or violence. For kids who maty struggle with conflict resolution, jiu jitsu is a great way to teach the virtues of talking through problems in a respectful way to seek a peaceful outcome. For most kids, knowing that they have the combat skills to handle themselves in a physical altercation is enough for them to know that they do not need to prove it. For kids that have been the victim of bullying, or even those that have been the instigators, jiu jitsu instils the importance of peace that will help them to navigate their way through the school halls with confidence. Year-round consistency Whether you’re battling the crippling summer heat and humidity in Townsville, or you’re overcoming the cold months in the northern hemisphere, one of the many benefits of practising jiu jitsu for kids is that it is predictable and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Unlike outdoor sports which are at the mercy of the weather, jiu jitsu is never cancelled and can be enjoyed in the comfort of an indoor setting throughout the year. For parents looking for a predictable and consistent after school or weekend activity, jiu jitsu is a great option. Final Thoughts For parents that are looking for an extracurricular activity for their children that provides a well-founded approach to physical and mental development, jiu jitsu is a great way to equip them with essential life skills in a fun and supportive environment.
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What Age Can Kids Start Learning Kickboxing?
Kickboxing is one of the most revered and practiced martial arts in the world. But how old should kids be before they start to learn kickboxing and when is the best time to get them involved.For children, kickboxing is a powerful way to channel their energy, build resilience, and learn foundational self-defence skills and the importance of self-discipline. For children learning kickboxing, the emphasis is on fun, coordination, and support where kids can learn in a supporting environment. In this article, we’ll look at the basics of kickboxing, understand the best time to start your children, the physical and mental benefits of martial arts, and what you can do to minimise their risk and find the best environment where young learners can thrive and grow. Table of contents Kickboxing basics & discipline overview What age can children start to learn kickboxing? Physical & mental benefits of kickboxing for kids Mitigating risk & maximising enjoyment Finding the right kickboxing class for kids Kickboxing basics & discipline overview Kickboxing dates back to the 1960s in Japan where Tatsuo Yamada combined the disciplines of Muay Thai and Karate to provide a full-body self-defence that employs kicks, punches, and footwork. The inception of kickboxing sparked a global movement in Europe, North America, and Japan which led to unique adaptions from pioneers like Joe Lewis which was the first to introduce full-contact kickboxing matches. In Europe, Dutch kickboxing built on the foundations of the Japanese techniques and achieved international acclaim. The diverse adaptions of the discipline of kickboxing that has become ubiquitous for its unique combination of power, precision, and discipline that continues to be one of the most popular forms of martial arts. What age can children start to learn kickboxing? Kickboxing is a great way to teach discipline and foster early development in conflict resolution that prioritises de-escalation and a conflict-free outcome. Kids can start to learn kickboxing from the age of 6 years old where they will learn the basics and work on basic cognitive skills and development. During these formative years, kickboxing is practiced in a playful and theory-based level that promotes general physical and cognitive development. As children progress, the style and techniques that are covered will progress. Early kickboxing classes promotes self-confidence, conflict-resolution, and basic self-defence skills that help to improve coordination in a fun and supporting environment. Physical & mental benefits of kickboxing for kids Kickboxing for kids goes beyond the physical aspects and instils important life skills such as self-discipline, conflict resolution, sportsmanship, and overcoming adversity. In addition to building physical strength and understand the capabilities of their bodies, kids can also work towards goals such as different belts and competitions that help to promote a competitive spirit. In the right environment, martial arts instil the value of clear decision making, overcoming emotions, and finding peace over aggression. While many of these values can also be taught through conventional team sports, the individual pursuit of kickboxing and martial arts highlights the important need for self-reliance and problem solving in overcoming adversity. Mitigating risk & maximising enjoyment As a parent or guardian of a young one, mitigating risk and maximising enjoyment plays an important role in how your child feels towards learning to kickbox. For young kids, safety is paramount when learning kickboxing which means investing in gloves, shin guards, and head gear to protect them during training and practice. For kids, kickboxing is low contact and emphasises the use of technique over brute force. This approach helps to safeguard young learners and instils a greater understanding of the fundamentals that guide development. It’s a careful balance between safety and skill development that helps to ensure that kids have a positive outlook on learning to kickbox and choose to continue for years to come. Finding the right kickboxing class for kids Finding the right kickboxing classes for kids is essential. It’s important to find classes in a supportive environment from qualified instructors that understand how to make kickboxing fun for children and foster physical development and self-discipline. When seeking the perfect kickboxing class for your children, it's not just about punches and kicks; it's about nurturing character and confidence. In Townsville, UMF provides Kickboxing / Boxing 4 Kids program to kids ages from 6 to 14 years of age that combines boxing and kickboxing in a fun and dynamic fitness class while also teaching non-striking solutions. While many clubs emphasize discipline and respect, UMF goes a step further by offering the industry's top Character Development System that teaches children essential character traits and skills that will set them up for life. To learn more or book your first class, contact our friendly team today!
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