The Importance of a Character Development System in Martial Arts

As a parent, you may be thinking that developing a ‘Character Development System’ for children sounds unnecessary - after all, if your child is well behaved, they’re going to figure things out for themselves, right? 

The truth is that a Character Development System does more than just provide behaviour correction — it also equips children with essential character values that they can take into the later stages of their life.

The use of the Character Development System in martial arts has shown the best results in instilling deep and lasting positive concepts in children, such as discipline, perseverance, respect, confidence, and emotional control.

What is the Character Development System?

The Character Development System is a structured way to teach and impart deep and meaningful character values to children. Developed over 6 years of research and testing by industry-leading child development specialist, Dr. Robyn Silverman, the Character Development System is proven to deliver significant results in helping children learn and practise good character values such as respect, gratitude, self-discipline, and confidence.

Since its introduction to the martial arts industry in 2006, it has grown steadily in popularity among students and their parents, adding the aspect of educational value to martial arts programs for a holistic approach.

How the Character Development System works with martial arts

The Character Development System works by combining the intensity and focused teaching techniques of physical programs with powerful words that introduce important values to children. Its application has since extended to schools, learning centres, gyms, and even dance studios, but it was originally designed to be used alongside martial arts programs.

Under the Character Development System, a Powerful Word will be introduced each month. As children attend their martial arts classes, instructors will incorporate this Powerful Word into the program by explaining it in understandable terms, as well as helping to reinforce their understanding of it through physical practice exercises. Children will also be encouraged to be a part of the conversation about the Powerful Word by asking questions to better understand and absorb it as a concept.

The impact of the Character Development System on children extends beyond their time in the martial arts class as well — children often demonstrate the same skills with their teachers at school and with parents at home, leading to positive growth over time.

Benefits of the Character Development System for children and parents 

So, what exactly are the benefits of the Character Development System?

Improved behaviour 

Being taught values that emphasise the importance of respecting others can help young adults and children to behave better and showcase less problematic behaviour. Parents that struggle with finding the right ways to discipline their children will gain more support from the Character Development System and be able to work with it to emphasise and encourage positive behaviour in their children.

Together with the self-discipline that is part and parcel of martial arts, children will gradually learn to control their behaviour better, and learn how to communicate their needs and feelings in a more mature way.

Increased confidence and self-esteem

Children that learn under the Character Development System can experience a healthy boost to their natural level of confidence and self-esteem. This is especially helpful for children that struggle with being bullied or making friends. Through positive reinforcement and the personal strength that they gain from exercising martial arts techniques, they will be better equipped to defend themselves from negative physical or emotional experiences.

Preparation for future success 

Children form their personality and habits early on, and often carry these into their adulthood as they grow. With the Character Development System and the value of a martial arts program, children can form a strong foundation for future growth that will increase their chances of doing well in all other aspects of their life, from school to relationships, and even in career opportunities.

UMF Academy — Townsville’s exclusive provider of the #1 Character Development System

The best way to see the benefits of the Character Development System for your child is to enrol them in a martial arts class that offers it as a core part of their programs.

UMF Academy is the only martial arts provider that offers the #1 Character Development System in Townsville and North Queensland. We incorporate the Character Development System in all our kids martial arts programs, such as our classes for 4-7 years and 8-14 years. If you’d like to know more about how your child can benefit from the best marital arts provider in Townsville, contact our friendly team today!