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.