7 Reasons Why Martial Arts for Kids is So Popular

Martial arts are fast becoming a popular choice for parents looking for a safe, fun, and progression-oriented alternative to traditional team sports. 

So why exactly is martial arts training for kids becoming so popular and what’s causing the resurgence of children enrolling in martial arts classes in Australia? Here’s some of the top reasons why martial arts for kids is enjoying such a resurgence and becoming a popular alternative – or addition – to those traditional team sports. 

1. Martial Arts Teaches Discipline

Whether you’re competing or you’re just doing it for fun, martial arts is grounded in the principles of self-discipline. Martial arts have a clearly defined set of rules and practices that define the rules and learning practices. Whether it’s Muay Thai, BJJ, Wing Chun, or any other form of discipline – when we teach martial arts at UMF Academy, we’re teaching all students to play by the same set of rules, to consider their decisions, and practice self-discipline as they learn. This focus on discipline and self-restraint teaches children to take responsibility for actions and regulate emotions in stressful situations.

2. Strength & Fitness Training

Martial Arts is a great way for kids to stay active and develop strength and fitness. Training in martial arts is a great mix of aerobic and anaerobic for young bodies, it’s also a good way to improve their coordination, improve balance, and grow flexibility. Physical fitness also helps to boost brain function for kids that can improve their academic performance. Regular martial arts training can help to boost cognitive function, alleviate stress, and help to develop overall wellbeing.

3. Martial Arts Teaches Patience

Patience isn’t just a virtue for life – It’s an essential character trait that young martial arts students learn when they train. Just like in the classroom or in other facets of life, martial arts require consistency and patience to see results. Patience is an essential virtue that is taught to students when they train and helps to encourage positive character development that can transcend the gym and assist them into the classroom, their interpersonal relationships, and in other pursuits in life. At UMF Academy, we provide the industry’s leading Character Development System; where discipline, patience, and empowerment is at the core of every martial arts class.

4. Martial Arts Teaches Peaceful Resolution

Contrary to what some may believe, martial arts does not teach or promote violence. When kids learn martial arts, they learn how to control themselves and regulate their ‘fight or flight’ emotions in stressful situations. As students develop their skills, their ability to maintain a calm disposition and regulate their emotions in stressful situations improves dramatically. When children feel more confident in their ability to defend themselves in threatening situations, they learn that they do not need to be the first to react or provoke.

5. Martial Arts Teaches Sportsmanship 

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of learning martial arts is learning the virtues of sportsmanship. As children face setbacks and defeat along the way they learn to accept defeat and understand the value of sportsmanship – irrespective of whether that means winning or losing. Our martial arts classes teach children about the importance of working alongside one another to achieve the same goals.

6. Martial Arts is A Positive Stress Outlet

Parents know better than anyone - kids need an outlet for their stress, frustration, and for their seemingly endless energy – that’s where martial arts training can help. 

Martial arts training provides a positive stress outlet for children in a safe and controlled learning environment. Regular training to channel their energy and emotions into a positive and safe outlet that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. When kids participate in martial arts training, they are able to enjoy a controlled stress release that helps them to feel more balanced (both physically and mentally) in the classroom and in their everyday lives.

7. Martial Arts is Social

Just like any extra-curricular activity, martial arts provide young athletes with the opportunity to engage, mingle, and learn from children outside their normal circle. As many of us know, the friends that we carry through life are not necessarily the ones that we went to school or university with – instead, they are the ones that we share common interests and hobbies with.

Kids that participate in martial arts training will meet new friends from outside of their normal school or social group. Making new friends from outside of their normal social group and from different walks of life is an important part of early development and can help to promote social skills and to develop lifelong friendships.

As mentioned, UMF Academy offer the industry’s leading Character Development System, which is especially important for the growth and development of children as they learn a new sport or skill. Our instructors are qualified above the benchmark of a self-regulated industry - we are committed to making martial arts for kids engaging, fun, and inspiring.