Latest News
Join Our Mailing List
The Benefits of Martial Arts for Different Age Groups
Martial art classes in Australia have become one of the most popular ways to get fit, release stress, and achieve mastery of the mind as well as the body. Martial arts training is increasingly popular for the benefits it brings to individuals of all ages. It instils important character values in young children, shaping them into confident and disciplined individuals. For adults, martial arts is a healthy outlet for stress relief, allowing them to find release and mental balance. Martial arts benefits for children (aged 4-12) Martial arts training offers many benefits for young children, including character development, physical growth, and confidence building. Through specially crafted classes, young learners acquire values such as discipline and respect that are carried with them as they grow into independent individuals. At this age, martial arts classes provide students with invaluable life lessons and values that set them up for success in school and at home. Martial arts can also assist in the development of motor skills at this age — the diverse martial arts techniques children learn helps to develop their coordination, flexibility, and balance. Martial arts benefits for teenagers (aged 13-18) The teenage years are a time when individuals discover and develop their own identity and sense of self. Adolescents have high energy levels and are eager to explore new avenues of self-expression, which makes martial arts a popular choice for co-curricular activities. Apart from being a means of self-expression, martial arts is also a healthy way to relieve stress and frustration. Puberty comes with big physical and emotional changes for teens, which can lead to issues like anxiety. Teenage students are taught in a nurturing environment where they learn to confront their stress and leave it behind on the mat, allowing them to find true relief and a clearer state of mind. Martial arts benefits for young adults (aged 19-25) Martial arts provide young adults with an opportunity to remain active and promote their health and well-being. Many young adults start their first jobs during this time, which can bring about feelings of anxiety or pressure to succeed. Practising martial arts helps young adults discipline both the body and mind, which often boosts their confidence and helps them perform better in work and life situations. In a 2024 review by Psychology of Sport and Exercise, martial arts demonstrated effects on the mental well-being of young adults in areas like emotional regulation, attention, learning, and memory. Martial arts benefits for adults (aged 26-50) Work plays a big part in our adult lives, and it can sometimes bring along mental and physical stress, depending on what we do. After a long or frustrating day at work, martial arts sessions offer a way for adults to unwind and let go of stress and tension that has been built up. Work also carries the risk of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly for adults in an office or corporate environment. The rise of work-from-home arrangements adds to the likelihood of being inactive, which in turn can lead to multiple health issues in the long term. With regular martial arts classes, adults can keep an active and healthy lifestyle. Martial arts benefits for older adults and seniors (aged 50+) There's no question that martial arts training is physically intense. However, martial arts can still offer benefits for older individuals who are able to do it. Research carried out by the International Journal of Exercise Science in 2022 revealed that martial arts offered functional benefits for older individuals, such as greater strength, mobility, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and balance. Martial arts is also a great way for older adults to stay mentally active and engaged. Aside from the physicality of the sport, strategic thinking is also a big part of martial arts training. Older adults exercise quick and creative thinking during martial arts classes, especially during sparring sessions. As older practitioners exercise their minds, they can feel energised and stave off debilitating conditions like dementia. Learn martial arts at any age with UMF Academy As the leading provider of martial arts training in Townsville, UMF Academy’s classes offer a wide range of benefits for children, teens, young adults, and older adults. We offer a variety of kids martial arts classes in Townsville that include Wing Chun Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts, with classes for ages groups 4-7 and 6-14 years old. Our martial arts classes also incorporate the industry’s #1 Character Development System, which teaches students important life values such as respect, honesty, and self-discipline.
Read More
Valuable Life Lessons From Martial Arts Training
At its core, martial arts training is more than just physical improvements. Training in martial arts instils valuable life lessons that encourage growth and maturity, helping one to become the best version of themselves. Valuable life lessons serve as the drive we need to grow and face the future with humility and confidence –leading to a more fulfilling life. So, what are the life lessons that martial arts can provide? 1. Resilience In martial arts, we believe losing is sometimes just as important as winning. When students fail, they are encouraged to get back up and set new goals to work through their failures. In life, some outcomes are beyond our control, whether it is losing out on a job, failing a test, or losing a loved one. The more resilience a person builds, the better equipped they are to navigate difficult times. 2. Patience Martial arts teach students that good things come to those who wait. Patience is the understanding that success is a process and does not happen overnight. When students grasp the value of patience, they will feel encouraged and motivated – even when making the smallest improvements. 3. Leadership Martial arts opens up valuable lessons about leadership. In martial arts, we encourage students to practice the values of leadership, like looking for and leveraging strengths, managing emotions, embracing challenges, and a sense of readiness through preparation. Possessing leadership qualities can help students stay focused on future goals and keep calm under pressure. 4. Respect Respect is a key value in martial arts. In martial arts, respect is demonstrated before, during, and after a student steps onto the mat by bowing, listening attentively, and following instructions diligently. Respect is fundamental to building healthy relationships both personally and professionally, fostering a positive environment in all aspects of a person's life. 5. Overcoming Adversity During martial arts training, students are faced with challenges regularly. When a challenge is presented, students have the opportunity to overcome adversity. A martial arts student learns the importance of self-exploration and mindfulness, allowing them to understand where they can push themselves and where their limits are. 6. Sportsmanship Martial arts is often seen as an individual sport, but it is actually highly collaborative and requires a great deal of teamwork. While martial arts students are responsible for their progress, they are also part of a strong community environment. This creates a supportive nature between individuals, encouraging others to reach their individual goals. When a person embraces sportsmanship, they become someone who inspires and uplifts those around them without losing sight of their own goals. 7. Confidence Martial arts emphasises the importance of feeling confident through preparation. When a person prepares and puts the work into achieving their goals, they will have the confidence to do anything they put their mind to – no matter how difficult. The skills we learn in martial arts help discover self-confidence from hard work, grit, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. 8. Self-Reliance To progress in martial arts, students have to rely on themselves to reach their goals. While martial arts lessons provide direction and structure, at the end of the day, it is up to the student to be disciplined and understand that reaching their goals is up to only them and no one else. When people learn to become self-reliant, they are more independent and can take care of themselves. Getting Started With Martial Arts Training Martial arts emphasises the importance of setting goals and encourages students to learn discipline and persistence in the pursuit of achieving their goals. When a person has this mindset, they instil valuable life lessons in themselves. At UMF Academy, we believe that the lessons you learn on the mat become the tools for a better life. Our experienced UMF instructors in North Queensland are dedicated to improving and strengthening the physical and mental health of our students. Each of our martial arts programs for kids strongly focuses on teaching essential life values — we are Townsville’s exclusive provider of the industry's #1 Character Development System. If you’re considering martial arts lessons in Townsville for your child, contact us today so we can help them take their first step to becoming the best version of themselves.
Read More
8 Things Martial Arts Teaches Kids About Winning and Losing
How a person reacts to winning and losing can say a lot about their character. It can impact the way others perceive them, as well as how they perceive themselves.Martial arts goes beyond the physical practices - it is also one of the best ways to teach children graciousness and confidence, whether they win or lose. At UMF Academy, we instill the importance of respect, self-improvement, accountability, and character development into each and everyone of our programs and Townsville martial arts classes. We pave the way for children to become courteous in defeat, hold responsibility for their actions, work toward bettering themselves, and come back stronger to win with humility. Below are 8 things that martial arts teaches kids (and adults) about winning and losing. 1. Respect for competitors – regardless of the outcome A foundational principle of martial arts is respect. There’s no hiding the fact that martial arts can be competitive, but when students learn respect, the mindset of ‘winning’ shifts to appreciating and encouraging others. In martial arts lessons, students show respect verbally and through physical actions. For example, before a student starts sparring, they must bow and gently tap the mitt of their opponent. If they win, they celebrate quietly and with humility. Respect allows students to be aware of the safety and well-being of everyone involved, encourage training partners, and value how a competitor contributes to the overall improvement of their skills. 2. Persistence, goal setting, and overcoming setbacks Through martial arts, students can build persistence and set relevant goals to overcome setbacks – a gift that will serve them in all aspects of their lives. Martial arts is not easy and can be full of frustrations and self-doubt, but when students push through these challenging times – their mental and physical well-being is stronger. Shifting the perspective to look at setbacks as opportunities to overcome, students learn that hard work can help achieve goals. 3. Teaches that self-improvement is most important While martial arts is a physical discipline, it teaches the importance of character development through self-improvement. Martial arts is an individual practice for physical and mental development. In a safe environment where trial and error are valued, martial arts allows students to improve skills and explore their boundaries in a judgment-free environment. 4. The focus is on character development – win or lose Character development refers to self-awareness and a person’s dedication to growth. Martial arts is full of setbacks, hardships, and struggles, but when students can push through these challenges, they learn respect, self-control, responsibility, confidence, and sportsmanship. At UMF Academy, each one of our programs incorporates Townsville’s leading Character Development System. Designed by a child development expert, our programs help children develop positive behaviours they can lean on in all aspects of their lives. 5. The independent nature of martial arts teaches children about accountability While students are supported by teachers, peers, and parents, at the end of the day – martial arts is independent, and students must take ownership of their actions. In martial arts, it’s common to feel stuck when mistakes are repeated, or skills aren’t developing. When students step back, look inwards, and ask questions like “What happened?” they can identify the error and hold accountability – getting to the source of the problem quicker and reaching their goals sooner. 6. Learning from losses In martial arts, just like life, losing is inevitable – it’s all part of the learning process! Improvements will come from trial and error, and martial arts build this understanding from the moment we step through the door. Martial arts teaches to sacrifice the ego completely, allowing students to experience failure and react to it in a positive light. Rather than feeling down after a loss, students can objectively evaluate the loss and ask questions like “How can I improve for next time?” or “What could I have done differently?” to work towards the end goal – developing martial arts skills. 7. Being gracious in victory The more students persist in martial arts, the better they get and, in turn, are more confident. However, acknowledging how the opportunities and experiences of the people around contributed to the success is just as important as the win. Being gracious in victory means acting with kindness, courtesy, and good taste and sharing credit rather than taking all the glory. At its core, martial arts is about improvement. When we understand the balance between being confident in a skill and knowing there is always room for growth – achieving self-improvement is much easier. 8. A healthy approach to competition Competing is a large part of martial arts, but for all the points above, we teach children how to approach competition in a healthy way. We teach that competing isn’t just about winning but about improving skills—physically as well as mentally. When a student is courteous in defeat, can reflect on the outcome, work on how to improve, and come back stronger in the next competition, we see a person with great character.
Read More
5 Ways to Build Strong Character in Kids
Helping children to build a strong character will shape who they are, and who they become. More than simply teaching children street smarts, character development is a core part of early childhood growth that influences values, beliefs, and ultimately, behaviour. Martial arts training has long been regarded as one of the best ways to build strong character in kids from as young as 4 years of age. A recent 2021 study by Frontiers in Pediatrics showed that children who took part in regular martial arts practice developed significant improvements in self-control, anger management, and self-esteem. If you’re looking to build a strong sense of character in children, here are 5 ways in which martial arts training can help. 1. Character Development System Martial art training for children is quite different from training for adults - there’s a greater focus on the teaching of character values such as honesty, respect, and discipline. The culture of martial arts is steeped in personal values, creating an excellent medium for firsthand demonstration. For example, as part of each martial arts session, children are taught to show respect to both their peers and seniors, not just in terms of fellow practitioners, but individuals. Some martial arts providers take this further to allocate sections of time during training sessions to educate children on the importance of certain character values. At UMF Academy, we are the exclusive provider of the #1 Character Development System, which is proven to help children build strong character and identity. 2. Social Interaction Children shape their identity and character based on social interactions with others — positive interactions can encourage growth, while negative interactions like bullying can cause children to become more unresponsive to character building. Martial arts training takes place in groups, offering lots of opportunities for positive social interaction. Instructors foster an encouraging environment where students can build more confidence. 3. Structured Training Sessions Parents familiar with the concept of routine know how it can help children develop greater self-control and discipline. Similarly to how home schedules are beneficial for your child, the structured form of martial arts training sessions helps to build character over time as they grow. 4. Challenges and Goals Character is best built when it is stretched and tested. With martial arts training, children are encouraged to push themselves both physically and mentally toward their goals. Along the way, children may encounter frustration or setbacks, which serve as opportunities to exercise resilience and try again. Instructors carefully design challenges that are achievable with the right amount of effort and guide students along the way toward success. This mirrors similar challenges that children will face in future, whether in their studies, relationships, or employment. 5. Learning Together Parents play a huge role in building strong character in their children — you are their primary role models after all! We encourage parents to get involved with their child’s martial arts training, whether it’s by attending sessions to support from the sidelines or joining a martial arts training program themselves! Sharing an interest in learning the same skill gives you opportunities to bond over common struggles and achievements. If you're looking for a way to help your child develop strong character and valuable life skills, martial arts training could be the answer. As Townsville’s best martial arts provider for kids, our programs are designed to go beyond technical training to include character development and personal growth.
Read More
What's the Difference Between UFC and MMA?
UFC and MMA are two acronyms that refer to two very different things in the martial arts world. UFC refers to Ultimate Fighting Championship, an American mixed martial arts promotion. MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, and refers to the internationally-recognised sport itself.Are MMA and UFC the same thing? Not at all. MMA and the UFC refer to completely different things, but the close connection between them often lead people that aren’t familiar with the combat sport to use both abbreviations interchangeably. MMA is to UFC like Australian Football is to the AFL — the former is a sport, while the latter is an organisation around the sport. MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, a fighting or combat sport much like boxing where two athletes go head-to-head and try to overcome one another with various martial arts techniques. The UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a company that promotes and organises MMA fights and events. The UFC is the largest and most prominent MMA promotion company internationally, but there are also other MMA organisations around the world that do the same, albeit at a much smaller, local scale. Explaining the sport of MMA MMA is a combat sport that involves the use of various distinct styles and techniques from martial arts including Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and Wing Chun. The sport of MMA was first established by the UFC back in 1980, with the initial fights seeing fighters experienced in different martial arts styles competing against each other. Over time, mixed martial arts competitors began weaving in techniques from different types of martial arts to complement their prowess — this led to the creation of MMA as a sport of its own that features the best aspects of multiple martial arts disciplines. About the UFC Based in the USA, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the biggest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world. The UFC is considered by enthusiasts and practitioners to be the highest echelon of MMA fighting, with many of the world’s top MMA fighters competing in UFC events. The UFC has a huge roster of 2,777 fighters (as of Nov 2024) — 257 women, and 2,520 men. Both male and female fighters compete in the UFC championship according to their gender and weight class. Men fighting classes start from flyweight (57kg) to heavyweight (120kg limit), while women fighting classes start at strawweight (52kg) to featherweight (66kg). Which other companies promote MMA fights in Australia? Though the UFC remains the most renowned MMA organisation in Australia, there are some local MMA promoters with a sizable following of fans and fighters. Eternal MMA Eternal MMA is Australia’s biggest MMA promoter that differentiates itself on the basis of hosting no-gimmick fight events that are organised by professional fighters, for fighters. Eternal MMA has garnered such an official reputation in Australia that main events are broadcast on UFC Fight Pass. Starting from one show in 2012, Eternal MMA has since grown to be able to host ten martial arts matches every year. Eternal MMA events have also included appearances from many exciting fighters such as former Eternal Strawweight champion Casey O’Neill, who scored her first UFC win in February 2021. Hex Fighting Series The Hex Fighting Series is based in the Melbourne Pavillion at Flemington Raceway, and is a growing martial arts promoter with a history of 11 amateur fight events and 20 matches between professional fighters. In fact, 12 of these professional fighters made the transition to the UFC! The Hex Fighting Series gives ample opportunity to amateurs looking to become professional fighters through their “Path to Hex” series. Do all MMA practitioners train to compete? No. While it certainly is the dream of some to compete, especially in esteemed UFC championships, many MMA practitioners take up martial arts training as a way to get fit, hone their self-discipline, or simply have fun. MMA training in Australia is open to adults, teens, and kids from as old as 6 years of age. At UMF Academy, our MMA training program is based on a structured curriculum to provide real, progressive learning for aspiring MMA practitioners. If you are looking to start MMA training in Townsville, get in touch with us today to book your first class with us.
Read More
Is Muay Thai Kickboxing a Good Workout?
Muay Thai kickboxing, the official martial art of Thailand, is renowned across the world for not just its effectiveness in close-quarters combat, but also for being one of the most physically intensive forms of martial arts.Known also as the ‘art of eight limbs’, Muay Thai requires practitioners to make use of all four of their limbs as well as the knees and elbows across various techniques. How intense is a Muay Thai kickboxing session? If you’ve ever watched professional Muay Thai kickboxing athletes, the first thing you’ll realise is how fast and energetic their movements are, from their footwork to the way they land a strike. Unlike more static forms of martial arts like Judo, Muay Thai kickboxing involves near-constant movement to allow the fighter to react to different actions from their opponent. This movement is a core part of Muay Thai kickboxing and is also what makes the martial art so physically intense. Techniques for Muay Thai kickboxing involve upper and lower body movements, from straightforward punches to high kicks that require incredible balancing ability. More advanced Muay Thai kickboxing techniques even incorporate simultaneous upper and lower body movements, making it a full-body workout that dynamically engages almost every muscle group in the body. A study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) recorded that a group of 60kg women burned up to 450 calories in a single session of kickboxing. For comparison, exercises like weightlifting burn an average of 180 calories, while an hour-long walk usually burns about 240 calories. What kind of a workout is Muay Thai kickboxing? Muay Thai kickboxing is a multifaceted workout that covers cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance. Cardio Every Muay Thai kickboxing session includes a high-intensity training session consisting of a rotation of exercises from rope skipping, kicking, and running. These anaerobic exercises are designed to improve cardio endurance and ability which will be required to execute more advanced techniques in later sessions. Expect lots of sweating and heart-pounding sessions! Strength Muay Thai kickboxing also involves strength training — expect to do a lot of leg exercises and footwork that develop your calf muscles. The rest of the body such as the core and back muscles will also be honed through the execution of more and more advanced striking techniques. Strength training for Muay Thai kickboxing focuses on increasing the explosive power of muscles to unleash fast and powerful strikes. Flexibility Many Muay Thai techniques (like overhead kicks) feature movements across 3 planes of motion, which works to help individuals develop a high level of flexibility, especially the legs and hips. You don’t have to be very flexible to begin with — Muay Thai training is designed to help practitioners develop this over time with repeated practice. Balance Muay Thai kickboxing practitioners are expected to be able to retain a solid footing regardless of the difficulty of their stance. As kicking and knee strikes are core techniques, the workout will help you develop an excellent sense of balance by keeping you on one leg at a time. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have a poor sense of balance — learning Muay Thai kickboxing can help prevent accidents in life that result from being unable to stay on your feet. Mental workout Though it’s primarily a physical workout, the demanding and intensive nature of Muay Thai kickboxing will also challenge your mental discipline and ability to think under pressure. We’re not going to sugarcoat it - Muay Thai kickboxing sessions will require you to push yourself both physically and mentally, but the results are worth it. Many Muay Thai kickboxing practitioners find it a great way to release stress and gain more clarity of mind. If you’re keen on getting started with Muay Thai kickboxing, UMF Academy offers Muay Thai Kickboxing workouts for adults, teens, and children in Townsville. Book your first session with us today and learn real Muay Thai techniques with the industry’s #1 Character Development System that promotes important life values like self-confidence and respect.
Read MoreLoading More...
All entries have loaded.
You can trial one of our many classes, book yours today
The best way to see if any of our classes are for you, is to experience it first-hand. See our Academy, meet our instructors and emerge yourself in the UMF culture.
To register for your trial class simply check the class schedule, then click the link below to fill in the registration form.