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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.

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.

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.

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.

Muay Thai Kickboxing vs Boxing: Comparing the Two

Muay Thai Kickboxing Muay Thai kickboxing is a derivative martial art form that is originally from Thailand, with a long heritage of practitioners dating back more than 2,000 years ago. Also known as the “art of 8 limbs”, the distinctive feature of Muay Thai kickboxing is the use of 8 points across the body for striking — the two fists, two legs, two elbows, and two knees. What makes Muay Thai kickboxing so popular (and effective) as a martial art is how versatile it is compared to other forms of combat sports that usually only rely on fists and legs. In fact, kickboxing techniques are commonly used by the top mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes in tournaments and global competitions. Boxing Boxing is a classic combat sport that, like Muay Thai kickboxing also focuses on striking arts, but with only the fists. Not just about hitting hard, boxing also has a focus on footwork for evasion and positioning, as well as defensive stances to protect key parts of the body such as the head and abdomen. Avid boxing practitioners often mention that boxing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one — fighters are required to think on their feet and develop their own strategies all while facing off against an opponent who may be able to knock them out with a well-placed strike. Comparing Muay Thai Kickboxing vs Boxing There has been a persistent discussion among martial arts enthusiasts about whether Muay Thai kickboxing or boxing is the better martial art. While there’s no definitive answer, both Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing each have standout points of their own that apply to different goals of learning them. Training focus Muay Thai kickboxing training involves conditioning the body for strength, flexibility, and agility, as most of the techniques for designed to be applied in very close proximity to an opponent. Strikes with the elbow or knee have less range than a punch or an extended kick, and kickboxing practitioners will be trained to execute them effectively even in narrow spaces. Boxing, on the other hand, focuses more on cardiovascular endurance, reaction time, and precision. Spacing is a big part of boxing training — students will learn how to keep their opponent at a distance and look for opportunities to strike before committing to it. Suitability for self-defence Muay Thai kickboxing focuses on close combat techniques such as clinch fighting, which is applied when practitioners are within an arm’s length of their opponent. Being able to fight up close with an opponent is a speciality of Muay Thai kickboxing, which naturally makes it more suitable for real-life situations where aggressors tend to close the distance quickly. Boxing does teach defence and striking skills but in the context of being able to outlast an opponent, which may not suit self-defence scenarios where time is of the essence. Ease of learning It’s widely accepted that it is much easier for a beginner to learn boxing than compared to Muay Thai kickboxing. Boxing training covers many fundamental techniques that are core to other martial arts, such as how to throw a punch or how to guard the body from attacks. Kickboxing techniques are much more complex and generally take longer to master, but that’s not to say that they are not achievable for those new to martial arts. Is learning boxing or Muay Thai kickboxing better for kids? Both types of martial arts can be taught to children from as young as 6 years old. At this age, training is tailored to focus less on the technical execution of moves and more on the physical and mental development of students. The choice will ultimately come down to the interest of the child, as well as the availability of a marital arts provider with a good track record for hosting martial arts programs for kids. At UMF, we offer both boxing and kickboxing for kids under one combined program. Our classes not only focus on the fun and fundamental aspects of the training, but also incorporate the #1 Character Development System in Townsville to foster important values like respect, discipline, and self-control within students.

What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the most popular combat sports today, with InsideSport estimating that it has a close following of over 30 million people worldwide.Here in Australia, MMA has seen an increase in popularity among spectators and practitioners alike, with the number of amateur MMA fighters in NSW alone rising by 22% from 2017 to 2024. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, learn a new skill, or kickstart training for an amateur fighting career, MMA promises to be one of the most heart-pounding and intense forms of combat sports you can learn. Introduction to MMA The MMA was first established as a sport in 1980, growing in popularity among fighters until the first official MMA event was held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. Despite its modern influences from various martial arts forms across the world, records of mixed martial art competitions exist as far back as the days of the Ancient Greeks where soldiers would compete in fights with one another using a mix of striking and wrestling techniques. Techniques and martial arts used in MMA Today, MMA fighting is defined as a hybrid combat sport that incorporates multiple techniques from martial arts including boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and many others. Striking techniques using the arms and legs — commonly from boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, and even Wing Chun Kung Fu. Grappling techniques used to subdue or immobilise opponents — martial arts techniques from Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and wrestling. Movement techniques that focus on positioning and evasion — techniques from Wing Chun are used to redirect opposing strikes, as well as footwork from boxing and Muay Thai. Mixed martial arts rules and regulations MMA fights rely on a clearly defined set of rules that inform the fighter what they are allowed and not allowed to do during a fight. Some of the most common fighting rules include: No blows to the back of the head, spine, or throat. No gouging, hair pulling, biting, or attacks to the groin. No kicking of a downed opponent (some attacks where both fighters are on the ground are permitted). These rules are in place to keep both fighters safe from severe, life-altering injuries. MMA training retains all of the same rules as the sport but involves significantly less risk for injuries. This is because most MMA training revolves around the honing of certain techniques rather than trying to overcome an opponent. Fighting against another opponent in sparring sessions does happen at higher levels of training, but is only conducted under close supervision from trainers and with both fighters wearing heavily-padded protective gear. Can you learn MMA without competing? Yes! Many practitioners train in MMA not to compete, but for their own personal reasons. Learning MMA without the intention to compete in any fights has real benefits including: Maintaining personal fitness Losing weight As a way to de-stress Improving self confidence Learning discipline and concentration skills For fun! How practical is MMA for self-defence? The focus of the skills learnt in MMA are primarily for use in a regulated environment — each strike and blow you learn will be taught according to what is permitted in the sport. Even when sparring during training, opponents you face will be bound by the same rules of the sport. This means that MMA training is not specifically tailored for self-defence scenarios. MMA rules do not apply to real-world circumstances; an attacker will not “play by the rules” during a confrontation. That being said, MMA techniques still have use in helping you understand how to read a situation where you are facing an attacker and, if necessary, can be applied to ensure your own safety as a last resort. Getting started with MMA training No prior training or knowledge of the sport is needed to get started with MMA training — all you have to do is to find a martial arts academy with a reliable track record (and good reviews!). At UMF Academy, we offer MMA classes for kids between the ages of 6-14 years and MMA training for teens and adults (+15 years) in Townsville. No matter what level of fitness you’re at, our experienced trainers can help start training in Mixed Marital Arts.

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 one of the many essential character building traits that kids can learn with martial arts training. 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.

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