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.