We were given the chance to interview Kung Fu club Washington DC about what martial arts mean to them, and how do they improve and develop the children’s overall health. They mentioned that it was not the first time someone asked them that question. 

Several parents have questioned what do martial arts do their children. With the knowledge of offensive and defensive attacks, would they learn violence towards other individuals and distraction from their academic duties and tasks?  

Martial arts, whether it is karate, taekwondo, judo, or other, are more than just kicking punching, and throwing anyone into the ground; it is more on finding the balance between the mind, body and the spirit. The benefits that martial arts have in the physical body are no news; however, some individuals undermine the benefits of practicing martial arts to mental and spiritual health. In this article, you will know five of the mental benefits that martial arts provide to anyone who practices them. 

1.Focus 

The United States ha an estimated over 6 million children that experience ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some parents turn to medicine, while others enrolled their children in martial arts.  

Why is this? Martial arts, in any kind, develop focus to any individuals who are undergoing training. The activity needs consistent practicing and presence of mind. They need to remain sharp to learn and master the skills taught to them. This is why children enrolled in martial arts are now too drawn to technology and other things that most children are addicted to.  

2.Discipline 

In line with how martial arts develops focus, the training itself teaches individuals effective discipline. The students are “required” to develop self-control, stronger will power, and good habits to excel in the training. They are also taught to resist negative impulses, control their emotions and manage their overall behavior. Punishments are given to those who break the rules.  

3.Respect 

It is of high importance that the students respect their seniors and instructors even outside the training ground. One important characteristic of martial arts is students are required to their bow and salute to seniors when they meet and to their opponent during the fight. They are taught respect, honor, and humility.  

4.Tolerance 

Martial arts training is not for individuals who wail for a little pang of pain. The training is rigorous and the fights are real. Students are taught to tolerate pain, punishments, and even failures.  

5.Confidence 

More and more children are getting bullied in school and in social media, which is caused and also resulted in low self-esteem and self-confidence. Martial arts provide the means to a better and healthier body that effectively decreases stress and anxiety while boosting one’s self-confidence. A focused, disciplined, and tolerant attitude makes up this new-built confidence of children and adults who undergo martial arts training.  

The awareness of being able to protect yourself when needed builds confidence in you. 

Conclusion 

Martial arts have become more and more prominent in providing not just physical advantages, but also mental benefits to anyone who practices it. It teaches respect, focus, tolerance, discipline and confidence to them.