Some parents may think martial arts may promote violence, but that's a myth, according to experts. The martial arts actually help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.
A typical hour-long class begins and ends with a bow to the teacher, or master. After a warm-up, students practice the art's particular skills, which may include kicks, punches, and blocks. Each requires concentration and strict attention.
But, say experts, it's the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit: It often carries over into school, helping to improve behavior and even grades, according to recent research.
Though most people would list physical fitness as an obvious benefit of studying martial arts, few people really understand all the physical benefits. Two things seperate martial arts training from the many sports and work out regimens that your child might try.
First, martial arts have developed over thousands of years, and in that time the teaching techniques have perfected the break down and perfection of each movement.
Second, martial arts is a discpline that will continue to provide physical benefits throughout a persons life lifetime. Martial artists are known not only for long life healty life styles, but for being physically fit well in their last years. Martial artists as old as 100 years have performed in tournaments!
Coordination - the techniques taught in most martial arts systems build from simple movements to complex combinations. The teaching techniques are accessible to children no matter how much or little natural grace they may have. The process of putting together the techniques inevitably provides improved coordination, balance, and grace.
Flexibility - Martial artists emphasize flexibility more than most sports. It is much easier to develop flexibility when young than to try and achieve as an adult.
Strength - Martial artists employ both traditional and modern exercises to develop and maintain the strength needed to support the advanced techniques.
Endurance - As children pursue their development as martial artists, they will find that they can work harder, longer, and with greater ease and enjoyment.
Martial arts, at first glance, seem to be a set of physical skills, but in reality, the real goal is to condition the mind. Martial arts trains the mind to learn quickly, often reading very subtle signs, and how to react with a complex set of moves. In many expert opnions, the mental benefits of martial arts are greater then the physcial.
Focus - The martial artist must learn to bring all of his or her attention to the activity at hand. Many children do not get this lesson in their daily activity and become easily distracted.
Learning - Learning is a skill. Children who work their way through a martial arts curriculum are learning to learn. The level of challenge, the individuality of instruction, and the visible results all work to make learning martial arts uniquely valuable in the art of learning itself.
Ages (5 to 7)
The Tiny Tigers meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00PM - 5:00PM, We emphasize motor skills, coordination, balance, discipline, respect, along with age appropriate Martial Arts.
The Little Dragons
Ages (8 to 12)
The Little Dragons meet six days a week Monday - Friday 3:00PM - 6:00PM and Saturdays 12:00PM - 4:00PM, there are classes every hour and the children are allowed to stay for as many classes as they choose. We emphasize basic martial arts training, kickboxing, self defense, grappling, weapons training, chi breathing, meditation, and, most importantly discipline and respect.
