5 Ways Martial Arts Will Bully-Proof Your Kid
One of the main reasons why I moved the Katy/Fulshear area was so my 3 kids would attend one of the best school districts in the Houston area. But even great school districts still have bully problems at every grade level, and children that are victims of bullying at school (or anywhere else) often fear going to class because they don’t feel safe. It’s a problem that many experience on an everyday basis and parents often don’t know how to help their kids feel safe or protected.
For them, the answer is a martial arts program. Why martial arts? It gives children the tools they need to defend themselves and steer clear of bad situations that could lead to bullying. It offers extremely critical life lessons that can be used all through their life – from childhood to adulthood.
What Ways Does Martial Arts Help Children Face Their Problems?
1-Building Confidence
It’s important to understand that bullies target the weak. Every martial arts class offers something new for kids to learn – specific drills and techniques. When they complete these goals, the student feels they can do whatever they set their mind to. This helps to instill self-confidence, giving them the power to protect themselves and feel safe.
2-Learning Discipline
A good martial arts instructor will stress how important it is to be disciplined. Discipline is applied to all areas in life including going to class, doing their homework, etc. It gives them a better idea of what is right and what is wrong. A martial arts student understands their limit. They realize that they must maintain their cool to deescalate a situation with a bully.
3-Showing Respect
The moment a child walks onto the mat, they learn how to show respect for instructors and peers – first bump, bow or high-five. With these tools, they learn how they should treat people – friends or not. Showing respect to others shows respect to themselves. Respect for one’s self often reduces the chance of being bullied. The child realizes nobody should be a bully victim.
4-They Know How To Defend Themselves
A child who learns martial arts learns how to defend themselves without physical aggression. A good instructor reminds students martial arts is not for attacking but self-defense. It also teaches children they must take responsibility for their actions and why they should take the high road when faced with a negative situation. When a child knows how to defend themselves, they’re less likely to be a victim of bullying.
5-They Set Goals
According to an array of studies, children who perform poorly in school or not athletic are often the victims of bullying. Why is that? It’s the result of not feeling confident in themselves – more so in the academic area.
Martial arts teaches the importance of setting goals. Martial arts has a belt grading system, and students work continuously to move up belt after belt. They learn dedication and hard work is the key to their success. And, these teachings can be applied to the school setting and reduce the instances of bullying.
Schools should be a safe place for students to go and learn – to make friends and be themselves. Martial arts gives them all the tools they need to confidently face bullies and show respect to all those they meet in their life (even those who wish to do them harm).
We at Team Legacy Martial Arts in Katy encourage parents to come visit our dojo and have your kids do a free, no compromise demo class. Let them try it out for themselves and see how martial arts can help them build a solid foundation to what ever they want to accomplish in life.