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JUL 3



Children and the martial arts is a no brainer. Children dominate the martial arts by being 70% of the population of most martial arts schools. I have personally seen some academies with as much as 90% adults, and they were not MMA schools. Children need what martial arts teaches them; respect, focus and concentration. I know, martial arts schools all say they teach things. But this is not true! Some schools are about the money and some schools want to make your children tough and ready to defend themselves. Self defense is a great thing to know but to have confidence to face challenges and difficult situation is a better thing. Difficult situations such as, being bullied and able to walk away from them without a physical confrontation is more important than some self defense move. Remember that in physical confrontation things almost always go wrong. There is no wrong if your child has developed strong sense of self (self-confidence).
Why martial arts is great for children and adults is that it is an individual journey in physical, mental and social challenges. Yes adults gain as much if not more than do their children. There is not team or coach to please. There is no age limit or seasonal games. I personally know many people who have been training in the martial arts as long and longer than I have (38 years).
What makes martial great for children is first off is the structure or the military like attitude of the academy. The uniform, bowing (same as saluting), belt ranks, saying yes sir and no sir (respect), great exercise, promotions and family type activities. The next great reason is the constant reward they get for there effort which are small victories to there challanges. This is where increases in their confidence are realized.
With all this said, martial arts for children is a great thing, but it has the same effect on adults.
Master Rusty Solomon
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