Martial Arts for kids

Kids photo

The after school activity that will empower, install confidence and teach tolerance.

Let’s face it, the most that a child really knows about martial arts for kids is from watching Kung Fu Panda or the latest version of Karate Kid. Even parents just have a vague understanding of martial arts for kids and especially what kid’s martial arts is all about.

Yet, the martial arts are a wonderful activity, that can enable your child, regardless of physical process, to improve core strength and general fitness. A code of good manners and ethics is reinforced throughout all classes and child protection strategies including how to handle bullies and stranger danger are an important part of any martial arts for kids program.

Martial arts for kids can install big confidence. Confidence in martial arts is not just learning self-defence techniques, it goes hand in hand with constant recognition by the trainer that the student is excelling in all aspects of their training. From the discipline to commit to regular class, to build spirit by always training hard, develop leadership by helping their fellow students and build courage by facing their fear.

One of the unique activities at martial arts for kids is the belt grading/graduation. For many children this is the first time that they will set a short term goal, work towards that goal, and achieve a positive result by graduating to their next belt. This is so powerful because it teaches the kids that if they work towards a goal, anything is possible.

Martial arts for kids can be a safe haven where by the unique qualities of every child are celebrated and encouraged, and no one is made to feel less important than anyone else. In my own program, children are taught physical techniques that empower them to stand tall when dealing with bullies but are also taught tolerance so their skills are not used haphazardly.

Over time, the lessons of respect, courage, self-control, self-discipline and spirit taught slowly begin to shape the student from the inside out. As the children grow up and are faced with challenges that are out of our control as parents, the lessons and tools that were taught over and over again we hope will help your child to make the correct choices that will protect them from potential danger as they head out into the world.

Tips for choosing a Martial Arts School

Tip 1. Be careful of martial arts that put competition as their priority. These clubs generally have a culture of winners and losers.

Tip 2. There is no need for children to learn any kind of weapons.

Tip 3. Make sure that all instructors have a current working with children and police check. 

Tip 4. The more trainers in the class the better.

Tip 5. Don’t expect instant results. Self-discipline takes time to nurture.

Andy Dickinson is the author of STAND TALL: A Journey from Boy to Man to Master

Northstar Ju Jitsu

Northstar Ju Jitsu is also taught by senior Black Belts at their own studios'.

These are independently run from the Headquarters .Andy Dickinson Sensei is the head of and founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu and oversees the teaching of his program.

All Black Belts are graded by Andy Dickinson Sensei.