| When a child reaches a certain productive and | | | | standard element of a self-defense program. |
| attentive age, parents often try to find | | | | When a student begins their martial arts program |
| constructive activities to enroll them in. The right | | | | they are taught in a structured classroom setting |
| activities will be able to instill certain traits and | | | | by an instructor that is skilled in the art. Martial |
| qualities into the child's life. Some of these qualities | | | | arts students learn a specific system of codes |
| include discipline, respect and focus. One activity | | | | and traditions that are passed on from generation |
| that parents often consider to achieve these | | | | to generation. These long-standing systems are |
| goals is martial arts. | | | | still around because of their effectiveness. |
| The Benefits | | | | The Lessons Learned |
| The ultimate purpose of learning martial arts is to | | | | One of the most important lessons that a child will |
| be able to defend against harmful threats or | | | | take away from martial arts is self-confidence. |
| advances from another individual. However, by | | | | When a child first begins their instruction, they will |
| learning this craft, each student will also learn | | | | often be hesitant about practicing the moves that |
| respect, discipline and focus that will also affect | | | | are necessary to protect themselves. Yet, as the |
| their daily lives. | | | | instruction increases and the student practices |
| Martial arts have been used for centuries as a | | | | more often, their self-esteem will increase and will |
| way to teach children how to become a better | | | | allow them to grow. This new self worth will |
| person and a functioning individual in society. The | | | | continue on through their lifetime. |
| teachings can positively influence their school life, | | | | Students will also be able to make important |
| home life and eventually their business life when | | | | judgment decisions when confronted with an |
| they get older. The lessons that are learned will | | | | impending or unexpected problem. Before starting |
| last a lifetime. | | | | martial arts, some individuals may make a point of |
| Centuries-Old Teachings | | | | starting fights when they are faced with |
| Many parents are hesitant about putting their | | | | aggression. However, by taking part in |
| children into a self-defense class because of the | | | | self-defense classes, a student will make wise |
| physical contact that is continually experienced. | | | | decisions before engaging in a fight. This thought |
| However, what parents do not realize is that each | | | | process is often lacking in non-structured |
| student will have the proper protective gear, as | | | | individuals. |
| well as the proper training to avoid injury. This is a | | | | |