1. Set Goals
Martial arts comes with ambitious but achievable challenges and stages that require goal-setting. Without focus and persistence, students can’t progress simply by showing up for class and participating. They need direction and skill to refine their progress and earn the belts they strive to achieve.
2. Increase Focus
Research shows that focus is pronounced in martial arts and can also positively improve a student’s life, particularly in regards to cognitive function and discipline. Mastering that level of focus on the mat also spills over into the classroom and household. As kids become more accustomed to the principles and practices of martial arts, they learn how to apply them to other life areas.
3. Learn Respect
Practicing respect requires a certain level of discipline and is among the most important things taught in martial arts. The respect for teachers and fellow students is part of the mastery of martial arts. Parents often report seeing more respect in their household as their child progresses with both martial arts and discipline.
4. Stick to the Rules
The rules in martial arts embody intrinsic values like showing courtesy and practicing integrity and self-control. However, the rules of using the equipment, wearing a uniform and ensuring a fair competition are all part of the routine in martial arts. Kids learn to respect those boundaries as they show proficiency and passion for the sport.
5. Improve Impulse-Control
Mastering impulse-control is a cornerstone of martial arts and fosters a greater level of self-control. Kids learn to deal with stress and to teach themselves to calm their minds, think clearly and approach any situation with control. The more your child encounters managed stress in martial arts and works through it, the more they can apply that experience to other situations they face at school, with friends and at home.
6. Embrace Personal Responsibility
As with any sport, the essence of martial arts and discipline focuses on self-responsibility. After all, no one can improve and make progress without practice and determination. However, martial arts is unique because it helps with focusing on the process and knowing that you are responsible for it. Your child cannot rely on teammates to progress on their journey and therefore must embrace the personal responsibility of achieving their own milestones.
7. Foster Resilience
One of the fundamentals of martial arts involves falling down and getting back up – again and again. Falling and setbacks are part of the journey and lead to resilience. Kids quickly learn that falling does not equate to failure. Instead, working through the obstacle shows them that they can achieve their goals and leads to more confidence and resilience.
Next Steps
Are you ready to empower your preschooler, elementary-age student, teenager and beyond to practice martial arts and learn discipline in their everyday life?
Learn more about Absolute Martial Arts and reserve a free private lesson with our experienced instructors at 973-832-4639.
