The Benefits of Martial Arts for Children's Mind, Body & Soul

It doesn’t take much these days to pick up some newspaper or magazine and read how we all are at increased risk for some terrible disease or chronic medical condition because of what we eat and drink, how we live and what we breathe. As a society it would not be hard to argue that many of these problems are of our own making. Our own excesses and that of societies have led to poorer nutrition, less exercise and more and more pollutants being put into our air and water. While these problems will pose great challenges for everyone in society, the children of our society have the greatest risks. Scientists tell us that childhood obesity is now at record levels. According to U.S. Governments Center for Disease Control “One-half the population below the age of 18 will be considered clinically overweight or obese by 2010”. Being obese puts children at a greater risk for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and asthma. New studies suggest that those who are obese face the further challenge of developing many of these other chronic conditions simultaneously. Later in their lives obesity and these other chronic conditions will lead to higher incidences of hypertension, heart disease, depression, and dementia. It will increase their risk for colon and ovarian cancer and reduce their life expectancy.

If this were not bad enough these health problems carry over to many other facets of a child’s life. Childhood obesity alone has been documented to reflect in a child’s feelings of isolation and poor self-esteem. While any of these health problems alone would be serious issues for any child to confront, these feelings of isolation and low self-esteem are also reflected in a child’s scholastic achievements as well as his/her social interactions with their peers.

However, many of the causes for obesity, diabetes and these other conditions are in our power to control, modify and change. Better nutrition and eating habits can be learned, focus, direction and exercise can be taught and a better, healthier lifestyle can be the result.

The martial arts have a long and deep history. They are filled with stories of bravery and loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. They are designed to motivate, to teach self-control, and perseverance. They incorporate a social system with 100-year-old traditions, which allow for individual growth and excellence. The health benefits of its exercise programs are enumerable, whereby the students gain not only the benefits from the exercises themselves but from practicing the skills they learn during each class. The martial arts are goal oriented and teach students focus and concentration in order to achieve their objectives. The relationships students develop with their instructors and fellow students further advance these skills and often carry over to many other facets of the student’s lives.

Today’s martial arts of judo, karate, aikido and jujutsu are ideally suited for the problems of to day’s youth. Teaching physical fitness, mental acuity, persistence, respect, and honor, the martial arts present responsible role models with a positive message for children of all ages. Students learn from a mentor or teacher not only the actual movements or techniques related to each individual art, but a series of life lessons related to their individual development and growth. Advancement is achieved through diligence and hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication.
This training enables the student to develop self-confidence and an acute understanding of their potential. Through the example of their teachers and fellow students new practitioners see not only what is, but also what could be. Their mental vision is enhanced and their imagination enlivened. Children who participate in these arts can be both inspired and awed. They learn about better nutrition and can develop better eating habits. The rigors of each art contribute to physical fitness and pride in each child. The lessons learned through the physical training of these arts teach children respect for themselves as well as others.

The martial arts through both its tradition and example, teach children about respect and dignity. It can instill in children a feeling of self worth and self-respect unequaled by any other activity. Finally, and perhaps most importantly it can make children unafraid, both physically and mentally, to visualize, grow, and confront the many challenges which they will encounter as they develop into adults.