As your child has different experiences, they may come to lack faith in themselves due to various internal and external factors. For example, they may feel too shy to speak their mind or might have to deal with other children’s teasing. When you want to help them to overcome these obstacles, enrolling them in a martial arts class is a smart decision. Here’s how martial arts build your child’s confidence.
Emphasizes Progress
A key element of martial arts is its emphasis on progress. Kids enrolled in a martial arts class learn that with practice, they can reach the skill levels that other, more experienced students around them have. Not only do they see how their techniques improve and become more natural, but they also receive a visible representation of their advancement as they move up in belt rank. This opens them up to believing in their own capacity for improvement, which they can apply to school and other aspects of life.
Boosts Physical Abilities
The exercise and focused training that your child will go through in a martial arts class can help their mindset as well as their body. They’ll get to take a break from sitting down all day or stressing over tests and homework as they participate in physical activity. And as they become healthier and stronger, they will also gain an improved mood and self-assurance to tackle challenges—just as they do in martial arts.
Teaches Resilience
While encouragement is vital in strengthening confidence, resilience is also an important factor in maintaining it, no matter what circumstances your child may face. When they make mistakes or struggle to pick up a new movement, they might become frustrated or feel bad about themselves at first. But in martial arts, as with most worthwhile endeavors, missteps are a necessary part of learning and growing. You child will find that mistakes are not something to become distraught over, but rather opportunities to better themselves.
If you’re searching for kids’ martial arts in Portland, contact Northwest Fighting Arts. Our curriculum is made to support students and build their confidence so they can overcome barriers in a positive, healthy way.