Martial arts: a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve
fitness and focus. Some parents may think they also promote violence, but
that's a myth, according to experts. The martial arts actually help teach
self-discipline and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children
have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with
these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills
underdeveloped in ADHD children.
A typical hour-long class begins and ends with a bow to the teacher, or master. After a warm-up, students practice the art's particular skills, which may include kicks, punches, and blocks. Each requires concentration and strict attention.
Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colours until black. Testing for each new level, generally every three months, is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals.
But, say experts, it's the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit: it often carries over into school, helping to improve behaviour and even grades, according to recent research.
Class
options
Here's a quick guide
to help you choose the right class for your child.
Karate (Japanese)
A system of self-development using kicks and punches. Its quick, sharp actions involve snapping movements of the joints, which means that children need to warm up carefully.
Tae Kwon Do (Korean)
A form of karate developed as a military art, which has become one of the more popular martial arts world wide. It uses kicking and punching movements to energize the body and breathing and meditation techniques to provide focus.
Judo (Japanese)
Taught as a competitive sport, judo teaches children how to throw a partner using balance and leverage and helps them learn self-control and respect for their opponent.
Jujitsu (Japanese)
A competitive form of self defense that teaches students to use their opponent's weight and strength against him. Having a partner fosters cooperation.
Aikido (Japanese)
Uses many of the same movements as jujitsu but is gentler and non competitive. It, too, is an excellent discipline for teaching children how to work with a partner.
Kung Fu (Chinese)
A rigorous and physical form of karate that involves more fluid movements than its Japanese cousin, making it easier on joints. It's fast-paced, so children get an aerobic workout.
T'ai Chi (Chinese)
Focuses on balance, stretching, and weight-bearing moves. T'ai Chi is easy on the joints, boosts flexibility, and improves concentration skills.
Karate (Japanese)
A system of self-development using kicks and punches. Its quick, sharp actions involve snapping movements of the joints, which means that children need to warm up carefully.
Tae Kwon Do (Korean)
A form of karate developed as a military art, which has become one of the more popular martial arts world wide. It uses kicking and punching movements to energize the body and breathing and meditation techniques to provide focus.
Judo (Japanese)
Taught as a competitive sport, judo teaches children how to throw a partner using balance and leverage and helps them learn self-control and respect for their opponent.
Jujitsu (Japanese)
A competitive form of self defense that teaches students to use their opponent's weight and strength against him. Having a partner fosters cooperation.
Aikido (Japanese)
Uses many of the same movements as jujitsu but is gentler and non competitive. It, too, is an excellent discipline for teaching children how to work with a partner.
Kung Fu (Chinese)
A rigorous and physical form of karate that involves more fluid movements than its Japanese cousin, making it easier on joints. It's fast-paced, so children get an aerobic workout.
T'ai Chi (Chinese)
Focuses on balance, stretching, and weight-bearing moves. T'ai Chi is easy on the joints, boosts flexibility, and improves concentration skills.
No comments :
Post a Comment