Does martial arts really help children?

[Ciciwoowoo]

Generally I've heard good things, but I've seen the occasional backfire.

DS had trouble with a kid who was small but a persistant emotional bully; his parents decided to put him into martial arts to try to get him to be more respectful and gain some mental control. I don't know how much of that he gained, but he did gain physical strength and combat technique, which he proceeded to use to beat up the kids that before martial arts he only used to verbally harass.

From our POV it wasn't exactly an improvement.

One thing that was stressed in my son's class over and over again was that karate skills were not to be used on someone; they were to practice defensive moves only. His instructors also took the time to teach the kids how to diffuse potential situations that may have resulted in violence.

 

[kinntj]

One thing that was stressed in my son's class over and over again was that karate skills were not to be used on someone; they were to practice defensive moves only. His instructors also took the time to teach the kids how to diffuse potential situations that may have resulted in violence.

That's good to know. They don't do contact in my daughters classes. He stressed that it takes more control to stop the kick before hitting someone that it does to follow through. I agreed with him.

I believe that martial arts probably aren't for some kids. I mean, martial arts isn't the cure all for all problems for all people. It takes great parent involvement too.

 

[Robmom]

My DS started Shotokan this September. He is very shy, and I'm hoping he will come out of his shell because of this.

 

[kinntj]

My DS started Shotokan this September. He is very shy, and I'm hoping he will come out of his shell because of this.

I hope it does. Does your center offer events other than the regular classes? It seems like ours has a variety of things they do. I think if you start them young, they have a better chance of catching on right off the bat. I know my daughter will hesitate when she has to do the routine to get the next belt, but it'll give her confidence. I hope she'll participate in tournaments, since this seems to really make them feel good about themselves.

You can send me a private message to let me know how your son is doing after awhile, since our kids are starting around the same time. I would love to know how it works in the classroom or even out in the world. I can let you know how my daughter is doing.

 

[kinntj]

OYE! I flipping HATE bully stories!!! Makes me so ANGRY!!!

My now 19 y/o took Tae Kwon Do, for several years. I think *anything* that the child excels at, and feels confident and good about it, can boost self esteem and confidence. Be it, Karate or painting, KWIM?

If your daughter is interested in it, I say go for it.

And in the mean time, stay on top of the school getting them to break this cycle, with that nasty little girl. I'm NOT one who thinks "kids will be kids". It's NOT okay!! Little brat.


ETA::::

I see what you're saying. Her teacher did email me last night, since she had a sub in yesterday. She will talk to my daughter today and get her story. My daughter was trying to downplay it today when I said I'll talk to this girls parents. I told my daughter I won't talk to her if this girl stops this nonsense.

It seems like my daughter loves Karate so she's on her way to becoming a stronger person.