Children and the Martial Arts

By Professor Don Cross, M.Ed.

"Let's talk it over first before we make a decision if and where you should train in martial arts . . . and maybe see a few different classes . . . and take an introductory lesson or two. Then we'll see." This is the way for thoughtful parents to approach their child's enthusiasm to becoming a Ninja Turtle or Power Ranger.

In looking for a class for your children, be sure to keep in mind that all martial arts are not the same. Each teacher offers their own style of training, interaction with your child, philosophy, and attitudes that they model and preach. As the saying goes: "A thousand martial artists, a thousand martial arts." So, buyer be aware. Look for what is best for your child, not cheaper.

Each type of martial art emphasizes different qualities and approaches. There are hundreds of different styles to choose from, and at least 100 schools or classes are available in the Sacramento metropolitan area. Most instructors teach some form of karate. Karate is a generic term referring to a large variety of styles that primarily emphasize the "hard" skills of punching and kicking, such as tae kwon do, kenpo, shotokan, and goju-ryu. But karate is not all there is. The so-called "softer" arts: jujitsu, judo, and aikido emphasize close quarters combative arts that prepare your child to escape from holds, take an attacker down to the ground, and immobilize him with joint locking techniques.

Many parents have an inaccurate impression of what martial arts really teach. They think that their kids are learning to become more violent and aggressive. The best martial arts schools teach their students that it is far better to control and de-escalate violence than to feed anger and aggression. Our students learn that the goal is to achieve self-mastery and perfection of character, and to always seek peaceful reconciliation of differences with others, but to be ready for immediate assertive action if physical self protection becomes necessary. We believe that fighting never solves any problems between people, and that the best martial artist is the one who never has to fight.

Kids are on their own most of the time, and much of the time have no one to depend on, but themselves, to make the right decisions for good health and survival. Many parents now see martial arts as a training tool for their children that creates strong bodies, disciplined minds, self-esteem, and masterful survival skills.

Gaining the ability to defend oneself takes training, so martial arts instruction can be one of the most valuable supplements you choose for your child's education. The value of developing confidence, respect, discipline, and self-reliance is hard to measure. Your child has only to save his life once for you to realize the invaluable benefit of the time invested in learning martial art skills.