Childhood is one of the most critical stages of human development across all domains. Through various experiences in and out of a child’s school and home, children can steadily develop a sense of agency or independence. Independence is one of the key characteristics our society values. activities to promote independent learning
Children’s martial arts classes have emerged recently as a viable learning program and environment parents choose for their children.
It has a myriad of both physical and social benefits for kids from different age groups. And after spending time training and mastering set skills on their own and with their peers, children start to develop a stronger sense of independence and build their self-confidence and esteem.
Want to develop more independence in your children? We’ve come up with a few pointers to help you out. Today, Evolve Daily shares four ways children’s martial arts classes teach kids to be more independent.
Activities to Promote Independent Learning: How Martial Arts Help
1) Martial arts classes teach them to be process-oriented
Martial arts classes teach kids to enjoy the process of learning new skills more than anything. In a very fast-paced world where almost everything is easily accessible, learning to be determined and having the grit to keep on moving despite limitations is something kids can develop in a martial arts class.
When children are exposed to a process-driven learning environment, they are more likely to be composed, committed, and more capable of expressing themselves freely. When they are process-oriented they are more driven learners who learn to respect the discipline behind martial arts. They are least likely to be frazzled and discouraged when they come face to face with adversity.
In many ways, martial arts training forges kids to become warriors – strong, collected, and resilient.
Daily or regular martial arts training gives children different goals and challenges. Every experience offers opportunities for learning either something new or improving a skill they already have.
Through training, kids learn how to face challenges in a progressive manner.
2) Martial arts classes teach them the value of teamwork
The life lessons children learn from martial arts are invaluable. | Photo: Evolve MMA
Martial arts is an individually paced discipline wherein the learner sets his or her own goals and takes into accountability own learning and mastery.
Nevertheless, it as a community that thrives on cooperation and teamwork.
In a martial arts class, children are able to learn how to work and practice with their peers. They learn how to understand group dynamics and listen to their partners or team members. They are given support in different forms, from their peers or their teams and, in return, they also learn how to reciprocate it when needed.
As the class progresses, kids are able to pick up and observe their peers’ and their own strengths and weaknesses. The learner is able to know himself or herself better through different class interactions with children coming from different levels and backgrounds.
They can consciously or subconsciously assimilate different information or learn different skills from others. Learning becomes an amalgamation of what they already know and what they have picked up from others.
As children learn how to operate in a team environment, they also discover who they are as individuals in the process.
3) Martial arts classes help them to become more disciplined
Whether or not it’s martial arts, learning a skill or simply learning requires a lot of discipline.
Discipline is something that is intrinsic in all of us, but through martial arts, it could be strengthened.
When kids learn how to focus and put in a lot of effort in mastering their training in martial arts, it strengthens their will and disciplines them to achieve their goals. When learners have a strong desire to do better in martial arts class, they will try their best to put in more time and effort to enhancing that craft during and sometimes even before and after class.
Discipline, of course, is a major component necessary for independence, especially in children. When a child is disciplined, he or she is able to gain a better sense of self and self-progress.
Martial arts training instills in children better discipline. It teaches them how to take care of their bodies, and how to keep to schedules. Discipline will help kids become more independent.
4) Martial arts classes help them to be more responsible and accountable
Activities to promote independent learning: Martial arts classes teach kids to be independent. | Photo: Evolve MMA
It’s a given that martial arts often features individual-centered disciplines, and students have to take their own progress into their own account. They are responsible for their own progress and mastery.
From making time to practice and mastering different skills and forms to making sure that their gear and equipment are all kept and taken care of; martial arts turn kids into responsible and accountable individuals who value and care for not only their belongings but also their self-improvement.
There are so many things martial arts students must take into consideration before, during, and after class. Getting to class on time, having enough rest and nutrition before and after classes, bringing the right gear for that day, and even making sure that they have the correct outfit for their sessions.
Every detail, small or big, should be taken into consideration by the learner. Of course, parents and instructors can offer help by preparing the kids but the execution of all of these tasks and remembering what to do or bring depends solely on the student.
You’d be surprised how responsible kids can be when they are given the right opportunity and support.
Extrinsic motivations such as attaining a trophy, garnering medals, and other material rewards can only do so much. When a child is motivated and accountable for his or her own advancement and training, that’s when character builds and improves.
So if you’re looking for a way to teach your child to be more independent, give martial arts a go!
This post was first published on Evolve MMA and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
Also read: Over-Parenting Damages Children’s Personal Growth, Study Says