5 Ways To Ensure Your Child Doesn’t Become A Victim Of Bullying

Everywhere in the world, parents are sending their kids off to school, off to play at the playground, worrying about what happens when they aren’t watching. When kids interact with other kids, it has a big influence on their lives. Sadly, some children become the target of bullying. And although this saddening fact may make you feel hopeless and scared for your children, there is something that can help immensely — children’s martial arts classes. best martial arts for kids

A recent article has shed light on the fact that Singapore has the third highest rate of bullying in the world, only the children of Latvia and New Zealand have it worse.

Our children getting bullied is one of our worst fears as a parent. The truth is, bullying can actually be avoided. By educating our children about physical conflict and the roles and responsibilities they play, we empower them with enough knowledge to make the right decisions in difficult situations.

Martial arts is the perfect catalyst to teaching our children how to deal with physical confrontation, instill within them unwavering self-confidence, and impart in them real human values that will teach them how to be proper citizens of society. Apart from equipping them with the invaluable knowledge of self-defense, martial arts is also life-changing, giving our kids a new view on how to socially interact.

Do you want to keep your child safe from bullying? Check out what martial arts can do for your kid. Today, Evolve Daily shares 5 ways martial arts will bully-proof your child.

Best Martial Arts for Kids: The Benefits

1) Self-defense Skills

Above all, martial arts equips our children with the knowledge and principles of self-defense. One of the first lessons we learn when we first take a martial arts class is that what we study in the gym must only be used in situations when self-defense is deemed necessary.

By enrolling our children in a martial arts class, they quickly learn that physical force is not something that we should take lightly. It is instilled in their minds that they should not and will not use physical force to hurt anyone. They gain a responsibility for their newfound knowledge and power.

But more importantly, when physical confrontation is unavoidable, our children will be equipped with the knowledge and power of how to physically defend themselves. The truth is, there are some physical situations where fighting is unavoidable. Some bullies are intent on hurting others. It is important that our children know how to protect themselves and others around them.

2) Improved Social Skills

A child’s lack of social skills is one of the major factors that go into a kid either being a bully or a bully target.

In their early developmental stages, children don’t yet understand where they fit into society, no matter how much we try to tell them or teach them with words. They need to be exposed constantly to a shifting social environment so that they can develop the social skills necessary to properly interact with others.

In a martial arts class setting, children are encouraged to work with each other on a consistent basis. In fact, the majority of techniques taught in various martial arts disciplines require students to drill maneuvers with one another. It requires children to work in pairs or in a large group to practice.

By consistently exposing our children to a social environment, they gain a better understanding of how to act and interact with others.

3) Instill Self-Confidence

Low self-esteem is one of the driving factors behind the rise of bullying, and it is because of the lack of confidence that some children feel the need to bully others to make themselves feel good. The sad reality is, some children grow up in an environment that greatly affects their confidence. Whether we know it or not, our children may be growing up in a similar environment as well.

One great thing about martial arts is that it works directly in boosting a child’s morale and confidence, setting them on a path of self-discovery. By understanding what they can do, their limits, capabilities, and personal skills, they gain a better understanding of their peers as well in a similar manner.

Confidence is very important in the personal development of any child. Martial arts greatly enhances the confidence of any practitioner. It allows children to discover who they are and what they are capable of.

4) Teach The Value Of Peaceful Resolution

One of the lessons martial arts teaches is the value of peaceful resolution. Contrary to what many may think, martial arts isn’t about fighting and violence. It’s about discovering how to dissolve a difficult situation with minimal force and effort.

Yes, martial arts teaches us how to protect ourselves physically from harm. But another very important lesson it teaches us is that there is always a peaceful resolution to problems, that we should only use physical force when necessary. More importantly, when the situation does call for physical force, martial arts empowers us to discover the most efficient way to control the situation.

Martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teach students to subdue opponents with little impact.

5) Learn The Importance Of Real Human Values

Last, but certainly not the least, martial arts imparts in children real human values that they can apply to their lives in the real world. Honesty, integrity, humility, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion — these are just some of the real human values that martial arts teaches our children each time they step into the gym.

These are some of the core values that make us good citizens of society, and this is what our children learn with martial arts training. To truly avoid bullying and to cure the bullying epidemic once and for all, we have to teach our children not just to avoid the act of bullying, but also to understand why it is bad.

When our children are empowered with real human values, they understand that their words and actions have a great effect on others. This is the beauty of martial arts. It isn’t just a sport that children learn or a physical activity that they participate in, it’s a lifestyle. It strengthens their mind, body, and spirit and makes them better people.

So if you’re looking for the most efficient way to keep your children safe from the bullying epidemic while also helping them grow and develop, give martial arts a try!

This article was first published on Evolve MMA and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.

Also read: 5 Things That Martial Artists Wished Their Parents Understood

best martial arts for kids