Being responsible is an adult trait. We like to think we’re responsible human beings and upstanding members of society. By being responsible, we course-correct our lives and make sure we are treading down the right path.
Of course, we want the same thing for our kids. We want them to grow up as responsible people. Because when they develop their character with responsibility and accountability, then they learn to accept their mistakes and find their own solutions to problems.
Children’s martial arts classes offer many great benefits to kids, not the least of which is that it teaches them to be responsible. Training provides them with an environment conducive to positive character development.
Here are a few ways martial arts helps kids become more responsible, and a few points why you should consider enrolling your kids in martial arts classes.
Today, Evolve Daily shares five ways martial arts makes kids more responsible.
How To Teach a Child Responsibility: 5 Ways Martial Arts Set The Groundwork
1) It Makes Them Process Oriented
Martial arts teaches kids to respect the journey more than the destination. This is important because our kids these days want everything fast and easily accessible. The moment they are met with obstacles, they become frazzled.
Martial arts training forges kids into life warriors, strong and resilient.
The everyday grind of training presents kids with various challenges, and every experience offers learning opportunities. By training kids to tackle problems in a systematic manner, they develop solutions more intelligently.
Being more process-oriented also means kids understand that each juncture in problem-solving is important, and plays a significant factor in every result.
Kids then learn to enjoy the process because they know it’s necessary. Each obstacle now becomes more of a development opportunity than a mere hindrance.
2) It Teaches Them How To Set Goals
Besides learning how to teach a child responsibility through martial arts, it also teaches children to set goals. | Photo: Evolve MMA
Goal-setting is often lost on today’s youth, but it remains one of the most important skills to learn through adulthood. By learning how to properly set goals, kids can better achieve what they want in their lives.
Martial arts such as boxing, Muay Thai, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all have certain tasks, and milestones children are tasked to achieve throughout training. Progress is marked through levels of training. Kids are encouraged to constantly develop and hone their skills to become better martial artists.
This translates into real life by helping kids become more responsible for their actions. Training teaches them that everything they do has consequences. This, in turn, helps them become more mindful of what they are doing to achieve their goals, and how their decisions affect their success.
3) It Empowers Them With The Right Amount of Discipline
BJJ Champion Valdir Rodrigues is also his daughter’s BJJ instructor! | Photo: Evolve MMA
Discipline is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It is especially important for children to learn at a young age. When we have discipline in our lives, we are more organized. Our daily grind is more sustainable, and everything we do becomes much easier.
For kids, discipline is one of the very first things martial arts training teaches. Without the right amount of discipline, it is impossible to progress as a martial artist. Discipline is the key to progress and a major ingredient of learning.
When kids have discipline, their daily lives are greatly improved. They begin to exhibit discipline not just in the gym and during training, but also at school, at home, and in everything they do. Discipline stays with them.
4) It Helps Them Take Care of Their Bodies
The self-confidence children learn from martial arts sticks with them throughout life. | Photo: Evolve MMA
Of course, martial arts will teach kids to be responsible for their bodies. Being responsible for your health and fitness, taking care of your body, is best taught when young. Nowadays, people have realized that health is the most expensive commodity.
Martial arts training teaches kids to respect their health and wellbeing and sets them on the path of self-care and appreciation early. It introduces physical training, mental exercises such as meditation and proper breathing, and spiritual healing. Martial arts offers a 360-degree approach to wellness.
As adults, working out for us is a struggle. We often have a hard time mustering up enough motivation to hit the gym. Perhaps most important of all, is that martial arts helps kids realize that exercise is fun, and that they can truly enjoy their time in training.
5) It Promotes Camaraderie
How to teach a child responsibility: The values martial arts instills in children help them develop into successful adults. | Photo: Evolve MMA
Last but certainly not least, a children’s martial arts class teaches kids to be responsible for each other. Martial arts promotes teamwork and builds lasting relationships among teammates. It fosters camaraderie in the gym, and practitioners forge a strong bond with each other.
This is very important because, in life, we’re not in this alone. By training in martial arts, kids understand how to work with others. They understand that it is their responsibility to help their peers, as much as they need to help themselves. Learning and progress is a team effort.
In fact, teamwork is one of the most important things for kids to learn, especially early in their lives. By enrolling them in a children’s martial arts class, you can help teach them this valuable life lesson.
If you’re looking to help lead your kids down the path to becoming responsible, sign up for a complimentary martial arts trial class now!
This post was first published on Evolve MMA and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
Also read: 5 Ways To Help Your Children Develop Self-Confidence
