As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear that your child has been bullied. It’s a situation that no parent wants their child to go through. The thought of your child being physically or emotionally hurt by someone else is enough to make any parent’s blood boil.
But what can you do to prevent your child from being bullied? How can you empower them with the skills and confidence they need to stand up for themselves?
Children’s martial arts is a great solution for this. It’s not just about learning how to throw a punch or kick – it’s about giving your child the tools they need to defend themselves and feel confident in their ability to handle any situation. It’s about teaching them discipline, respect, and self-confidence – values that will serve them well both in and out of the dojo.
Bullying happens everywhere
Bullying is a problem that occurs at almost every school, it also takes on many forms, from name-calling, physical bullying, teasing, exclusion, and cyberbullying.
According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in the year 2016, 46% of children aged 12-13 who experienced at least one bullying-like behavior also used bullying-like behaviors against another child. We don’t want our children to become bullies, don’t we?
Bullying. No Way! also stated that 90% of Grade 4-8 students have been bullied at least once in their lifetime, while 70.6% have seen some form of bullying.
Bullying can affect your child in many ways in the long term, from hindered character and skill development, and social anxiety, to a lack of self-confidence.
As a parent, you want to prevent lack of confidence, anxiety, a hindered character and skill development, and instead provide the best growing environment for your children. Protecting them doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take everything into your own hands, rather you can equip them with the courage and skills to stand up for themselves. – this is where children’s martial arts is an excellent option.
How martial arts can boost your child’s confidence
Martial arts training hones both physical and mental strength. It will help your child become fit, more flexible, and coordinated. We also teach discipline and self-control which allows your child to learn how to control their emotions and how to respond to stressful situations.
If your child isn’t exactly a fast learner, don’t worry because unlike team sports, martial arts training offers guidance from instructors who will support your child in their individual pursuit at their own pace.
Whether your child is shy or extroverted, children’s martial arts is a great subject for learning their sense of self-worth, just imagine your child with their unwavering confidence in whatever they do!
Will martial arts cause my child to be aggressive?
For martial arts like Karate Jitsu that we teach in the Academy of Self-defence and Martial Arts (ASDMA), we teach all of our students empowering skills to walk and talk their way out of situations. The children learn to do that with newfound confidence. We teach that physical skills are a last resort for self-defence and more so are used for building confidence in the Dojo.
Aside from self-defence skills we also teach our students communication and active listening skills, anti-bullying skills, and non-violent approaches such as how to de-escalate specific situations.
Learning socialization and empathy
If your child is shy or has trouble socializing, martial arts offer a safe and healthy environment for socialization with peers who have the same interests as your child.
Martial art instructors will teach and encourage empathy and compassion for one another which fosters respect for others and respect for your child. Such as in ASDMA where our children’s martial art courses provide a supportive and inclusive environment for each child, which encourages teamwork and cooperation, never leaving one another!
This adds up to their character development allowing them to be active in partaking in community work and having positive relationships with peers and instructors. As they grow up, they’ll also learn to be accountable for their growing number of responsibilities.
These are just some of the wonderful benefits of enrolling your child in a martial arts training program. In addition, your child will certainly have lots of fun learning interesting skills and ideas with their fellow classmates.
At a reputable martial arts school like the ASDMA, your child will learn important values like discipline, respect, and perseverance.
These values will help them become confident, responsible young adults who are capable of achieving their goals and overcoming challenges.
Martial arts training can be a life-changing experience for children, this is true for the thousands of students we have taught. Peter Koegst, is the head instructor with over 30 years of training and teaching experience!
He has taught in over 100 High Schools, Primary Schools, Colleges, and OSHC Centres around Adelaide, all he has trained over a staggering 50,000 children and teenagers. Today his team of instructors works closely together to provide martial arts training skills and provide care for people individually and guide them to a more confident life.
By enrolling your child in our martial arts program, you can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive both in and out of school.
Take action against bullying and provide your child with the tools they need to stay safe and confident – martial arts training is the way to go!
Who knows, your kid might be the next karate kid!