We live in a world where instant gratification is everywhere.
- You can order something online and have it delivered the very next day.
- You can stream an entire season of a show without having to wait through commercials.
- Any question you have can be answered on your phone via Google or by asking Siri or Alexa.
Essentially, if we want it and we get it!
Many people believe that today’s world is leaving young people without essential skills like discipline and perseverance. So, how do we teach those skills to a generation of children where instant gratification is at every turn? Martial Arts is a great place to start!
Attainable Goals
The wonderful thing about Martial Arts is that it is an individual sport. Children can progress at their own pace. Once a child masters a particular skill, they get to move on to the next one. The belt system is a great way to help kids strive toward meeting their goals. Children are aware of what they are working towards and what they need to improve upon before earning the next belt.
Goal setting is a great way to instill discipline and perseverance in young children. When the goals are predetermined and broken down in an achievable way, children will have success and want to continue to progress in their training! In addition, celebrating and congratulating each other when they receive their next belt is a great way to reward their hard work!
Growth Mindset
Students need to have the right mindset to succeed in martial arts. A growth mindset where you believe that your most basic abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication—this is precisely the mindset needed for martial arts training. Students know that they will not have the skills or the ability to be a black belt in the beginning. But over time, they will develop skills and progress from a white belt to a yellow belt and so on. Maintaining that growth mindset will help them stay disciplined and persevere through their training.
Having Fun
Martial Arts can be difficult, physical and grueling, but it is also a LOT OF FUN! When children are involved in an activity they love and have fun with; it is much easier to “tough it out” when things get complicated. In addition, students develop friendships in the dojo, and they enjoy going to class each week with their peers. This camaraderie can help students persevere in their training.
Remembering Your “Why”
We mentioned that martial arts can be difficult and physically demanding. Often, there are obstacles that can get in the way of a student’s progress or their ability to persevere. During those tough times, students must remember their “why.”
- Why did they begin this training?
- What are they working towards right now?
- What is the end goal of the session and training? Why does it matter?
Remembering the reason you are working so hard and remembering the goal you are working towards can help put your mind at ease. When you reflect on why you are participating in this sport and why it is so important to you can help you refocus.
So, Why Not Martial Arts?
Participating in martial arts is a great way to learn discipline and perseverance. Students benefit from working towards their individual goals while at the same time building fun friendships that can help them along their journey. Martial arts can help give them the growth mindset they need to advance in their sport. Hard work and dedication will pay off, and children will be motivated to continue on their journey to becoming a great martial artist!
Want to Read More About Martial Arts?
Take a look at some of our other articles about martial arts and IMAA’s course offerings? Check out the following related blog articles:
Try A Class!
At Innovative Martial Arts Academy, we’re all about FAMILY and FUN. Our Martial Arts training offers men, women and children the opportunity to challenge their bodies and minds without the threat of injury and intimidation. Take on the best training in disciplines like Kenpo Karate, Kali and Aikido to build your skills one day at a time with the help of our dedicated instructors.
We are proud to serve families across Wake Forest, Wakefield and the surrounding area with a rewarding experience that can set you or your child up for success in all aspects of life. If you’re interested in learning about our martial arts program, contact us at 919.562.4663 or visit our website.
