The Advantages and Risks
The Advantages and Risks of Teen Martial Arts Classes Karate and other kinds of martial arts can be quite beneficial to teenagers. In general, the sport encourages self-control, increases strength, flexibility, and agility, and instils honour, hard effort, and respect as ideals. Self-defense skills that promote confidence are also taught in many programmes. Some parents, though, may be concerned about injuries and ask if karate encourages violence.
Before deciding whether or not to enrol your kid in martial arts training, you should think about a number of factors. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of various programmes, as well as how to choose the right one for your child.
Martial Arts Styles Before enrolling in a class, make sure you and your teen have a basic understanding of the style. There are numerous sorts, each with its own history, concentration, and personality. Some programmes emphasise individual practise and mastery of kicks, punches, blocks, and other manoeuvres, while others emphasise competition or direct combat with classmates.
Martial arts may give the structure youngsters crave and be a fantastic teaching tool, whether you want your teen to learn fundamental self-defense skills or self-discipline.
Students of all ages can benefit from participating in martial arts.
Balance Self-awareness Motivation and work ethic Flexibility Self-esteem Improved cognitive function Patience Self-respect A sense of community Martial arts can be an excellent physical outlet for a teen who isn’t interested in traditional sports like baseball or soccer. Your teen will not be cut from the squad, and martial arts do not necessitate any prior experience or skill set. Students usually progress at their own pace and can benefit from the advantages of an individual sport while still participating in a group setting.
Your teen can create goals for themselves, like as obtaining the next colour belt or mastering a new move.3 Over time, they’ll see how their hard work, patience, and continuous practise can help them achieve their objectives.
Contusions Fractures (from falling) Hyperextension of the joints Nosebleeds Sprains Strains While less common, martial arts participation might put your child at risk for more serious injuries, such as head or neck injuries. Many of these injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions.5 How to Reduce the Risk of Injury Speak with your teen’s paediatrician before enrolling him or her in the study of any martial art. Ask your teen’s doctor if he or she is healthy enough to participate in the martial art you’re thinking about. Note that all sports have some risk of injury.6 However, some sports, such as American football and certain martial arts (especially when practised competitively), have higher hazards.7 There are many different types of martial arts, each with its own set of risks. Competition and fighting experiences, on the other hand, carry the greatest risk, whereas stand-alone training carries the lowest. A noncombat karate class, for example, will have a considerably lower injury risk than a combat-centered program.7 To lessen the risk of injury, ask the teacher about safety: Find out about the instructor’s training, experience, injury prevention, and philosophy before enrolling your teen in courses. Look for a teacher that focuses on securely developing skills and only encourages competition if pupils have demonstrated enough emotional and physical maturity, as well as adequate competence.
Allow your kid to compete only in a safe environment: competitions should prohibit head blows and deduct points for illegal or dangerous manoeuvres. Before permitting your teen to compete, make sure he or she has been taught proper defensive blocking techniques.
Begin with low-contact martial arts. Look for a class that does not need much physical contact. Then, if your kid exhibits self-discipline and maturity in that type of class, you might want to explore transferring him or her into a more competitive atmosphere.
Discuss safety equipment with your teacher and doctor: a mouthguard, for example, may help to prevent oral injuries.8 Soft headgear should also be discussed. While some research suggests that helmet can lessen the incidence of concussions, other studies are mixed.
