Every martial art has its own benefits and you do not need to limit yourself with one. Many martial arts students end up learning two or three types. But when you are just starting, you have to choose one. Following are some of the most common types that you can choose for your kids.
Karate
Karate is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is one of the most learned and practiced martial arts all over the world. Traditionally most karate classes focus on adopting martial arts as a lifestyle. Karate provides teaching focused on having a safer, healthier, and happier lifestyle. If your kid wants to learn martial arts involving hands and feet striking techniques, then this discipline is for them.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is the Korean version of martial arts. Taekwondo classes will include defense and attacking techniques including punches, kicks, and throws making it an all-around option. This discipline relies heavily on sparring. You will need to get protective gear for your kid to get started. Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport. And if your child has a competitive nature, Taekwondo competitions can be quite exciting and motivating for them.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu is another form of Chinese martial art. This martial arts option focuses on concentration and balancing. It uses close proximity of the opponent by moving forward to deliver the strikes. Also, it focuses more on upper body movement. Kids that have slow reflexes will be able to benefit with this technique a lot.
Judo
Judo is another Olympic sport and a Japanese fighting technique. Judo teaches you to deal with attacks of all types. It uses the attacking mentality of opponents against them. If your child seeks to learn martial arts for offensive strikes then this isn’t the discipline. It will teach your kids to be patience and wait for the right opportunity. Read more at use a stronger cleaner like trisodium phosphate (tsp).
Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian fighting technique that is also referred to as “the gentle art”. It focuses on grappling by competing on ground fighting and submissions. It is one of the best fighting disciplines for kids. It demands the student in figuring out as to how they can avoid submission. Meanwhile, they work on tapping out their opponent or training partner. This martial arts help children build problem-solving skills and patience.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a combat sport of Thailand and it uses stand-up striking technique along with various other clinching techniques. It employs the art of fighting using eight limbs, knees, throws, elbows, sweeps, and clinches.
Muay Thai teaches its students about self-control. Your kids will learn to set goals themselves. They won't have to achieve pre-set goals in this discipline.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is best for kids who want to taste all walks of martial arts. MMA teaches kids how to stand back up and compete on the ground. This enables them to be ready and well-rounded for real life-like situations.
Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art. As compared to other martial arts techniques, aikido aims at self-defense in a much more harmonious way. Instead of fighting force with force, aikido uses the strength of the opponent with a flow against them. Aikido is best for your kid if your kid is shy, timid or a victim of bullies. Aikido helps these kids to get out of their shell by gaining courage and confidence.
There is no such thing as “best” martial art when you are deciding for your kid. Instead, focus on a discipline that suits your kid and your kid will feel comfortable doing. As for the long term, all of these types will result in a number of benefits.