Before we get into discussing the pros and cons of whether kids should be allowed to learn martial arts online, let us check what martial art is? It is a form of self defense that is usually weaponless. It is based on employing different techniques which include jumps, kicks, and using the opponents force against them. It is also called a sweet science to tackle attacks. In today’s dictionary, it is known as used for self protection as a competitive sports and exercise. It teaches the skills to overcome a stronger and bigger opponent.
Martial arts were known in the West, but they were generally scoffed at as being non-competitive and something for sissies. Later they gained popularity; all thanks to Hollywood movies and Bruce Lee. Suddenly martial arts became the sports to be learnt by kids. Martial arts schools sprang up all over the United States and the enrollments soared. Web masters coupled up with martial arts teachers and started hosting websites that teach martial arts. Video streaming capabilities have really facilitated internet users. Now, you can learn virtually any skill by watching its video on the internet.
Parents, whose children are interested in learning some form of martial arts, but do not have a teaching facility in their vicinity or just cannot spare the time to commute their children to a martial arts school, have sought help from the internet.
Online martial arts’ training is an easy and free method to train the kid in the martial art of their choice. But, before opting to let your kids get trained in martial arts online, the parents need to carefully select the best online site from where the child could learn martial arts. Lessons of karate, aikido, ninja, jujitsu, judo and kung fu are taught on various websites. Although these online courses are not developed to replace traditional schools, but they simply meet the needs of individuals who might otherwise never get the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of learning martial arts. Like martial arts centers and schools, online training is finished on a final test to get belts ranking. There are different levels of online martial arts course for kids, after completing the first three levels.
Kids have to appear in an online test in front of the masters in order to get black belt ranking. For this, you need to have a webcam, so that the teacher can observe and evaluate the child’s performance. When selecting an online martial arts course for your kids, make sure that you select an interactive site. There will be certain restrictions on such sites and you may be required to pay for the lessons. But, on the plus side, these lessons are conducted in the privacy of your home and save parents from the hassle of picking and dropping their kids to a center. Another major plus point is that the teachers can observe how the child is progressing and can guide them. Therefore, children are not left on their own to learn just by listening and watching.
A number of parents remain confused about when should they get their kids to start learning martial arts. But, like any other sports activity, a kid can start learning martial arts from the age of five. In fact, some forms of martial arts, like taekwondo and jiu jitsu, require kids to start learning them from an early age. When the children are five years old, their bodies are growing and they have learnt to coordinate their movements by that time. That is when martial arts schools that teach these two forms require a kid to enroll. The reason for this is that in these two forms, the body has to be flexible and if a child starts learning them their physical capabilities will adapt to the requirements.
Other forms of martial arts like judo, karate and kung fu can be started later, but this should not be left to be learnt when a child is into their late teens. The reason for this is that the body will be almost fully developed and will not have the flexibility required to learn these sports. Therefore, the earlier you get them started the better it is for them. Of course, every kid that has watched martial arts movies wants to jump in and learn karate. The reason is that they get enthralled by all the kicks, body moves, etc. of the actors. But you can encourage your kids to learn another form of martial arts by talking them into it and showing them the benefits of it.
Your kids will either want to learn martial arts, or they will be averse to the idea. If you are keen, you must get them started as soon as possible. Once they make friends who are not into martial arts, they will lose interest and you won’t be able to coax them into learning it.
You don’t have to worry about finding a suitable martial arts school or center to enroll them in, as you can get them taught martial arts online. One search for online martial arts lessons on the internet will reveal thousands of sites that teach them. Quite a few online martial arts websites offer free lessons, which are ok, but once your kid starts learning from them, you may realize that they stop at a certain number of lessons. After that, they will ask you to pay to get further lessons. Therefore, do be aware of this. It is always better to find out the terms and conditions up front of online martial arts training classes before getting your kid started. If you feel and, more importantly, if your kid enjoys learning from a particular master, it is best to stick to him/her till your kid has completed all the lessons.
Once your kids have learnt martial arts, they will need to stay in touch and keep practicing. If they do not, they may remember the moves, but they might not have the physical agility to perform those moves. Therefore, once the lessons are over, the practice must continue.
Martial art is an Asian form of self-defense or combat; for example, karate, taekwondo, aikido or judo, which has its roots in China and Japan. It is an extensive system of codified tradition and practices of self-defense and combat. Although learning martial arts is beneficial for everyone and people can learn it at any age, but for kids, it is interesting and beneficial, and they can be easily trained in it. Training in martial arts in kids not only develops their agility and strength but also increases confidence and self discipline.
There are 5 main types of martial arts as aikido, which means “way of harmony”. It teaches the ability to fend off attacks by turning the tables, and it is non-competitive and spiritual. Karate means “empty mind”. It is used both as defensive and aggressive moves. It utilizes blocking and punching, throwing. Jujitsu means “complaint art”. It involves use of weapons and considerable sparring. Kung Fu means “well done”. It encompasses Chinese fight arts, sharp blows, kicks, throws, chops and leg sweeps. Judo means “gentle way”. It is considered a moderate version of jujitsu. It includes wrestling type moves. Its training focuses on mental and moral development. Judo lessons are more popular with kids.
Martial arts are getting quite popular among kids, as there are many movies that have increased kids’ interest in them. Martial arts develop self confidence, respect, discipline and concentration in kids. Many schools conduct martial art classes. Martial arts are considered to be safer than other sports.
The internet is providing online martial arts classes, some of which are easy to learn and are free. These sites are gaining popularity as many kids want to learn martial arts, but due to lack of facilities, parents being constrained for time, parents tend to let their kids learn martial arts online. The benefits of online martial art classes for kids are that parents can observe their kids activities on spot and can advise them on which form of martial art to learn. It’s a clean sport that can be learnt indoors and at a time that suits both the parents and kids.
Online martial arts classes for kids are conducted by experts who teach children’s hand and eye coordination, tactical thinking and the focus on learning. Good online martial arts’ training guides children step by step in the particular art. In case the kids are having any difficulty in learning a particular move, they can keep revising it and with guidance from their parents; they can overcome the difficulty they are facing. It is advisable that a child should be taught martial arts online under the supervision of a parent. Also, the child must be taught not to practice the moves on their brothers or sisters.
Some forms of martial arts can lead to injuries, and this is something that parents must be aware of. They should only permit the child to learn online, if they follow the rules. Online lessons in martial arts are only for those kids who have the desire to learn by watching, listening and practicing.
Martial Art is a cryptogram of organized practices and a sophisticated way of combat. All branches of martial arts have an analogous purpose, which is to actually defeat or defend a person or more persons physically, who experience a threat from any corporeal force. Being an art, it is also considered as a science.
Martial Arts are of different genres, and it is just not limited to its main forms, which are Judo, Karate, Tau Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu and Kung Fu. There are other practices, which are extensions of the discussed types of Martial Arts and people study and practice them with little alteration in various parts of the world. Since kids are fascinated by movies like ‘Karate Kid’ or ‘Kung Fu kids, they are more inclined towards martial arts. The most common forms that can be taught to kids depending upon their parents’ choice as well are as follows:
Tae Kwon Do: it is the best form for kids as it follows the defensive-strategies of martial art. It is a complete art which can be employed as a sport, a defensive combative technique and exercise, especially for the young blood. Tae Kwon Do techniques include hand strikes, spins, powerful kicks, blocks and Jumps. The essence of Tae Kwon Do is to teach discipline and confidence along with self-defense techniques.
Karate: This is yet another form of self defense and a sport highly recommended for kids. Karate encompasses leadership techniques along with emphasis on the development of positive psychological elements. The techniques include kokoro-attitude, kumite-sparring, kata-forms and kobudo-weapons training. Likewise, Tae Kwon Do, the soul of Karate, is to teach confidence and discipline.
Judo: Judo is the most commonly heard and practiced form of martial Arts; however, it is not suitable for kids, as it is the real form of combat in which weapons are used. Use of Knives and swords in combat training is quite common and is not suitable for kids. It is divided into two phases- the standing combat phase (quite similar to Jiu Jitsu) and the ground combat phase. Techniques followed in Judo are foot sweeps, joint locks, pins, falls, grappling, kicking, throws, chokes and punching.
Jiu-Jitsu: The technique used is ground fighting with effective use of grappling. Likewise Judo, it is also related to adult combat techniques with the use of weapons and hence is not suitable for kids.
Kung Fu: It includes joint rotations, profound meditation, training of weapons, stretching forms, sparring and special stances and types of postures and practicing the chi (a form of flowing energy in the human body). Kung Fu is basically a combination of physical, mental and spiritual techniques. As Kung Fu requires strong will power, it is ideal for adults rather than kids.
After taking into consideration all the forms of Martial Arts, Karate and Tae Kwon Do are the most effectual forms to be taught to kids. These forms primarily improve discipline and increase confidence level in children rather than the fighting aspect, which is not much needed at their early stage.
It is imperative to understand that martial arts are not just a form of combat; it is a full code of conduct and inculcates a positive impact in a person’s life. It is highly advisable that kids learn Tae Kwon Do or Karate for their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Martial Arts, as seen in movies like Karate Kid, Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Kids and many other movies, has been inspiring kids to become heroes within; however, it is important for parents to decide what kind and level of martial arts their kids can learn, depending upon his/her age and learning capacity.
Here are some key points that need to be highlighted, as parents should know what martial art would inculcate in their kids’ lives. As said earlier, it is not just the combat that we think about martial arts, it basically engrosses the following aspects in one’s life.
1. Enhances discipline
2. Develops self-confidence
3. Teaches self-defense maneuvers
4. Improves physical contact with other children in a controlled atmosphere
However, the primary reason to teach your kid martial arts is to make him/her confident to face any assault or abduction scenario. Now the point arises here is that what is the best technique that a kid should learn. For that matter, few points should be taken under consideration. First, the age of the child; is the child fit for any physical exertion or is he/she on some medication; whether the child is really interested in learning this particular art or not? Once you address all these aspects positively, you can easily decide that your child is ready for the Martial arts training or not.
To make your child more disciplined, it is important to have a good martial arts instructor. The instructor should be well-disciplined himself with a knack of teaching kids and grownups alike. He must be accustomed with the psyche of children and should be able to tackle the kids according to their capabilities. Furthermore, he must understand their intelligence level as well. Mutual understanding between the instructor and the kid is the key; if the child is not comfortable with the instructor, some other instructor with a matching wavelength should instruct him. Otherwise, he should be moved to some other martial art school.
As said earlier, the role of instructor plays a vital role in developing kids’ personality as a martial arts student. Self-confidence can never be built overnight; it takes time and a child gains it gradually. If a child is forced to develop confidence in a short span, this can be harmful rather than innocuous. Once the confidence level is built, it is easier to teach all techniques of a particular form of martial arts. Tae Kwon Do and Karate are the best martial arts for kids; not only do they learn self defense but they also become discipline and self confident.
Finally, once discipline, self confidence and maneuvering techniques are developed in a child, he interacts with people, especially with other kids around him more confidently. He faces the world with head high rather than head hung, and this is what martial arts is all about where kids should learn this amazing skill.
Kids, who have had a chance to watch movies which have martial arts, just get hooked to learning martial arts. Kids who are eager to learn martial arts will badger their parents till the parents get them enrolled in a martial arts teaching center. But for a number of parents, finding a suitable martial arts training school can be quite a daunting and frustrating task. Well, now with free and paid for martial arts classes available online, parents can easily fulfill their children’s wishes.
There are many different forms of martial arts that kids can learn, but the most popular is karate. However, kung fu has also gained popularity after the launch of kung fu movies. Kids being little people with loads of energy want to learn not only how to defend themselves, but also hurt their opponent. Although most martial arts are based on self defense, especially those forms that were developed and taught by Buddhist monks, some are quite lethal. Therefore, parents have to be very careful in selecting the right online martial classes that their child should attend. Parents should not be surprised if one sibling opts to learn martial arts online and another one also clamors to enroll.
As there is no age bar on learning martial arts, it would be wise if the parents also opt to learn martial arts along with their kids. In fact, it would help build parent-child bond if both learn online martial arts together. Kids would opt for karate and parents would opt for the gentler forms of martial arts. However, it’s up to the parents to find a suitable solution and get enrolled with their kids in learning martial arts online.
There are a number of benefits to this; both child and parent would be learning the same skills. The child will be supervised by the parent. After all, no parent wants to walk into the house and find out that the dining table has been smashed by the kid who learnt a karate kick or chop. As online martial arts classes may be free, the kid may decide to watch and learn when the parents are not around, which can lead to injuries. Therefore, parents who opt to get their kids enrolled in online martial arts classes must ensure that they are physically present when the kid is taking lessons.
If you take your kid for baseball or football practice at school, you are obligated to take out time for your child when he/she is taking a martial arts lesson online. Martial arts not only teaches self defense but also teaches a number of other skills that benefit the learner later in life. It teaches self discipline, confidence and a number of other skills that are needed to make a better human being. Parents should understand that the kids do not only learn to block, kick and smash an opponent, they also learn how to be a better and more disciplined human being.
Since the advent of Karate in Okinawa, Japan, it gained popularity across the globe. It is such a famous art that it is not only practiced as a self defense training or combat technique but also as a sport. The conventional karate emphasizes on personal development, which is known as budo. Contemporary Karate accentuates on the psychological aspects integrated into an appropriate kokoro (means attitude) such as perseverance, bravery, good values, and qualities of leadership. As a sport, karate stresses on work out and competition. However, it is not limited to the psychological and mental elements; physical training is the key aspect. Kobudō (weapons) is a significant training course in some styles.
As Karate impacts positively on human beings’ personalities, irrespective of age and intelligence level, it is a popular art amongst kids. This is the reason so many Karate movies for kids have been released worldwide. The Karate Kid is one movie whose five parts have been released in cinemas, while the Karate Kid online games are also available for kids.
Fundamentals of Karate
Karate training comprises of two parts, Kihon (fundamentals of karate), kata (forms or models) and Kumite (sparring).
Kihon: It is simply the basics and fundamentals which are initially taught to the Karateka (karate student), which is in the form of drills and exercises, which includes Motobu Chōki,the basic karate stances
Kata: Kata means a model or a shape in Japanese. It is a dignified series of actions and movements which signifies a variety of defensive or offensive postures. These stances are primarily based on idealized warfare applications.
Kata includes development of leg strength, gracefulness and correct posture. Brisk and forceful arm movements augment cardiovascular health and upper body vigor. Kata varies in the level of difficulty and number of movements. Assiduous training and accurate mindfulness develops genuine understanding of combat philosophy. Due to flexibility of Kata, one can never define the exact way to follow it. Its horizon is so vast that it cannot be limited to one’s style of combat, and it is used with variations as well. The only way to judge it properly is to monitor the knowledge of application, absence of missteps, crispness and smoothness, correct opening, and particularly conclusion, confidence level, and accurate speed and power.
Kumite: It means ‘meeting of hand’ in Japanese and is practiced as a self defense technique and a sport. It comprises of various variations, from knock down to kick boxing. Bogu kumiteor sparring consists of use of full power; however, precautionary measures are also kept in mind during fight. As a sport, Kumite is considered as an international game even played in Olympics. Sparring depends upon the style, sweeps and take-downs, and in exceptional cases, time-limited wrestling on the ground is also permitted.
Okinawan style of karate consists of several supplementary exercises that are formulated to increase speed, strength, stamina, and muscle coordination. Sport karate emphasizes on the maintenance of power, flexibility, agility and stress management, where aerobic and anaerobic exercises are an essential part of the game. Due to this fact, sport karate is the most popular martial arts amongst kids.
In today’s internet world, you can learn virtually anything online. Whether it is how to thread a needle, bake a cake, fly an airplane, or learn a new skill, it is all there for you to learn on the internet. Children can also learn a number of skills online. Certain skills, like learning to ride a bike, cannot be taught online. Children tend to fight and squabble from an early age, and some go on to become bullies, whereas the others have to learn to avoid getting in their way or learn to defend themselves. A number of parents want their kids to learn martial arts. But, getting a child to learn martial arts without proper guidance and instructions can be dangerous.
There are many different types of martial arts that a kid can learn; karate, jujitsu, tae kwon do, aikido and judo. But, finding the right school and the right instructor can be quite difficult for a number of parents. Learning martial arts is not just about learning how to defend yourself, but it’s also about learning courtesy, respect, self-discipline, and many more skills of life. A good martial arts teacher is duty bound to teach these skills as well to his or her students. Therefore, before you decide to enroll your child in a martial arts school, you must carefully evaluate the instructor and check if he or she will be teaching the child these essential skills as well.
If you don’t have a martial arts school close by, you might be thinking about getting your kid trained online in martial arts. Of course, you and your child must decide which form of martial arts your child wants to learn. Most children want to learn judo or karate. The simple reason for this is that they have seen their favorite heroes in movies using these forms for fighting the villains.
Parents must remember that they cannot let their kids learn martial arts unsupervised on the internet. They do need supervision and therefore it’s up to the parents to provide that supervision. Kids who learn any form of martial arts through online videos will not progress very far. They will learn the various moves and steps but won’t be able to gain any belt or recognition. For this, they will either have to go to a martial arts school and take a test, or they will need to learn from an interactive online martial arts teaching website.
As there are literally thousands of sites that teach online martial arts, it is the parents’ job to evaluate and select a suitable website. Most interactive martial arts teaching websites require following a schedule, parents’ supervision and a fee; some parents may shy away from them. But, if you really want your child to learn martial arts discipline, you must take out time for their lessons. Online martial arts teaching sites offer free lesson samples which parents can assess. One thing is for sure that the kid will learn self defense, and that is what parents want to opt for.
Parents who do not know much about martial arts are generally hesitant to get their kids trained in this field. Most parents have the misconception that martial arts are violent and their kids could end up getting injured or causing injury to someone. But, these notions about martial arts are untrue. Most martial arts focus on teaching students to avoid getting into conflicts and they most definitely teach them not to start fights. Teaching martial arts to kids has its benefits as your kid will be healthier, fitter and will develop a higher level of concentration and eye-body coordination.
Teaching martial arts to children will be extremely beneficial for them, both mentally and physically. It will teach them to be disciplined and to have a calm mind even in stressful situations. Martial arts could benefit your kids by placing them in a league above their peers; it will give them an excellent cardiovascular system and physical flexibility and strength.
However, you must remember that some kids may not be too keen on learning martial arts, and you may need to coax them into learning it. You can make martial arts fun by learning it yourself and showing the kids some moves. You can also show them movies of martial arts to get them interested. Some kids are eager to learn martial arts after they see some movies of martial arts or get to know that some of their friends are learning it.
Some martial arts need to be taught from an early age. Kids can start learning martial arts from the time they are 5 years old. Martial arts like Jiu Jitsu involve many moves that require a perfect technique; therefore, the earlier you get a kid started the better he or she will be able to learn it. Taekwondo also requires to be learnt from a very early age. On the other hand, kung fu does not require so much flexibility and can be learnt at a later age. Regardless of the age of the child, whenever they get interested in learning martial arts, you can always find a form that they can learn.
You do not have to enroll a kid in a martial arts school as that can be quite bothersome. There are a number of online martial arts teaching websites that you can get your kid enrolled in; however, you must select martial arts form and the online martial arts teaching website very carefully. Always remember martial arts are not just about developing physical fighting or defending abilities, they also involve developing other mental skills. You can watch online videos and then make a choice. However, once you enroll your kid in an online martial arts’ class, make sure that he or she practices the moves when a parent is around. The kid may be over eager and want to go quickly through the lessons, but you need to pace them. You will enjoy the experience of watching your child learning the art of self discipline and self defense.
There is a very large misconception about martial arts, which has been created by movies, and that is that martial arts are dangerous. What people tend to forget is the fact that martial arts, originated by the Buddhist monks, are a form of self-defense. Yes, karate, judo kung fu and some other forms of martial arts do teach how to cause major injury to opponents, but not all of them practice or teach them. Parents need to understand the sole concept of martial arts, which is based on learning self-discipline.
Unlike other sports, martial arts not only focus on teaching self defense; it also focuses on teaching human skills. Students, before they are taught the skills of self defense, are taught various other skills. Self discipline, anger management and controlled aggression are some of the important skills that are taught to students of martial arts. A kid who is not self-disciplined and cannot contain his/her exuberance will never progress in learning martial arts, as these are the integral requirements.
Nowadays, parents do not have to look for martial arts schools in which to enroll their kids, as they can learn any form of martial arts online. Although this may sound very easy and a ready remedy for fulfilling a child’s desire, it’s not that easy. With millions of martial arts websites begging for people to enroll and expounding how good their lessons are, finding the right online martial arts teaching sites becomes so much more difficult for parents. Parents must bear in mind when finding a suitable online martial arts website that it meets all their expectations. If a website is solely promoting teaching practical martial arts and not self-discipline, parents should reject them. Parents must take time out and watch the different online martial arts teaching sites before they get their kids to sign up. It would be advisable for parents to read up about the different forms of martial arts and their pros and cons. This will help them in making a better decision.
The entire Buddhist monks’ philosophy of martial arts is based on first learning self discipline. Kids will be eager to start learning how to defend blows, kick and hurt opponents, but this is not what parents should want for their kids to learn. A good online martial arts school will teach kids much more than just how to defend themselves against bullies. It will teach them to admire nature and increase their self confidence and self esteem. Children who learn martial arts are far more self confident than other kids. The reason is that they gain confidence in defending themselves. This does not only help them with their siblings, but will help them throughout their lives.
Kids who learn martial arts also maintain a healthy life style, as this is an essential ingredient to what they learn. Their self confidence fends of bullies automatically. Kids who learn martial arts are averse to drugs addiction and other such destroying habits.