Team Sports vs Martial Arts
No matter what activity you choose, it’s always beneficial for your child to be enrolled in an extra-curricular pass-time that emphasizes physical activity. Granted, we may be a little biased, but in the debate over team sports vs martial arts, we believe martial arts has benefits that have a more lasting impact than team sports. Why? Read on to find out.
Self Defense
Shaolin Kempo Karate teaches children that we learn to fight, so that we do not have to fight. First and foremost, we attempt to deescalate with our words and confidence. But, if your child is physically attacked, they will know how to protect themselves.
Self Confidence
Children practice martial arts in a non-threatening, supportive environment. While there are opportunities for children who wish to compete to do so, more focus is placed on individual achievement. There is no pressure to win for the team; the goal is to achieve at your own pace, which sets children up for success — not disappointment.
Self Improvement
In martial arts, the primary opponent is the person you used to be. Shaolin Kempo Karate is about the betterment of the self, not the besting of another team. The goal is to become a better version of who you are, which is a skill that can be applied to every facet of life.
Built-in Motivation
At each level, children are rewarded with a new belt rank (and the chance to break a board! How awesome is that?!). The system is designed to keep children motivated by providing realistic opportunities for advancement, achievement, and positive reinforcement.
No One Sits On The Bench, Everyone Makes The Team
The goal of team sports is to win. So, if your child isn’t the most stellar athlete, they may find themselves cut from the team or “warming the bench,” which can lead to resentment and low self-esteem. That’s never the case with martial arts. Everyone always gets to play, and no one goes home having lost.
No Gender Inequality
Girls and boys practice on an equal playing field when they study martial arts. There are no gender lines, no separate teams. Everyone learns to work together, learn, and grow as equals.
Martial Arts Goes Year-Round
Shaolin Kempo Karate doesn’t have a “season.” It goes all year round, consistently, so your child can stay involved with the sport they love on their schedule. And, for busy parents, that means there’s only one calendar you need to keep track of.
Family Togetherness
One of the biggest advantages of martial arts over team sports is that it can be a true family event. Parents and siblings aren’t relegated to the sidelines (although we definitely encourage cheering your child on!), but can get in on the action themselves. We even offer a family discount here at St Matthews Martial Arts!
Want to learn more about what martial arts can do for your child? Give us a call at (502) 899-5506, stop by the dojo, or check us out on Facebook! Your first class is free, and our Groupon deal makes it even more affordable to get started.