Sensei Matt Bailey

Kids and teens have lots of energy to spend …well, mostly just the kids. Joining a community or school.

team for hockey or soccer is a common choice for recreation. Those team sports aren't bad for you at all, however, when a child express' interest in something different like martial arts, parents may be hesitant.

Mom's and dad's who have already enrolled their kids in martial arts know the benefits that it offers in comparison to team sports. There are many physical and mental bonuses for a youth in martial arts.

They learn so many things that can be useful, not only in the present, but throughout their entire life.

The wealth of information acquired through Ju-Jitsu or other martial arts holds a high quality value. For kids, the accomplishment of a new rank instills confidence in their abilities. This confidence pushes their sense of determination to learn and improve upon their skills.

Physical skills are developed through drills, techniques, and warm-ups. Unknowingly while practicing these techniques, kids will quickly gain a sense of them-selves and their surroundings. When practicing something like kicking, students have to learn to use their body and find their balance.

Discipline is another factor that kids will improve upon, although don't expect to send a rebellious kid to a Dojo and expect results. Sure, the 'respect' part of martial arts will be taught, but it's unfortunate that it's believed to be a quick fix for poor behavior.

Beyond the physical factors that are developed like balance and strength are the mental aspects. Danger awareness and knowledge of self-defense in general is very valuable to kids especially if parents outside the dojo reinforce it. There are so many techniques that may seem simple but are probably the most effective. The longer it takes to do something the greater the risk. This is usually the case for all techniques no matter what age they are aimed at.

Confidence, respect, maturity, determination, leadership skills and integrity all come with training and patience.

It's difficult to get a kid to do something when they aren't interested. Sure, if I were a parent I could easily sign my child up for soccer, but the act of writing their name down on the registration sheet doesn't guarantee their commitment. The same goes for martial arts. There are parents that expect to see changes in their child by simply putting them into a program. A martial arts practitioner has to be interested and focused in order to excel.

The child has to have a drive towards learning martial arts or at least a good understanding of why they are taking the classes. It's frustrating to see kids looking at the clock while your teaching but its so rewarding when they get really into it.

With all that said, if you have a kid who's into martial arts, take advantage of this but don't force them!

In relation the adults, the young kids and juniors are pretty important. When the adults teach kids they have no other choice but to develop a strong sense of patience. The experience gained from instructing kids helps them work on their teaching skills and creative edge.

The youths will eventually become adults and possibly become sensei's. We have to support them on their journey if they choose to pursue it.