Parents today spend a staggering amount of money on club sports. From traveling baseball teams to expensive basketball clinics, the time and money families pour into just one child’s athletic endeavors can be astronomical.
Some parents report spending over $10,000 a year on club fees, equipment, uniforms and traveling expenses. In light of these facts, many parents are looking for an alternative to club sports. This is especially true if they have a child who has little to no chance of playing college or even high school sports-or has no interest in doing so.
More and more parents today are turning to Kung Fu and other marital arts as a smart option. Further, many parents recognize martial arts as a great way to incorporate physical education and character development into a child’s life.
If you are a parent considering whether martial arts is a good option for your child, what follows are some benefits of martial arts training:
- It builds self-confidence. Martial arts builds their self-confidence because children can improve at their own pace without worrying about getting cut from a team or riding the bench.
- There is no off-season. Many team sports are played only during a particular season. Marital arts, on the other hand, is year round. This consistency allows participants to progress at a faster pace than they would as a member of a sports team.
- It encourages parent-child bonding. Martial arts is something parents and children can both participate in. While you may not be in the same classes, you can definitely work out at the same studio and practice moves together at home while learning from one another.
- It promotes a healthy lifestyle. Childhood obesity is on the rise and martial arts classes help build muscles while promoting cardiovascular health. Further, if your child is struggling with his or her weight, they may be understandably timid about playing team sports.
- Girls and boys can work together. Many parents find themselves running to different fields and practices on evenings and weekends. When your children participate in martial arts, they can all-boys and girls-train in one place.
- Students are recognized for their hard work. Participants in martial arts receive belts and rankings which celebrate individual work effort and progress. Such ranking systems also help students set goals for themselves and learn how to achieve those goals.
- Affordability. Compared to club sports and many other student activities, martial arts is very affordable.
Team sports are not for everyone but many parents feel that in order to keep their children active and involved in a physical activity, they have no other option. Thankfully, the martial arts are a great alternative and often a much better fit.