With a scream, he flies through the air, tackling the training dummy and landing on top of it. A one two punch to the dummy with a loud HI-YA. Then he calmly gets up, picks up the training dummy, and goes to the end of the line to wait for his turn again. The room is so loud with the kids’ screams you cannot talk to the person next to you without screaming, but why would you want to? Parents have their phones out, taking video of their son or daughter attacking those poor dummies. The parents and kids are loving it. It is all a part of a martial arts class. There is a serious side to the fun. The instructors are teaching the kids what to do if someone is trying to attack them. They learn what to do in a given circumstance. Today, it is run at the aggressor, jump on them, knock them down, hit them, and run away as fast as you can, all the while making as much noise as you can to draw attention to what is happening. There is a certain comfort I have knowing that my son could protecthimself from a perspective attacker. My son looks at it as a way to be loud and have fun. As a father, I look on it as a tool for my son’s safety. Martial arts is a great way to get kids to learn to focus, to get in shape, and stay in shape. Martial arts is all about discipline and self control. The instructors teach the kids to respect themselves and each other, to respect the building, the instructors, and anyone that is a higher rank then they are. Respect is shown at all times. Students get ready for class by lining up, according to belts. Higher belts first. Then class starts with a bow to the instructor and recitation of the school motto. Warm up then begins. Then, the kids all practice the skill they are working on to attain their next belt; punches, kicks, and blocks. All of these require concentration and focus. Many experts say that martial arts is one of the best ways for kids to learn skills they can apply to life. Whether it is from bowing to show respect or standing stilland waiting for the instructors next request, it all apples to life. It carries over into school by improving grades, behavior and socialization. Many children that have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are reported to have great success with martial arts. Concentration and self-control are underdeveloped in these kids and martial arts helps them hone those exact areas where there is a deficit. Martial arts is a great way to set your child up to succeed in life. The physical activity helps your child get and stay in shape, while the mental aspect teaches them respect, self-discipline and concentration. Plus, they will learn to protect themselves if the situation ever arises. This will help your child in playing sports, in school, and in life in general. Oh and a word of caution – father-son roughhousing can be dangerous for dad. I found out the hard way. Ouch! Related posts: