Why Teach Your Child a Combat Sport?

Some parents fear the violence associated with martial arts and combat sports. However, on the contrary, in a karate school or a judo club, the child will learn self-control. Indeed, discipline and respect for opponents are at the heart of teaching. There are differences between martial arts and combat sports, and many similarities:

·         Respect for safety rules

·         The will to go beyond one's limits

·         The acquisition of moral values

·         The development of physical qualities

All combat sports also increase self-confidence. On the other hand, martial disciplines are distinguished by the importance given to self-defense and spirituality. So let's take a look at the main benefits of martial arts that are most popular with children.

Judo Lessons: Preventive Education and Moral Code

Preventive education refers to the prevention of risks through learning. In a judo club, practitioners learn to position their backs to fall on the tatami without getting injured. Judo, a Japanese martial art, teaches throwing techniques - Nage Waza - and conveys positive values:

·         Politeness

·         Self-control

·         Friendship

·         Sincerity

·         Honor

·         Courage

Baby judo lessons are offered from 3-4 years old. However, the majority of judokas begin their initiation around 5-6 years old, the classic age to enroll in a martial arts school. The learning of chokes is reserved for teens and adults.

Practice of Karate: Channel Your Emotions

Karate also belongs to Japanese martial arts. Unlike judo, a gripping sport, karate is practiced with punches and kicks. Depending on the style of karate, the sequences - Katas - will be different. Combat techniques - attacks and defenses - always work several parts of the body. Learning karate particularly develops:

·         The flexibility of the joints

·         Balance and coordination of movements

·         Control of abdominal breathing

·         Stress relief

·         Patience

The aikido, born in Japan, has similar benefits. The fighter sometimes uses the natural weapons of his body (including his bare hands), sometimes a stick.

Kung Fu Or Kungfu Training: Observation And Fluidity

Kungfu, or Chinese boxing, is part of the Chinese martial arts. The principle is to be inspired by the postures and movements of animals to defend themselves. This martial practice strengthens:

·         The agility

·         Muscle tone

·         Memory

·         Creativity

·         Tenacity

·         Self-affirmation

By the way, the belts still symbolize the progression of martial arts practitioners (the rank, or Dan ). The famous black belt usually represents the highest level, but there are exceptions.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, a contact sport, and a system of self-defense, derived from ju-jitsu. Moreover, jujitsu, or jûjutsu, created by Japanese samurai, also inspired judo. Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners favor ground combat, because the strength of the opponent is then less important. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the Gracie Jiu Jitsu promotes:

·         Developing strategies when faced with a problem

·         Improving physical condition

·         Motor skills and muscle building

·         Strong understanding of self-defense

David Adiv, an avid practitioner, is also the founder of the Gracie New Jersey Academy. He currently serves as the head instructor and coach of the NJ Academy. Under the tutelage of Royce Gracie, the famous MMA fighter, David and his team offers top-notch Jiu Jitsu lessons to people from all walks of life.