With proper instruction and a program that is grounded in Eastern traditions, martial arts offer many benefits in the development of a child's physical, mental and spiritual well being. While originally designed as a self-defense mechanism and form of physical combat, the most helpful martial art forms taught today promote nonviolence, physical and mental skills, and a holistic or spiritual approach to exercise. This is certainly different from what is often depicted in the movies or on television.

One of the most appropriate forms of martial arts for children is tae kwon do. Originally developed by Buddhist monks in Korea as a way of developing self-discipline and physical exercise, tae kwon do combines the linear movements of karate from Japan with the flowing circular patterns of kung fu from China. There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the martial arts. According to the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), the building blocks of its system include goal-setting, self-control, courtesy, integrity, confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness, perseverance, respect and dedication.

Martial arts such as karate and tae kwon do combine both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, building muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Martial arts can be a competitive sport – it is even an Olympic event – but more often it is geared toward individual success and achievement. For many children, it is the combination of working both the body and the mind that is most appealing. The mind-body dualism is evidenced by increased coordination, body control and strength as well as the self-confidence and self-esteem that grow through continued practice.

A study by Bob Schleser, sports psychologist at the Illinois Institute of Technology, recently found that children between the ages of seven and eighteen who took martial arts classes dramatically increased their “perceived competence” in areas ranging from social and cognitive skills to maternal acceptance. For children who practice it, a martial arts program plays an important role in their development. It encompasses values such as patience, humility, self-control and diligence, and instills a spirit of cooperation. Children in martial arts feel proud and successful, especially when the classes are designed to make the most of their strengths. Children trained in martial arts experience increased confidence, are better at being organized and have a longer attention span.

Therapeutic results are also influencing involvement in martial arts among children. Young children suffering from obesity and Type II diabetes experienced dramatically positive results after becoming involved in martial arts. There is also increasing evidence that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavior problems or learning disabilities can benefit from a structured learning program such as a martial arts program geared specifically toward them. With martial arts, special-needs children have been shown to develop memory, focus, body awareness and motor planning. The emphasis on repetition and refined joint movement encourages physical, subsequent mental and impulse control. Harvard University's Dr. John Ratey is the author of several books on ADHD. He states that general exercise benefits those with ADHD, but martial arts helps more so than other activities. He hypothesizes that a change in the brain occurs when an individual with attention disorders studies martial arts.
Parents often express concerns about aggressive behavior or the risk of injury when considering martial arts programs for their children. The repetitive nature of practicing the katas, or forms, in martial arts induces a calming effect, especially in children, while increasing attention and focus. Experts will tell you that the more accomplished one is in marital arts, the less likely one is to act out in anger or with intent to harm. And because the joints and connective tissues of children are still developing, they are more vulnerable to injury. Martial arts programs for children take this into account. Tae kwon do, especially, offers young children the fun of kicking and punching without the potentially harmful movements.

The study of the martial arts holds great potential as a stabilizing factor in the lives of children. Ideal for all ages, it especially provides a unique opportunity for children to develop mind and body, to gain strength and integrity and to have fun. In the proper martial arts program, a child's physical fitness, mental awareness and self-esteem will likely flourish. Children are our future, and martial arts encourage any child to embody his or her greatest potential.

Michelle Martin is a licensed school psychologist and a tae kwon do instructor with a practice in Warrensville Heights called the Insight Learning & Wellness Center. The Insight Learning & Wellness Center offers martial arts classes for ages three to adult. She also offers programs specifically designed for individuals with attention disorders and has created a special program that uniquely combines martial arts and group therapy. The Insight Learning & Wellness Center is located at 25901 Emery Road in Warrensville Heights. Ms. Martin can be reached at (216) 765-4470 or ilcmartin@aol.com.

Ms. Martin will conduct a workshop on martial arts for children at the Fall Wellness Festival on Saturday, October 2, 2004, at Trillium Creek in Medina. Bring your kids out to learn and participate in this fun session! For more information, click he

A Look at the Different Styles Aikido (eye-kee-doe): A Japanese grappling and throwing style. Jeet kune do (jeet-koon-doe): The combination of several styles formulated by the late Bruce Lee. Judo (Joo-doe): A system similar to jujitsu, but mostly taught and practiced as a competitive sport. Jujitsu (joo-jit-soo): A Japanese grappling, throwing art virtually devoid of punching and kicking. Kenpo/Kempo (ken-poe/kem-poe): A karate style heavily influenced by China and known for its lengthy combination attacks. Kung fu (kung fu): The best known of the Chinese martial arts, it is widely represented by tai chi chuan, (tie-chee-choo-on), a soft self-defense system noted for health benefits. Shotakan (show-toe-con): A Japanese karate style known for its emphasis on discipline and traditional training methods. Tae kwon do (tie-quan-doe): A Korean fighting system known for its kicking techniques, it was an Olympic demonstration sport first in 1988 and became a full medal sport at the 2000 Olympics.

What to Consider When Choosing a Martial Arts School for Your Child • Ensure that the instructor's credentials come from a recognized, long-standing organizing body. • Sit in on classes at several locations before making a commitment. Do you like the way the instructor relates to the students? The students to one another? (If they will not let you sit in, scratch them off your list.) • Listen to the values espoused by the instructor. Are they the values that you want for your child? Does the instructor have a strict policy about not using martial art skills outside of class? • Ask about the student/teacher ratio. It should be no more than 13 to 1. • Look for a school where your child will be taught by a professional and avoid schools that rely on older kids to teach younger kids. Although it is fine to have older students help out, your child should be taught and supervised by a skilled professional. • Avoid schools that promise a black belt for a fixed price and within a set time. It will be in the school's financial interest to rush your child up the ranks, regardless of whether or not they are ready to move on.