The Benefits of Martial Arts

Martial arts have a long history. It is not only the cultural assets, but also the unique cultural features of some nations. As martial arts are getting more popular these days, more people are interested in learning and practicing. What are the advantages of martial arts, and how the practice of martial arts benefits children?

Why Martial Arts is Good for Body Movement?

Martial arts are the sports which requires a lot of energy. One of the advantages for children to practice martial arts are to encourage them to do exercise and train muscle that benefits their body development. Martial arts are the ideal sport for balanced body development because the practice of martial arts involve various parts of our body, including hands, legs and the core muscles. It also teaches children the self-defense skills so that they learn to protect themselves and increase self-esteem. Research has proved the benefits of martial arts.  Using karate as an example, Marianha Alesi and his team published an article on “Muscles Ligaments Tendons J” talking about how karate causes an influence on the development of limb movement. Research has shown that children who regularly practice karate perform better than those who do not learn karate in several categories, including reaction, leg muscle strength and limb coordination.

Martial Arts helps in cultivating the heart

The practice of martial arts benefits children mentally. As various styles of martial arts have its own philosophy, martial arts practice not only involves physical training, but also develops psychological quality. Martial arts are traditions of combat practices. Because of this, some parents are worried about children turning violent. However, research has shown that martial arts would not lead children to become a violent person. Instead, children who practice martial arts are more likely to reduce violent tendencies and increase self-control. Taking Taekwondo as an example, Kimberley Lakes and William Hoyt have published “Promoting self-regulation through school-based martial arts training”, which indicates the impact of school-based Tae Kwon Do training on self-regulatory abilities. In their research, children who have received three months Tae Kwon Do training have demonstrated better improvements in areas of cognitive self-regulation, affective self-regulation, prosocial behavior, classroom conduct, and performance on a mental math test. Since the purpose of the martial arts is not to cause disputes with others, but it’s more to do with promoting the beauty of martial arts. Therefore, martial arts instructors focus on teaching children the ability of self-regulation.

In recent years, martial arts is getting more popular at different places in the world. Martial art has developed into many branches, and each has its own philosophy and characteristics. Whizpa has listed various martial arts schools all over Hong Kong. In this article, we would like to introduce three types of martial arts – Wing Chun, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do!

Wing Chun

(Photo Credit : Movie Ip Man)

Because of the success of the movie “Ip Man”, Wing Chun is more widespread. Ip Man believed that if the first idea is incorrect, everything that follows is also incorrect. It shows the importance of building the foundation of Wing Chun. The characteristics of Wing Chun is to advocate the most effective offensive with the least movements. The goal is to ensure our children can understand the spirit of Wing Chun -”Overcoming hardness with softness, conquering strength with weakness.”

Karate

Karate is originally from Okinawa. The major movement of karate is using hand and feet in an extreme close combat. Students are required to stay focus and combine explosive and speedy movement in practicing Karate. Concentration is one of the cruelest element of practicing Karate. It helps strengthens your mind and enhance children’s concentration.

Taekwondo

(Photo Credie : YD Taekwondo)

Many people struggle to distinguish the difference between Taekwondo and Karate. In fact they both have their own historical backgrounds and philosophies on Martial Art. Taekwondo is original from Korea. Emphasizing kicking technique rather than hand strike. Taekwondo is also a place for people to learn etiquette. Taekwondo student must adhere to etiquette, for example, bowing to your opponent and the instructor at the beginning and the end of competition. This is a great opportunity for children learn to how to be respectful and humble.

If you find your children interested in martial arts and would like to learn more, check out our providers : 
YD Taekwondo

Mindful Wing Chung

Hong Kong Elite Spirit Taekwondo Club

Hong Kong Practical Taekwondo Association