Children and young people in America have reaped the benefits of martial arts training for more than a half century now, taking classes in a wide range of arts, including karate, tae kwon do, tai chi, ju jitsu, and other schools from several cultural traditions. With quality instruction and the guidance of skilled teachers, children can learn life-long values, make lasting friendship, develop important skills, and improve their levels of fitness, focus, and confidence.

When selecting a style of martial art, it is important that parents consider the interests of their children, particularly for those who have expressed a desire to learn a specific art. Karate has long been the most popular martial art in the US. However, tae kwon do is now a Summer Olympic sport and has through that medium garnered more interest in recent years. Both styles incorporate kicking and striking with the hand as important techniques within the discipline.

Ju jitsu favors a different set of techniques, including grappling, throwing, and disengagement, which makes it more similar to judo than karate in many aspects. By contrast, tai chi is not strictly a form of self-defense or martial training, but seeks to improve the entire body in much the same way as yoga.

More aggressive children could benefit from tai chi while children lacking confidence may prove better matched with karate or tae kwon do. All of these schools emphasize discipline, courtesy, and self-control, in addition to physical fitness.

The goal of martial arts classes has long been assumed to be self-defense. This is only a small part of the picture. Martial arts teach children how to focus their attention on what they are doing, improving concentration at home and in the classroom, not just at the dojo. Through the repetition of increasingly complex martial arts skills, they learn focus and self-discipline that continues to grow as they do.

This process also increases their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence by allowing them to see the progress they can make and the goals they can accomplish through their own efforts. Once children know their own capabilities, their outlook on the future and on themselves become much brighter.

Martial arts instruction also seeks to impart values to young students that will serve them throughout their lives. These include courage, integrity, self-control, and perseverance. These are important in all areas of life and can contribute to success as a child and even later. Even through their college and career years, practicing martial arts can continue to bring them success, reduce their stress, and improve their mental focus.

Fitness is another benefit of training. Martial arts instruction can be undertaken by any healthy person, regardless of their current fitness level. Children struggling with their weight can learn that exercise doesn't need to be boring and find both the motivation and ability to change through the training provided by martial arts. In addition to better fitness, balance and coordination are important components that will improve through instruction.

Whether they are taking fast-paced karate or slower tai chi, children will experience tremendous benefits in many facets of their life, from improved concentration to increased fitness levels to a boost in self-esteem and self-confidence.