Why Martial Arts is an Excellent After-School Activity for Your Child
When considering after-school sports and activities for your child, it’s important to weigh the benefits and costs. Martial arts stands out as a top choice for many reasons, offering a unique blend of physical activity, mental focus, and life skills. With various styles to choose from—such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—there’s something for every child, regardless of their interests or ability level.
Here are four key benefits of martial arts for your child:
1. Listening Skills and Respect
A core principle of martial arts is learning to respect the instructor and fellow students. Children must pay close attention to instructions and follow them carefully in order to master new techniques. This builds their listening skills, respect for authority, and ability to follow directions—skills that translate to better performance in school and in life.
2. Confidence and Self-Esteem
As children learn new skills, whether it’s a specific technique or mastering a belt level, they gain confidence in their abilities. Martial arts is about progression—every new achievement builds on the last, helping kids feel a sense of accomplishment. This is especially true during events or grading, where children have the opportunity to showcase their growth in front of others, further boosting their self-esteem.
3. Physical Activity
Martial arts is an excellent way for kids to stay active and fit. It helps develop flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination while providing an engaging way to exercise. With regular practice, kids improve their overall fitness and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
4. Self-Improvement and Goal-Setting
Most martial arts programs use a ranking or belt system, which encourages children to set goals and work toward achieving them. This process teaches children the value of perseverance, hard work, and delayed gratification—key elements of success in any area of life. They learn that with consistent effort, they can improve, master new skills, and reach their goals.
At Combined Martial Arts Academy, our classes go beyond teaching physical techniques. We emphasize academic improvement, self-discipline, focus, and respect for others—skills that help children excel both in and outside of the dojo.
As someone who has dedicated over 40 years to martial arts, I’m proud to say that I’ve been inducted three times into the Australian Martial Arts Hall of Fame. With this experience, I can personally attest to the tremendous benefits that martial arts can bring to children, helping them grow into confident, disciplined, and respectful individuals.
If you're considering martial arts for your child, we’d love to help you find the right program. Discover more about our classes and how we can support your child’s growth—both physically and mentally!
Kyoshi Bill Wakefield
3-Time Inductee into the Australian Martial Arts Hall of Fame