The trick to keeping your children in shape is to give them workouts without them knowing that they are actually working their muscles and cardio. I recommend placing your child in a sport, but not just any sport. Some sports your child might not get playing time, or he/she is simply not good at it. That is why I recommend placing your child into martial arts. When practicing martial arts no student is considered "bad." No one student participates more then another. The reason why martial arts overcomes every other sport is simply because other sports only help you physically. Martial arts shapes you physically, but also mentally so you are able to work out on your own in the future.
I personally believe that the best way to get yourself or your child in shape is by having them use their own bodies versus heavy weights. Imagine if I was to place a 5 year old in karate starting at white belt. Everyday out of distinct muscle memory that child does push ups, sit ups, punches, kicks, squats, explosive techniques, etc. Slowly through the progression of belt levels the child's repetitions increase, for example, at white belt you might do 10 push ups where at gold belt you might do 20 push ups. As you see through the years your child would slowly develop muscle strength, and muscle endurance without even knowing it because that is all he/she has been taught to do therefore he/she doesn't know any better.
Imagine when your child would reach about 10 or 12 years of age. They would have a black belt, be able to do over 100 push ups/200 sit ups, and more importantly because they had used their own body weight to train they would be in shape. Martial arts requires more then just a strong core. It requires a strong mind, and because of this students will learn the values of discipline and pushing themselves to the limit. I'm sure you have all heard the saying teach a man how to fish he will eat for life? The same principle applies here. If I teach a student the values of discipline then that student can discipline himself to workout, and reach his potential in all aspects of life.
In the Richmond, Virginia area their are many facilities that offer that guidance such as Total Victory MMA & Crossfit, where you can join ongoing classes or even get one-on-one personalized training, to achieve a better fitness level and better quality of life.
David M. Womack
Coach Womack's Martial Arts Background:
Coach Womack currently teaches & trains at Total Victory MMA & CrossFit - Home of the 30 Day FREE Trial! 9562 Woodman Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
804-433-3572
http://www.totalvictorymma.com/
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Focus in Kids Martial Arts
There are many benefits associated, or at least claimed to be, with martial arts for kids. One of these is focus. By focus I am referring to focus of attention, taking instruction, listening to the teacher or put simply concentration. Learning judo, kung fu or karate for kids involves listening to the teacher, understanding the instruction and acting on it. Often this process involves a physical demonstration. Nothing spectacular in any of that but it can result in a concurrent improvement in focus at school.
I remember one mother after a grading had finished remarking how well her daughter took instruction. I agreed with her but it turned out that her child had a form of dyslexia which was supposed to make taking instruction difficult. I was incredulous at the time, as the girl in question was one of the most dedicated kids, worked very hard at her training and as a result was one of the most talented kids in the class. I would never have guessed her condition.
Other times I have parents telling me their kids grades have improved at school, partly, at least to the kids ability to focus improving. This is all very good but how does this happen?
In many ways martial arts classes are an analogy for the big bad world. You get out what you put in, and this should be especially so for kids. Children will mess about given the chance, by balancing learning MA skills with fun games that are relevant to martial arts, the kids have fun and learn through play! This balance of learning and fun keeps kids on track AND focused!
Focus in Kids Martial Arts Classes and School is Rewarded
In Martial Arts classes, as in school, children that pay attention are able to learn to a higher level than those that don't. In martial arts this is reward is manifested at gradings as the relatively higher skill level in comparison to less attentive kids is demonstrated and rewarded in the form of the highly desirable new coloured belt.
At gradings we tend not to fail kids, rather we break belts or grades into quarters so the less able have a reasonable opportunity to progress. This enables a certain amount of leeway to reward those that put the effort in with higher (partial) grades than those that tend to cruise.
There is a natural selection process here. If a kid puts the effort in, practices at home as well as in class it is reflected in their ability. It is very obvious to see. Of course the reverse is true; anyone coasting does not improve to the same level.
By ensuring that focus in class is rewarded with praise and tangible reward, kids come round to the idea that it's a good idea to listen and act on instruction. Not rocket science but this occurs time and time again. Through positive peer 'pressure' in class to do the correct thing, focus, and with tangible rewards on offer kids get the message. This is reinforced through the sheer joy of learning a physical skill.
The act of overcoming an obstacle that once seemed impossible, breeds confidence and supports the notion that focusing on the teachers advice is a good, helpful thing. Nowhere is this more so than in kids martial arts.
Want to know more?
For more information about the benefits of kids martial arts take a visit to http://birminghammartialarts.co.uk.
Or you could try my hub with advice on how to ensure the kids martial arts school you choose for your kids is the one that will enhance the chances of them sticking it out.
Dr. Jon Law is a sports scientist, martial arts instructor and blogger from Birmingham UK with almost 20 years experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Law
