Kids Martial Arts and Character

Kids martial arts classes developing character

This is the definition of character as described by dictionary.com:

char·ac·ter [kar-ik-ter] noun
1.the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.
2.one such feature or trait; characteristic.
3.moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character.
4.qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: It takes character to face up to a bully.
5.reputation: a stain on one’s character.

Bullying has been a growing concern for many parents in the last few years. There have been many instances of kids being bullied into hurting themselves and generally making things difficult for families and schools. Another reason having kids in martial arts classes is a good idea is that they can build character to know how to handle situations where bullying can be a problem. Some of the things that many people have a concern about is whether teaching martial arts will give the tools of Brazilian jiu jitsu, or whatever art they study, to bullies. It’s true that there are many kids martial arts schools that promote the “might is right” ethos but there are just as many kids martial arts schools teaching respect for others and respect for the art the children are learning.

“Dad, he’s too small!”

My daughter is 6 years old and she has a 2 year old brother who is a bit of a bull in a china shop. There have been times he is aggressive and I’ve mentioned that she can lightly practice her jiu jitsu with him to help protect herself. She has the presence of mind and the respect for the martial art, thanks to her coaches, to know that it’s still too rough for her to practice with her 2 year old brother. To me that shows the acumen with which the coaches are working to teach the children respect for the art and respect for each other.

Building character in kids martial arts classes

This is the definition of character I am using:qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: It takes character to face up to a bully. I think that more often than not the children model these qualities form other kids in class and from their coaches as well. In my daughter’s kids martial arts class she is learning it’s essential to understand and critically think about what you’re doing in the moment. She’s in a safe environment to learn and can look at things with coaching and with experience. It’s important for her to have the feedback from her partners and her coaches because it builds character and respect for those in her kids martial arts class. When she doesn’t do well it’s a learning opportunity to get feedback and hopefully she will someday reach a stage where she can help coach others. I certainly try to encourage her at home to teach it to me because teaching someone else something helps build that character. I may not be in her kids martial arts class but I can tell she enjoys it because she remembers and tells me about what she learned. I also ask purposefully to reinforce what she has learned and have her recall the days lesson.