In team sports, your child may lose a game even though they did everything right. If that continues happening, it probably won’t be long until they stop giving their all. Soon, they’ll lose focus and self-discipline won’t be nearly as important. After all, no matter how hard they push themselves, their teammates are still largely responsible for their success.

That’s not to say team sports don’t have their place as well. It’s just that martial arts make it very clear how much self-control has to offer. Honing this kind of focus is actually one of the reasons martial arts are great for children who have ADHD.

4. MEMORIZATION IS THE SECRET TO MASTERING MARTIAL ARTS

Memorization is one of the key elements to mastering martial arts. Much of the individual practice-time referenced above is spent literally memorizing different elements of the sport.

One common example of this is the kata in karate and judo. Many other Eastern martial arts have similar practices, whereby students carry out a choreographed set of movements. Some students train year-round to perfect these patterns, which they will then perform at tournaments.  

In this case, martial arts discipline children by enticing them to memorize and then practice the same moves over and over all on their own.

This might seem minor, but researchers have actually proven that this kind of kata-practice leads to greater cognition. In turn, improved cognition can support greater self-control, too.

Even without katas or patterns – as in the case of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, jiujitsu, and many other martial arts – there is still an emphasis on memorization. Principles – not just moves – are drilled over and over, so students always know how to react, something that’s impossible without great self-control.

5. MOST IMPORTANTLY: MARTIAL ARTS IS FUN

Chores can help build self-control.

Schoolwork can, as well.

The only problem is that very few children find those tasks very enjoyable.

Martial arts, on the other hand, is a lot of fun. Even with all the discipline involved, good instructors know how to make their ancient art forms approachable and enjoyable for younger students.

Plus, most children take great pride in being martial artists. It’s “cool” to tell their friends that they’re in karate, wrestling, taekwondo, etc.

Even though it’s a lot of fun, this is one more incentive for them to keep showing up to class, where they will continue to build their self-control.

Put Your Child On The Path To Self-Discipline

Few traits can predict your child’s future happiness and wellbeing like self-discipline. As countless studies have shown, not even affluence, stable environments, or current personality can best self-control as a measurement for what the future will hold.

The good news is that martial arts benefits children in a number of ways, one of which is in promoting the development of self-discipline. While it’s never too late to start, the sooner your child begins practicing their preferred form, the sooner they’ll begin mastering self-control, too.

Best of all, you can get them started for free. Find a Martial Arts class near you now.