At NAK Martial Arts, we believe in the power of commitment, not just for our young martial artists, but for their parents too. Children don’t quit martial arts, parents do. Your dedication shapes their journey toward discipline, confidence, and success. Over the 35 years I have been teaching martial arts I get tons of adults that tell me when they were a child they were disappointed that their parent’s let them quit, usually at one of the firt 3 belts. But if you truly want to help you child become successful;
Here’s how you can support your child’s growth:
Be consistent with attendance. Discipline and confidence stem from structured commitment.
Encourage perseverance through tough times. Overcoming challenges breeds true confidence.
Teach the value of commitment. Resilience is built by seeing things through, even when interest wanes.
Embrace the journey to black belt. Completing the martial arts journey instills invaluable life skills.
Lead by example. Your involvement cultivates your child’s confidence and discipline. Together, let’s empower our children to thrive with unwavering commitment and dedication. Get them to the dojo and witness their transformation into strong, focused individuals ready to conquer life’s challenges!
4-6 year olds are the most enthusiastic students. They love creativity and problem-solving, which makes them ideal students in the Martial Arts. The problem we discovered is they are so progressive in following tasks, that some teachers tend to treat them like their older peers. This is a problem because they still do not have the basic skills necessary to keep up with children ages 7 and up. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that adapts to their social and intellectual curiosity while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing basic skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven very successful.
These are the stages of development for children between 4 and 6 years old:
Physically– they typically do not know how to apply their muscles so they fall often when their body is in constant motion. Also, they have a basic foundation for leg, arm, core, and abdominal development, but they still lack a lot of strength.
We expect them to initially struggle with multiple kicks beyond five repetitions. We also expect them to initially have sloppy technique when exercising.
The goals for our program are to get them to perform high repetitions of kicks without putting their foot down, and also perform static, active, and dynamic exercises for beyond ten reps with good technique.
Intellectually– they typically have a hard time retaining beyond three commands. They also have a hard time distinguishing between their left and right.
We expect them to initially get confused when we ask them to do more than three things at one time. We also initially expect them to have difficulty distinguishing between their left and right when following multiple commands.
The goal for our program is to get them to retain three or more commands at once, and beyond. We will also help them learn how to perform various left and right combinations.
Emotionally – they typically focus on things that make them happy. They also have slow brakes when they are excited.
We expect them to initially lose focus and shut down when they are not happy. We also expect them to lose contro when they are over-excited.
The goal for our program is to help them focus even when it’s hard to do so. We will also help them control their body and their power, especially when they are excited.
Socially– they love to play with others, but are typically very competitive.
We expect them to initially show weak sportsmanship when participating in a competition.
The goals for our program are to help them build good teamwork such as no cheating; don’t get angry when they lose; and don’t brag when they win.
By understanding the stages of development of 4 to 6-year-olds, we focus on these appropriate skills in our Lil NAK Martial Arts Program:
FOCUS
TEAMWORK
CONTROL
MEMORY
BALANCE
DISCIPLINE
FITNESS
COORDINATION
STAR YOUR CHILD’S MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY TODAY!
In conclusion, if you’re seeking the ultimate kids’ martial arts experience, look no further than NAK Martial Arts Our age-specific approach, combined with engaging and effective teaching methods, sets us apart from the rest. By optimizing your child’s learning experience through active participation and game-based drills, we unlock their potential and cultivate a lifelong love for martial arts. Join us on this incredible journey and witness firsthand the transformative impact of age-appropriate kids’ martial arts training.
Why Muay Thai is the Best Martial Art for your kids
When it comes to choosing a martial art for your child, the options can be overwhelming. Two popular choices are Muay Thai and Karate (and similar arts like TKD, Kempo, etc), which offer unique approaches to self-defense and personal development. However, Muay Thai is the best martial art for your; and adults as well In this article, we will explore the reasons why Muay Thai surpasses Karate in terms of practicality, versatility, and physical conditioning, making it the ultimate martial art for children.
Practicality in Real-Life Situations:
The main reason Muay Thai is the Best Martial Art for your children is it is realistic.
Muay Thai is known as the king of the ring. It has proven itself for hundreds of years in kickboxing-style competitions and also in the last few years in MMA (mixed martial arts like the UFC and One Fighting Championships) and if it can teach people to deal with other trained fighters; your child will easily be able to handle the local bully. Whereas karate and similar arts spend a lot of time on forms; pre-arranged dance-like choreographed sequences that have very little to do with fighting skills or self-defense.
Clinch work: Muay Thai teaches children how to effectively control and strike opponents within grabbing range, also known as the clinch. Since most self-defense situations deal with someone grabbing you, Muay Thai clinch training provides practical skills for self-defense situations that may involve grappling or clinching. Karate-like arts do not deal with range and often waste time learning ancient weapons that a child will never use.
Practical sparring: As Muay Thai is a ring sport its training often includes live sparring sessions that closely simulate real combat situations. This practical approach allows children to develop their reflexes, timing, and decision-making skills under pressure. Whereas most karate schools train for point sparring also known as point fighting. This type of sparring and tournament fighting more resembles playing tag than effective practical self-defense.
Physical Conditioning and Fitness:
Muay Thai training involves progressive intense physical conditioning, including cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility drills. Children develop a high level of overall fitness, endurance, and coordination through consistent training. And since Muay Thai is a sport it is a coaches and instructors, especially the coaches at NAK Martial Arts, are always learning and applying the most cutting-edge training methods to make their athletes the best they can be. Whereas karate considered itself a ‘traditional’ martial art and does not incorporate modern training methods or sports science. Some karate dojos don’t even work on conditioning.
Practical strength and conditioning: Muay Thai’s focus on functional strength, explosive power, and agility prepares children for real-life physical challenges, enhancing their athleticism and physical prowess.
Dynamic training environment: Muay Thai classes often involve pad work, bag work, and partner drills, creating an engaging and interactive training atmosphere that keeps children motivated and enthusiastic about their training.
Lifelong Fitness Hobby
Another reason to get your kids involved in Muay Thai is that it is a physical fitness activity they can do into adulthood. There are many adults around the world that want to or train in Muay Thai. How many adults do you know train in karate or Taekwondo? Most people think of karate and similar arts as activities for children So if you get your child involved in Muay Thai now not only will they be head and shoulders above other children their age in physical fitness, discipline, focus, coordination, and being bully-proofed, they also might find a sport they will love and be able to train in for the rest of their lives.
In Summary:
Why Muay Thai is the Best Martial Art for Your Children
While Karate undoubtedly offers its own benefits, however, Muay Thai stands out as the superior martial art for children. Its practicality, versatility, and emphasis on physical conditioning make it a comprehensive and effective discipline. By learning Muay Thai, children not only develop practical self-defense skills but also cultivate a strong foundation of physical fitness, mental discipline, and confidence. Whether it’s for self-defense, personal growth, or a love for martial arts, Muay Thai offers children an unparalleled martial arts experience that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Ready to get your child started on an amazing journey?
Have you ever wondered how martial arts can positively impact your child’s physical and mental development? Look no further than Muay Thai, a dynamic combat sport originating from Thailand. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous advantages of Muay Thai training for kids, highlighting its ability to foster both physical and mental growth. If you’re searching for the best martial art classes in Murfreesboro, Muay Thai might just be the perfect fit for your child.
Physical Benefits of Muay Thai Training for Kids
The best martial arts classes for kids get them in amazing shape
Muay Thai offers a comprehensive workout that enhances various aspects of physical fitness. Firstly, it significantly improves cardiovascular fitness, as the rigorous training sessions involve continuous movement, sparring, and intense bag work. Additionally, Muay Thai training helps children develop strength and coordination, as they learn and practice various techniques that engage multiple muscle groups. Whether it’s throwing punches, executing kicks, or clinching, these movements promote overall muscle strength and motor skill development. Moreover, Muay Thai is an effective means of weight management, allowing children to maintain a healthy weight and body composition. Lastly, the sport emphasizes agility and flexibility, contributing to enhanced mobility and overall physical performance.
Mental Benefits of Muay Thai Training for Kids
Muay Thai training extends beyond physical fitness and also nurtures crucial mental attributes in children. One notable benefit is improved focus and concentration. As kids engage in the intricacies of Muay Thai techniques and drills, they learn to sharpen their attention and stay present in the moment. The discipline required in training sessions fosters self-control, teaching children the importance of patience and restraint. Furthermore, Muay Thai serves as an excellent stress relief outlet, allowing kids to release pent-up energy and emotions while promoting emotional well-being. As children overcome challenges and see progress in their training, their confidence and self-esteem soar, empowering them in various aspects of life.
Social Benefits of Muay Thai Training for Kids
The best martial arts kids classes in Murfreesboro socialize your child
Apart from the physical and mental advantages, Muay Thai training also offers valuable social benefits for children. Training in martial arts classes provides opportunities to build lasting friendships and camaraderie. Through shared experiences and a common interest, kids bond with their training peers, creating a supportive and encouraging environment. Muay Thai also instills values such as respect and sportsmanship, teaching children to honor their opponents and display good sportsmanship both inside and outside the training facility. Moreover, the collaborative nature of Muay Thai promotes teamwork, allowing kids to work together and learn the importance of cooperation.
Muay Thai training offers a multitude of benefits for children, ranging from physical fitness to mental and social development. If you’re looking for the best martial art classes in Murfreesboro, Muay Thai presents a compelling option. Its comprehensive workout enhances cardiovascular fitness, strength, coordination, and flexibility, while also fostering improved focus, discipline, stress relief, confidence, and self-esteem in children. Additionally, the social aspects of Muay Thai training contribute to the formation of friendships, the cultivation of respect and sportsmanship, and the development of teamwork skills.
Find our for yourself why the best martial arts kids classes in Murfreesboro is at NAK Martial Arts.
Enroll your child in our one of our Muay Thai classes today, and witness the transformative power of this incredible martial art. Give your child the opportunity to grow physically, mentally, and socially, while having fun and learning invaluable life skills along the way.
Obviously learning how to protect yourself, makes you surer of yourself and makes you not worried that what you say to someone might get you punched in your face; because you know you can handle it. But more importantly, from the first day of lessons, when kids come into a martial art school they’re developing confidence, especially the younger children. It’s an environment they’ve never seen before. It’s very different from the schools they’ve been to or some of their academic school or kids’ playroom. So just coming in and meeting an instructor clad, a black belt, in a white or black uniform can be scary at first but learn that when they actually talk with the person, they find out that this person who might look kind of scary was actually friendly This helps them want to be more outgoing and meet people and instills confidence in a social setting.
Second, is they are constantly trying new things in class. I’ve been teaching martial arts for 36 years, and ass time has gone on the willingness of children to try new things or God forbid fail at something has dramatically decreased. Kids more and more say things like, “I can’t do it” before they even try it. I don’t know where this risk-adverse cultures come from, but just having children try something new and only stick to things, they’re good at it is a real problem. The great thing in a martial arts class is that they try something and even if they cannot do it, the will be encouraged to try it again and try it again until they are able to do it proficiently. As a Child sees that if they work at something they get they get better at it, he or she will develop confidence in themselves, especially when they master something that they didn’t think they could do.
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We’ve had I have a game that like you called Ninja Mountain. I picked up from a program years ago that the kids run and jump over kick shields, and each round you would stack more and more pads on At my last school, the record was eight kick shields. This feat was accomplished by a kid, who at first couldn’t jump over even one. When he first came to us he was not very athletic or coordinated, but with constant practice, in an encouraging environment, he was eventually able to do it. And when he jumped over that eighth pad, the look on his face was just amazing.
So, the constant reinforcement of trying something hard, that at first seems that the child can’t do it, but by working at it with someone helping you can do it. You can do it and keep helping them with it until they’re able to do it. This process builds massive REAL self-confidence. I hate the term self-esteem because it’s misused. It’s based on nothing, just you should just feel good about yourself for no reason. But that false self-esteem will shatter if tested
In martial arts, the greatest way that really supercharges a child, or even an adult’s self-confidence is when a student has to spar for the first time with somebody who’s much bigger and more skilled than he or she is. This is the perfect dress rehearsal for the bully on the playground. There’s nothing that is as good for standing up to a bully for the first time. And then learning that even if you get hit, you can survive it and maybe get some likes into all in a cooperative learning helpful environment. This teaches them that even in really scary situations when they may take a few licks they can deal with it and come out victorious, or at least stronger from the experience.
IF YOU WANT TO DEVELOP UNSHAKABLE SELF-CONFIDENCE IN YOUR CHILD LET US HELP!
We know that when you are looking for a martial arts school for you or your child, it can be confusing: karate, TKD, BJJ, judo, or kung-fu. Which style to choose? May I suggest Muay Thai.
The reason you or your child should be training Muay Thai instead of karate is for many reasons. The biggest one is that for karate, you have one way of moving and a set of techniques when you’re doing forms, also called Kata, then you have a totally different way of moving when you are doing sparring and even different techniques, different stances, and we may even look close to you are kickboxing, depends on the style of the Karate spar. Then, when you’re doing self-defense moves, yet again, it looks totally different from both sparring and from the forms as well. When you train, Muay Thai, you fight how you train. You train one-way for shadow boxing, hitting pads, hitting the bag, sparring, and of course, fighting, which would also translate into how you defend yourself. So you’re only training one way. You learn one set of moves, principles, and techniques that goes throughout all your training. So you don’t have any confusion about muscle memory, and you don’t have any conflicting information in your body. So it makes it a lot easier to learn real self-defense and fighting skills.
What to get started on your our child’s martial arts journey today? If you are in the Murfreesboro Tenessee area check us out today.
