In a time when nearly a third of our country's children are being medicated for ADD or ADHD, some parents are finding a healthy alternative for teaching their children Self Discipline.
That alternative is the Ancient Art of self defense, Asian Martial Arts. Child Developmental Research Specialist, Claire Poulton credits martial arts training for the amazing achievements of some children. "The organized class structure of a professional Martial Arts class is designed to help students learn self discipline. The exercises and techniques taught help children work off stress and excess pounds while improving their fitness and flexibility at the same time. Martial Arts was recommended to my daughter by the Counsellor at my grandson's school, when he was 6 years old, as a method to counteract agressive behavior. My daughter attended the classes with her son, and she now holds a Third Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. My grandson, as quoted by his teacher - “was a joy to have in the class”."
People know that Martial Arts training is an excellent way to get in shape. But with the countless "styles" that seem to pop up promising everything under the sun, what types of Martial Arts training will get me in shape and boost my confidence the fastest?
"If you asked me this question 30 years ago, I would have said Taekwondo was the best to keep you in top shape and build confidence," says Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, the 10th-degree black belt who introduced Taekwondo to the U.S. in 1956.
Taekwondo is the martial art that is used for fitness training and self defense by the Korean military. Thousands of US Military members stationed in Korea also find it to be a great way to get into superhero shape and fighting fit in record time. Many former military members have devoted their life to teaching the self defense art as a fitness form because of their own personal experiences.
A responsible teacher will challenge his or her students physically and mentally to help them reach their goals. "Under proper instruction, an individual develops the key elements of focus, balance, coordination, speed and power," says Shane Miller, the 7 times world Martial Arts champion and a fifth-degree black belt. The right program also will contribute to your cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility.
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Danny & Theresa Zaino of Jupiter, Florida have found that this Ancient Art of self defense is the perfect modern tool for child development. Their beautiful daughter Dominique is an inspiring example of how martial arts training teaches children self discipline and goal setting. Thirteen year old Dominique Zaino is a member of National Team Pepsi "Show Team" and the host of "Kids Corner" on the Action Radio Network where she interviews guests from a kids perspective. As a radio show host she has interviewed several of the nation's top Martial Arts experts and celebrities. Dominique is the youngest worldwide radio show host on the air today.
Dominique, who has been studying the Martial Arts since the age of three, is no stranger to being in the spotlight. She is also the Head Anchor of her schools News Crew at Jupiter Middle School. If that isn't enough to keep a young lady busy, she is also the Captain of the JMS Cheer Leading Squad, an active participant at the "Keep Flippin" Gymnastics school, and is a 7 year Martial Arts State Champion in Kata, Weapons and Point Sparring. Applying the lessons of martial arts to her daily life has helped Dominique achieve more in her thirteen years than most adults do in a lifetime.
Along with her fellow team mates and brothers Tony and Joey Zaino she has competed on a National level with National Team Pepsi since 2000 including performing at the some of the world's most prestigious Martial Arts Halls of Fame. Dominique was featured in an independent film about Martial Arts competitors and looks forward to achieving many more goals using her self discipline from Martial Arts training.
You can read Dominique's Article How Marital Arts Has Helped Me Through My Life on this page.
When my kids were younger, they wanted to take Karate lessons. At first I was against the idea because I didn't understand that it is more about self discipline than fighting. After observing a few lessons, I realized that martial arts training is actually good for children both mentally and physically. I became a proud parent of two little belted karate kids.
My children are young men now, but I still recommend that kids get involved in martial arts training. It taught my boys to respect everyone - especially themselves and their own bodies.
Although those being trained are taught not to hurt others unnecessarily, they become equipped with the ability to defend themselves if the need arises. This is something all children should be able to do in this sometimes "not so pleasant" world we live in - whether we like to think about it or not.
As an elementary teacher, I see children every day that would benefit from such a program. Many are unmotivated, bored, and overweight due to a lack of exercise and self discipline. When they hear the world, "play" they think of video games instead of "tag" and other games that get them moving.
A good martial arts training program could change their lives and attitudes. I know it works. I've seen it happen. Parents of ADD and ADHD kids should especially consider this kind of program for their kids. There have been many cases cited in which these "challenging" kids learn to discipline their actions - even without medication.
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