Unlock the potential of Martial Arts: How Karate can teach your child to focus
As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be healthy, happy, and successful in everything they do. However, sometimes children can struggle with focus and concentration, which can be frustrating for both the child and the parent. If your child is struggling to focus, you may be wondering if martial arts, specifically Karate, is a good activity for them. The answer is a resounding yes…
Respect, for ourselves and each other.
Help! My child is way too unfocussed…can Karate help?
Yes, it can!
Karate training is a proven and effective way to help children develop focus and concentration skills. The nature of the training itself requires children to pay close attention to their movements, their breathing, and their surroundings. In order to master the techniques, children must learn to focus and concentrate for (gradually increasing) periods of time. Improved focus and concentration skill will not only help them in their martial arts training, but it will also carry over into other areas of their life, including school, home-work, and other activities.
Karate can also help children develop important school readiness skills. Karate training requires discipline, patience, and perseverance, all of which are essential skills for success in school. Children who participate in martial arts tend to be more confident, more respectful, and more resilient, all of which are traits that serve them well in the classroom.
Karate can also be a great way for children to socialise and make new friends. At BBMA Hornsby we offer group classes, where children can train together and support each other. This is extremely helpful for kids who are shy or have difficulty making friends. Through martial arts, children learn to work together, support each other, and learn ‘Black Belt Principles’ such as kindness, honesty, courtesy, courage and respect - helping them develop positive relationships at home and at school.
As swimming is to ‘water safety’, Karate is to ‘whole of life’ safety - Karate teaches vital skills that help kids to stay safe in all areas of their lives. In a BBMA Karate program children develop emotional regulation, learning boundary setting, anti-bulling, child-safety and mindfulness skills. Children who participate in martial arts learn how to defend themselves, but they also learn about situational awareness, how to avoid dangerous situations, and how to stay safe in potentially risky situations.
Developing focus, concentration, and other skills through Karate takes time. These skills won't appear overnight, and it's important to stick with it if you want to see results. As a parent, your role will be both supporter and ‘cheerleader’ - encouraging your child to keep practicing, and celebrating their successes along the way.
It won’t happen overnight! But it WILL happen :)
My child is learning Karate, but isn’t paying attention in class. Should we give up & quit?
The short answer is no.
if your child is struggling with focus and concentration in Karate class, that's okay! It's absolutely to be expected and a common ‘challenge’ that kids face, especially when they're just starting out. However, this is not a reason to take your child out of Karate altogether. And it’s probably the worst reason if this is why you brought them to Karate in the first place :)
We understand it can be difficult to watch your child’s attention wandering in class, or to see them struggling to stay focussed or pay attention. At times like this it’s good to take a big breath, relax, and remember that Karate will help improve these skills - over time.
In fact, sticking with it is the best thing you can do for your child. With time and practice, they will develop the focus and concentration skills that are essential for success in Karate and in other areas of their life. Catch them doing something right, and celebrate small wins and big successes along the way.
Taking them out of an activity when they struggle may also send the message that it's okay to quit when things get tough. Instead, encourage your child to keep coming and keep doing their best.
Don’t compare your child with others in the class. At BBMA our kids’ classes have a diverse range of (neurotypical and neurodivergent) children. Each child has their own strengths and their own challenges. Your child is exactly where they need to be, improving and developing at their own pace and in their own way.
As a Karate parent, we ask that you continue to be patient and supportive. Speak to your Karate Teacher if you have concerns - they can help. Encourage your child to keep going, even when they don’t feel like participating, and even when it's difficult. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small it may seem. And remember, the skills they learn in Karate will serve them well throughout their life. So, don't give up on Karate just because your child is struggling with focus and concentration. Stick with it, and watch your child blossom over time :)