It is imperative that children get in the routine of an active lifestyle while they are still young. Starting with Xen-Do Little Champs from only four years of age, our Kids Kickboxing and Martial Arts programmes encourage fast progression in a positive and safe environment. Taking part in martial arts classes can only have a positive effect on your children! Here are some reasons we think kids should become a part of our Xen-Do Team:

Health & Fitness
The most obvious reason children should do martial arts is to get active and moving. Many kids lack enthusiasm for sports and need a bit of excitement to get committed to an active lifestyle. At Xen-Do, martial arts is a way of life. Not only do you learn how to defend yourself and meet great people, but you also are keeping fit and healthy, while having an amazing time!

Confidence
Many children that enter a martial arts club tend to have a low level of self-confidence. The ability to adopt technical skills and self-defence techniques provides children with the confidence that enables them to feel more comfortable when being challenged by everyday obstacles. Xen-Do nurtures self-development in a controlled environment, teaching life skills that help identify and deal with potentially dangerous situations such as; how to deal with bullying, avoid confrontation and seek help when appropriate – becoming ‘street smart’ and confident.

Teamwork
Inside the dojo, children are consistently working with one another, improving and learning together. The experience that children share with one another creates a sense of unity between them, which is the embodiment of teamwork and is very important for young children to learn.

Self Defence
It goes without saying that kids will learn how to defend themselves as a result of taking up martial arts with Xen-Do. What is more important than knowing how to fight their way out of a situation is that children learn that they don’t have to fight to stay safe. Martial arts and self-defense consequently teach that violence is only a last resort. Starting from a young age, children need to practice being safe in everyday situations. Here at Xen-Do we not only teach them to defend themselves, but we help children understand stranger awareness and getting out of dangerous situations.

Self Esteem
Getting fit and healthy while learning how to defend yourself is a great feeling. Martial arts will encourage self-confidence which is complemented by self-esteem, a trait that many kids will not often experience without actively taking part in something as challenging as the demands of a martial art. We work with children to overcome shyness and insecurity inside and outside of the dojo.

Social Skills
Joining Xen-Do is also a great way for kids to meet new friends. They have the chance of mingling with other children that go to a different school in the local area. By sharing a common interest, friendships are often strengthened inside the dojo and can last a lifetime.

Self Discipline
Martial arts are enforced to instill discipline through its demand for both physical and mental ability. Without the correct discipline, individuals will fall at the first hurdle. By consciously being disciplined and listening to your Sensei, martial arts forces children to take this discipline from inside the Dojo into everyday life.

Self Motivation & Determination
A great way for children to get motivated is to set goals. Here at Xen-Do, children get to move up in our grading curriculum by practicing their techniques and working hard. Meeting the challenges and requirements set by your Sensei is an amazing way to motivate children to believe in themselves.

Here at Xen-Do we encourage the champions code, a set of challenges that we have created for our children’s classes. These represent guidelines our kid members aim to maintain week by week, to help live their life the Xen-Do way. These are designed to have a positive effect on children’s attitude inside and outside of the dojo.

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
– under 16’s please obtain parental permission before posting anything online.
– any opinions stated are that of the author and do not represent the opinions of Xen-Do.