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Martial Arts: More than Just an Extracurricular Activity

By Ashley Fisher March 9, 2021

When I signed my son up for classes at TriStar Martial Arts in Westminster, I expected the typical extracurricular experience. I expected that he would get up and get moving after a long day of school with a little exercise and that it would also provide some socialization. You know - the usual. I learned very quickly that training in the martial arts is more than just any after school activity. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Training in the martial arts promotes physical health and skills on an independent level. While kids are typically grouped into extracurricular activities based on age level, age is often a poor predictor of ability. Kids come into any activity with varying abilities and skill levels, regardless of age. This can be a frustrating experience, especially for a child like mine, who struggles greatly with gross motor skills and can’t keep up with his peers. When he was in team sports, he often felt left behind. However, while training in the martial arts, he is competing at his own pace. He is promoted to different belt levels as he is able to successfully complete the classes and master the skills. Now, in a basic belt class, he works alongside kids his own age as well as those who are younger and much older. This has instilled confidence in his own abilities. Plus, he has great examples in the older classmates and this leads him to want to model their positive behavior.
  2. Martial arts promotes mental well-being and focus. It is extremely important for kids to engage in physical activities for their health and well-being. Many kids are spending their days in front of a laptop or device or sitting in a classroom. Along with providing fitness building activities to increase the heart rate, improve flexibility, and core strength, the martial arts also increases skills associated with concentration, focus, and mental well-being. As instructors call out different stances, students must be ready to move into position. These skills are often introduced through fun and engaging games. As my son stood in a class at attention stance, the instructors moved around trying to break their concentration. They made faces, offered high fives, and tried to get them to giggle. My son, Mr. Daydream himself, stands still at attention during this drill, showing his commitment to stay focused and on task. It is such an esteem boost for him to continually succeed and feel proud of his accomplishments both on and off the mat. 
  3. There is a strong focus on character building traits. The room of my son’s wall is adorned with the posters he has earned at TriStar for demonstrating positive character traits at home. Snake Self Control. Tiger Discipline. Dragon Honesty. And more. This extends the lessons beyond the mat into the home environment. These are many of the same characteristics that are encouraged by school character counts programs as well as scouting program virtues. The best part? It is all tied into one extracurricular activity with the martial arts. 
  4. There is no off-season in martial arts. With many sports and activities, training ceases or begins with the changing of the seasons. However, classes at TriStar are year-round. Snow or heat cannot stop it. This type of continuity is important for kids, especially those who have anxiety, like my child. He has a consistent outlet. Even during the pandemic, classes continued virtually. The transition was nearly seamless and they still offer both in-person and virtual classes at this time.  It has been virtually pandemic-proof. This greatly benefited my son’s mental health during this tough year.
  5. The martial arts teaches real-life skills. Self defense and self confidence are extremely important skills to instill in our children. Each class contains a lesson on how to handle difficult situations that might seem scary. What do you do if someone you don’t know comes to pick you up from school? Who do you tell if someone makes you feel uncomfortable in some way? My son especially enjoys the self defense techniques, such as quickly escaping certain holds - kinda like a ninja. The best time to discuss these topics is before they are encountered. And the instructors at TriStar don’t shy away from teaching the students these important lessons and skills. 


While extracurricular activities in general are amazing opportunities for kids, training in the martial arts, especially at TriStar Martial Arts in Westminster, takes it to the next level. 

If you are interested in signing your child up for lessons, please click here: https://tristarmartialartswestminster.com/program/kids-martial-arts/

*My son has received free classes in exchange for reviews. As always, opinions are 100% my own.