Martial arts is one of the best ways to bring a shy or quiet child out of their shell.
Not every child was made to play baseball, soccer, basketball or any other team sport. And when you have a shy child, it can make all of those things seem really intimidating. It can really be a source of stress for a shy child.
Martial arts has a proven track record of helping introverted or shy kids develop social skills and build confidence, eventually brining them out of their shell.
I always say this, because I really believe it, but there are so many ways martial arts can benefit anyone who practices it.
But to keep it short (if you have been to one of my classes or tests you know I love to talk about this stuff) I am going to limit it to only 3 ways things. In my opinion 3 of the most important things.
So, let’s get started!
Martial Arts Builds Self Esteem
It can be tough at times to get a shy child on the mats. They stand in the doorway and start to cry. They put on the breaks (usually grab on to mom or dad even the doorway). It might take a few minutes or even a few classes to get them out there. But, with the help of our amazing instructors, it will happen.
And, for a shy child this is a huge step in the right direction. It is actually their first accomplishment.
It is so important that we tell them how amazing they were to get out there and just do it. They need that positive feedback not only from Mom and Dad but the instructors too.
That praise goes a long way in building them up.
But it doesn’t stop there. A high energy class that keeps them moving and accomplishing things they never thought possible will build that positive self image.
It starts to change how they fell about themselves and they begin to trust the people around them.
When we start to build that self esteem it has amazing results on how they react to the world around them.
It Helps Shy Kids Become More Social And Outgoing
Let’s face it, training in martial arts and being successful takes some work. It’s not something any child can do on their own. They need help.
They need positive reinforcement. From like minded friends, trusted adults/teachers, and family.
At Synergy Martial Arts in Odenton we operate as a team with our families. You know the old saying, “It takes a village to raise kids”.
Well we are part of that village. One that is dedicated to their success.
We are a team but not a team sport.
Our students work as a team to make each other better. Offer encouragement when it is needed. In a positive environment working to make each other better. It’s an amazing thing to watch.
I have students that are in there late 20’s and tell me that some of the best friends they ever made were right here at Synergy Martial Arts. Some of their most trusted friends came from right here on our mats.
Want to see it in action?
I have tons of examples and pics on our Synergy Martial Arts Facebook Page. Head over there and you can see how amazing they are to each other.
But the truth is, some of those helpers and even some of our instructors used to hate getting in front of groups and teaching or helping.
They were shy.
But through the positive environment they encounter in their training they were able to become more social and outgoing.
It all builds on each other. First came the improvement in self esteem and once they start to feel better about themselves and their positive, athletic environment, they come out of their shells and become more social and outgoing. It’s truly amazing to see.
Helps Them Deal With Bullies In A Positive Way
Unfortunately, kids get bullied. They get bullied in school, on the playground, during other sports and now on social media.
It happens all the time. I hate to think of it.
When your kid comes home upset that someone messed with them it can bring out so many emotions. Anger, sadness and many more.
I know, I am a parent too. I get it.
Kids, well, people can mean. How do we deal with it?
A lot parents think we teach kids to beat up bullies. Punch them in the face.
Lol, while our students certainly can do that, that is not our primary focus. More on that in a minute.
There is a reason I talk about this last. Because, the first two things I talked about, Building Self Esteem (confidence), and Being More Social and Outgoing will help.
When their confidence goes up they carry themselves different. They walk with their heads up. They look different (not talking about they way they dress, talking about they way they walk and talk). When the confidence comes out they are less likely to get bullied.
And when they feel better about themselves, they let the words “bounce off them”. They don’t cut as deep.
As adults we can choose to ignore them. And just block them out. We have the ability to not to let that nonsense in.
But kids have a hard time with that. They are still developing. When a bully comes down on them it can really destroy their self confidence and self worth.
However…
Building their self esteem and confidence through practicing martial arts will help them. They can deal with it better. It’s not just the kicking anbd punching.
In fact, that is a small part of it.
It’s actually the positive environment. Getting out there and accomplishing things they never thought they could. It’s doing something no one else does.
All that out together builds that confidence and self esteem.
And guess what?
Helping them make the choice not to let that bully get to them.
Plus the exercise and activity helps them burn off the stress. Lets them vent it out a little. Keeps that energy flowing in a positive manner.
And back to what every parent thinks, they will be able to defend themselves if another person puts their hands on them or goes to hit them. This is key. We teach it as a last resort. No one has a right to touch you or hurt you. You have to protect yourself from harm. Never start it, but you can protect yourself from harm.
These are just 3 ways and benefits of kids martial arts for shy kids. Martial arts is a truly amazing tool to help bring that child out of their shell, give them socialization and build that confidence. Synergy Martial Arts works with parents as a team. We are one member of that team. We work with parents, the student and their school if necessary to help develop them from the inside out. Our Masters, Black Belts and Staff have dedicated themselves to it. It is our goal.
Do you have a child that could benefit from out program?
Check out our Kids Martial Arts in Odenton program for 7 Days absolutely FREE. Click here to hold your spot,
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