Kids Martial Arts Classes in Plano, TX offer a lot more than your average “Kids Karate”

PLANO, Texas - Oct. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Parents interested in the benefits of martial arts for their child are often faced with questions about which "style" of martial arts is best.

There are many martial arts to choose from, but when looking for the perfect fit for a child or teen it is important to find the BEST program that combines self-defense, flexibility, balance and mental focus with a positive environment and a character development component.

Some of the most common martial arts programs available for children are listed below:

·        •Tae Kwon Do – a Korean martial art primarily focused on training kicking skills, this style is a sport with an emphasis on “point” sparring. Kids often become bored with the training. Popular with very young children.

·       • Karate – a Japanese style of martial arts known as a “hard” style for its emphasis on rigid techniques. Training is divided between hand and foot striking.

·        •Judo – A Japanese sport dealing primarily with throws

·        •Jujitsu -  This Japanese martial art focuses exclusively on wrestling or “grappling

·       • Kung Fu – The Chinese martial arts are the oldest and train all the martial skills including kicking, hand striking, joint locking and throws as well as training the mind through internal kung fu called “Chi Kung”. In addition Traditional Chinese weapons are taught to increase coordination, strength and balance. Popular with both Boys and Girls.

·       • MMA – Mixed Martial Arts combine aspects from various styles including, striking arts and wrestling styles, this is primarily a sport style.

A good martial arts class should be challenging and fun for the children. With many martial arts classes the kids get bored or burned out as they get older. This is primarily due to the fact that they are no longer challenged by the training. With Chinese martial arts the techniques, forms and training become increasingly more difficult keeping the kids challenged and motivated. With Chinese Kung Fu there is always a new challenge to be met.

A well-rounded martial arts class will cover a variety of physical skills such as speed, power, flexibility and balance in addition to building mental focus and concentration through meditation techniques and internal kung fu called “Chi Kung”.  Taught correctly, all of these aspects can be trained in a safe, fun and healthy environment.

So, a true and complete martial arts class would include all the physical skills including kicking and hand striking, throws and locks as well as the history and philosophy of the ART as opposed to a SPORT oriented style which focuses on winning a match or earning points. With over 1,500 years of history and tradition the Chinese martial arts truly offer the most complete, engaging and beneficial training available.

Along with these physical aspects it is also important to develop the proper character and positive personal qualities of a martial artist. This will help children to build a high degree of confidence, self-discipline, perseverance, and sense of personal responsibly. These are not only key to achieving goals in the martial arts, but are also very important for success in other aspects of life that extend beyond martial arts training. In Chinese martial arts this is called “Wu De” or Martial Morality and there are ten aspects.

When looking for a quality martial arts program, consider the teachers background and experience and also the martial arts style that will be the best choice for your child. The martial arts school should have a clearly defined and proven curriculum for helping kids to learn great martial arts skills, develop life skills and leadership qualities.

Parents want the best for their kids, but also realize that they cannot be there every minute to protect and guide them. Finding a great kids martial arts class with a comprehensive program of martial arts, self-defense and character development will ensure that they have prepared their children the best for responsibly dealing with bullying, potentially dangerous situations, and for successful goal setting in life.

For more information on children’s martial arts, contact the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute in Plano, TX at 214-473-6882 or visit http://www.swyi.com/