According to Thomas Nardi, a psychologist and author of KARATE BASICS, almost every child can benefit from martial arts training. The structured drills that involve punching, kicking and yelling can help introverted children overcome shyness and timidity while giving extroverted children a safe, healthy environment in which to compete. Anxious or worried children can become more confident and assertive while overly aggressive children can learn to control their anger and begin to understand that fighting is non-productive. The skills and confidence that martial arts provide may also contribute to a child's feeling of being unique--a part of something out of the ordinary.
Beyond general physical conditioning, karate teaches proper body movement and control. Children lacking in coordination may find that martial arts, and the intricate series of movements involved, may help them to better develop balance and fluidity of movement.
Classes typically involve a total body workout with an emphasis on stretching, coordination, flexibility and strength training. And because of the focus on the mental aspects and conditiong, as opposed to brute force, girls are at no disadvantage in the martial arts. Both sexes can and do achieve the ultimate goal--a black belt.
Martial arts training also increases a child's aerobic capacity: A student's pulse rate when performing katas (specific sequences of punches, kicks and other techniques) is comparable to their rate while jogging.
Another benefit, which may sound unusual at first, is teaching children how to fall properly. By learning how to twist the body during a fall and where and how to land, your child is less likely to be injured in common mishaps such as bicycle, sports and play accidents.
Self-defense is, of course, the main reason most kids sign up for martial arts lessons. But a good instructor, or sensei, will make it clear that karate is not for bullying or showing off. Aggression is not just downplayed, it's totally discouraged.
When sparring with other students, children must pull their punches which requires a great deal of self-control, self-discipline and practice. Karateka (students of karate) must also memorize complicated movements which can lead to an increase in overall concentration skills.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying the martial arts comes with a child's increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. Students are allowed to set their own goals (moving up in the ranks through belt tests) and attain them at their own pace. This increase in self-esteem and concentration can and will spill over into students' schoolwork. In fact, some instructors monitor their students' report cards as part of the training.