Social skills help kids build relationships, understand each other, and get along better. Martial arts provides an excellent opportunity to learn these skills.
Here are some of the ways that martial arts can help kids develop their social skills:
1. Listening and Following Directions
Martial arts classes are held in a small group environment where kids learn skills together. Even if something becomes distracting, kids must learn to remain focused and listen. Martial arts teaches kids how to ask questions without being disruptive. They learn to listen and follow directions and to stay on task with the rest of the class.
2. Respecting Others
A martial arts class includes kids from various backgrounds. Even if a child seems different, kids learn to be respectful and kind to everyone in their class, including their instructor. Kids must be patient and wait for their turn while being polite and considerate of others.
3. Receiving Feedback
In martial arts, there are many different skills to learn, practice, and then improve. Something that helps kids improve is listening to their instructors and accepting feedback. If a child isn’t used to hearing feedback, at first, it may sound like criticism. But learning to see feedback as something that is intended to help is a valuable skill. Rather than feeling criticized and ignoring the information, kids who learn this social skill are more likely to improve and grow as an athlete.
4. Teamwork
In martial arts, you learn as an individual, but you and your fellow students are also part of a team. Whether your child is working with a partner or an instructor, they must figure out how to work and positively interact with each other. Part of working together includes learning to support and encourage each other to do their best.
Karma Karate in Newtown Square offers a variety of programs and classes for all ages. To learn more about how to get started, contact us today.
