Combat sports for kids

Information on comnat sports for kids

Would your kids enjoy combat sports?

If your kids love action movies, video games with lots of fighting and arm wrestling, they might love a sport that has some of the same elements! Combat sports for kids like kung fu, karate and other martial arts can help control aggression while teaching self-defence and safety skills at the same time. Other combat sports such as wrestling and punching can offer the same benefits, although there may be a higher risk of injury.

Combat sports for boys and girls are available all over South Africa. Classes are often run which combine all ages, so you might even be able to do it yourself and make the activity into quality family time!

Why are combat sports a great kid’s activity?

Activities for kids should promote all aspects of your child’s health. There are lots of benefits which youngsters of all ages can get from combat sports, from toddlers right through to older children. (For example, karate classes and lessons for kids which welcome children from the age of 4 and up!) Some of these benefits include:

• Improvement of their motor co-ordination skills
• Improved concentration and brain stimulation
• Muscle strength, cardio fitness and flexibility
• Focus and concentration skills
• Information on combat sports

Combat sports are always one-on-one, so the great news is that you won’t ever have to worry about your kids getting into a huge scrum or jostling crowd they can’t handle!  However, depending on which combat sport they choose, there may be more chance of your youngster having a bruise or scratch. The more severe the sport the more safety equipment they should have to protect their face, eyes and bodies. Some of the best accessories include:

• Mouthguard
• Gloves
• Knee and elbow pads
• Soft helmet

Combat sports supplies are available at stores which sell other sporting equipment. If your child is going to take up a martial art, they will also need to purchase a uniform.

The three main techniques used in combat sports include grappling (pinning, clinching or ‘take down’ wrestling); striking; and use of weapons or sticks.

There are lots of combat sports for girls and boys alike. Combat sports academies often run a mixture of classes for both genders separately and together.

Get your kids to start learning combat sports!

If you’ve been looking for kids activities with a difference, combat sports might be the answer! Check the ActiveActivities directory for a listing of combat sports associations today!