Martial arts as a tool for personal growth
Published: 05:10 PM,Oct 27,2024 | EDITED : 09:10 PM,Oct 27,2024
Martial arts as a tool for personal growth
Martial arts are often praised for promoting discipline, focus and self-defence. However, questions arise: Are they truly instilling confidence in young minds, or are they inadvertently fostering a readiness for conflict?
Taekwondo, one of the most popular self-defence sports, is celebrated for instilling discipline, confidence and respect in its practitioners. This duality sparks debate among parents and coaches about the positive and potentially concerning impacts of martial arts on children.
For some, martial arts are a safe space for children to build confidence. Om Fahad, a mother of two, shares, “My son was shy and struggled with self-esteem. Through martial arts, he’s become more confident and focused in both school and social situations.” She believes that martial arts encourage self-control, resilience and respect — qualities crucial for personal growth.
Coach Mohammed al Kharousi, a Taekwondo coach from Suwaiq Champions for Martial Arts with over 10 years of experience, supports this view. “Martial arts teach children that physical strength is a tool for self-defence, not aggression. They learn discipline, respect and emotional management. Confidence grows from knowing they can defend themselves if necessary, but they’re also taught never to misuse this skill,” he explains. Alkaros highlights that martial arts offer an outlet for energy while cultivating self-discipline and confidence.
However, not all parents share this optimism.
Nora al Saidi, the mother of a 9-year-old, is hesitant about enrolling her child in martial arts. “While I understand the benefits, I worry it might make him think aggression is an answer to conflicts,” she says, reflecting a common concern that children might misinterpret physical training as a licence for aggressive behaviour.
Psychologist Afrah al Balushi adds that without proper guidance, martial arts training could lead to overconfidence or competitive aggression. “If not balanced with clear instructions on when and where to apply their skills, children might develop a ‘fight first’ mentality, especially if they lack emotional maturity,” she cautions.
The influence of martial arts on young minds often depends on the values imparted by instructors.
Coach Al Kharousi stresses the crucial role of mentors: “We teach children that martial arts is about self-respect, not dominance. Parents should seek schools that emphasise mental and emotional growth, not just physical prowess.” He even plans to visit schools to demonstrate how Taekwondo can empower children to defend themselves against bullying, an initiative gaining popularity within the educational community.
Ultimately, martial arts like Taekwondo can be powerful tools for building confidence in young people. However, thoughtful guidance from both parents and coaches is essential to ensure that martial arts reinforce positive behaviour, helping children grow into confident, compassionate individuals.
Taekwondo, one of the most popular self-defence sports, is celebrated for instilling discipline, confidence and respect in its practitioners. This duality sparks debate among parents and coaches about the positive and potentially concerning impacts of martial arts on children.
For some, martial arts are a safe space for children to build confidence. Om Fahad, a mother of two, shares, “My son was shy and struggled with self-esteem. Through martial arts, he’s become more confident and focused in both school and social situations.” She believes that martial arts encourage self-control, resilience and respect — qualities crucial for personal growth.
Coach Mohammed al Kharousi, a Taekwondo coach from Suwaiq Champions for Martial Arts with over 10 years of experience, supports this view. “Martial arts teach children that physical strength is a tool for self-defence, not aggression. They learn discipline, respect and emotional management. Confidence grows from knowing they can defend themselves if necessary, but they’re also taught never to misuse this skill,” he explains. Alkaros highlights that martial arts offer an outlet for energy while cultivating self-discipline and confidence.
However, not all parents share this optimism.
Nora al Saidi, the mother of a 9-year-old, is hesitant about enrolling her child in martial arts. “While I understand the benefits, I worry it might make him think aggression is an answer to conflicts,” she says, reflecting a common concern that children might misinterpret physical training as a licence for aggressive behaviour.
Psychologist Afrah al Balushi adds that without proper guidance, martial arts training could lead to overconfidence or competitive aggression. “If not balanced with clear instructions on when and where to apply their skills, children might develop a ‘fight first’ mentality, especially if they lack emotional maturity,” she cautions.
The influence of martial arts on young minds often depends on the values imparted by instructors.
Coach Al Kharousi stresses the crucial role of mentors: “We teach children that martial arts is about self-respect, not dominance. Parents should seek schools that emphasise mental and emotional growth, not just physical prowess.” He even plans to visit schools to demonstrate how Taekwondo can empower children to defend themselves against bullying, an initiative gaining popularity within the educational community.
Ultimately, martial arts like Taekwondo can be powerful tools for building confidence in young people. However, thoughtful guidance from both parents and coaches is essential to ensure that martial arts reinforce positive behaviour, helping children grow into confident, compassionate individuals.