More than 6 million children in the United States participate in martial arts. Martial arts are known to improve social skills, discipline, and respect in children. Children can also improve their abilities to concentrate and focus on activities, as well as bettering their motor skills and self-confidence. Martial arts can be fun and beneficial at any age.
Non-contact martial arts forms and drills have a lower injury risk, while practice contact drills (including striking other participants and padded objects) and practice or competitive combat sparring fights have a higher injury risk. Before entering children in martial arts programs, be aware of these differences and ask about the amount of contact versus non-contact activities. While the martial arts are relatively safe, injuries can happen because there is physical contact between opponents. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to prevent martial art injuries. Also included...
