Learning or practicing a combat sport requires immense physical and mental discipline which has a value that stretches well beyond the sport. It almost always greatly increases self-confidence and self-esteem.

My daughter wrestled in high-school, as did my older son, who also boxed briefly, and my younger son practiced martial arts for several years. In all three cases it did a lot for them.

Discipline AND self-defense --- I like it.

This has more benefits than just being able to defend yourself. It can create confidence and self control and the ability to walk away because you know you can.

I will not be like my mom, who wouldn't let me learn whoop ass because she was either concerned about my runty stature in my youth or concerned about what I might do with such skills. As long as I teach the same discretion that I use in administering violence they should be fine.

Changed my life for the better- physical and philosophical poise and focus in a bullsh#t world- priceless. A complete absence of dogma and stigma- just a zen-like respect for your master and emphasis on your accomplishments. Great lessons are to be learned and self-confidence and empowerment awaits you if you are willing to sumbit to the discipline. . .something many of us are loath to do. ..

There are pros and cons. Firstly I'll start out with the pros. I did martial arts when I was a teenager and advanced fairly high in it. I really enjoyed those classes, the people were friendly (because we had a really good instructor) and it gave me a good social life. Apart from that, it taught me to be stronger and built confidence in me. It teaches you how to defend yourself and strengthens and makes your body fitter. Plus there is something for everyone like kata (like dancing, ritualised martial arts), self defence, floor fighting and my favourite, kick boxing. Kick boxing and all that (except for katas and I'll explain why) isn't bad in itself. There are a lot of pros, but overall, there are also cons. I am looking at this from a Christian and Biblical perspective. For a start, it can teach kids that they have to fight which is contrary to what Jesus teaches (turn the other cheek). In fact although it boosted my confidence, it actually weakened me in some areas because I felt I had to fight and live up to some status (especially when I got into the higher belt levels eg brown belt). That made me really nervous when someone would eg make a nasty comment. Ever since I've given it up, I don't feel that pressure anymore. It can also give children a love for violence because I noticed I started to love and accept violence (God hates violence with a passion and all violence is murder as far as He is concerned). Also there is a lot of spirituality in karate ie since martial arts is so rooted in tradition, the founding fathers of the different styles imparted their religions into it which was mainly Buddhism and their other religions. That is the biggest problem that I have with it and that was why I gave it up. There is a lot of satanic symbolism in it eg the yin and yang. It teaches you to adopt the ways of other religions (which is idolatry, the worst sin you can do in God's eyes) plus the katas are very well thought out. They are actually meant to open your soul up to spiritual forces (other then God). Sure martial arts teaches you respect, but it also teaches your children that idolatry and violence is acceptable. Anything spiritual that is not Biblical is of the devil (1Corinthians quotes 'Do not go beyond what is written') And there is a lot of unBiblical spirituality in martial arts. Overall, I give it a 2, not a 1 because of the self defence element and the kick boxing and wrestling (if they are taught not to use it for violence) is OK and it can be the thing that could one day save thier or someone elses life. But they should stay away from the spiritual side and not advance into the higher levels eg the black belt levels where martial arts becomes less physical and more spiritualised. It is very deceptive because it comes like an angel of light, where it has good results as first, but leads children away from God.

Martial arts are great for kids. It teaches them discipline and keeps them in shape. I never entered my son in Marial Arts, but he was a boxer and a wrestler in high school. I think sports of any type teaches a guy or gal about fair play, perseverance and how to get along with others (teamwork), and in boxing in particular, how to stand on your own two feet. Something alot of young people need to learn.

My parents let me take judo starting at age 3, and I was pretty good at it. But I really wanted to take karate or some other offensive martial art, in addition to judo. But my parents would only approve judo. My chi overwhelmed them, I think.

The martial arts are very good for exercise, discipline, concentration, and other social skills, but they should be approached with a word of caution. Not all martial arts are ideal for children, just from the nature of the form, and there is an appropriate age for a child to begin studying. The largest concerns are firstly for the physical wellbeing of the child, as martial arts exact a huge toll on major body systems. Proper stretching before and after, use of proper form, and no tolerance of horseplay are usually sufficient precautions. The second concern is that the child receives proper instruction on when is the appropriate time to use their martial arts skills. The child needs to be taught early and often that the martial arts are for exercise and protection only, and that showing off, picking fights, or other nonsense are contrary to the spirit of the martial arts. This is where the age of the child is important, as young children will not understand such abstract concepts. The older child will have the conceptual development to understand the importance of knowing when to utilize their skills. Thirdly, the martial arts should also be approached with the idea of keep the child safe from danger, so teaching your child how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations is important. Most martial arts schools encorporate that aspect into the training, but be sure to investigate that with the head instructor. The martial arts can be fun for you as well as a parent.

An activity that I wish my parents would have let me explore, martial arts not only teaches self-defense, but self-discipline and confidence. Of course, one should make sure the kid isn't using it for the wrong reasons.

A way to improve your physical activity, body, and mind.