I've had classes where students wanted to turn every single drill into a competition.
And those are some of the most fun - and most productive - classes we've ever had!
At Life Martial Arts Center, we build up 5 and 6 year olds using healthy competition as one way to develop their sense of pride and positive connections to others.
Healthy competition brings out the best in us. Student vs. student. Student vs. instructor. Student vs. self. There are so many fun ways to positively use competition to get the best martial arts techniques out of our students.
As the director at Life Martial Arts Center, I want to see high quality martial arts techniques out of all students. Healthy competition helps reach that goal. But children in this age group tend to lack proper sportsmanship.
So what's important to me as instructor, and probably to you as parent, is your child learning how to deal with emotions when things don't go their way. When your child practices the lessons from healthy competition, they are learning how to win or lose gracefully and therefore how to positively relate to other people. This connection to others releases oxytocin in their brains. Since this chemical acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, the list of health benefits is quite long (1).
It's responsible for positive emotions leading to happiness. It has a calming effect; it can lower stress and anxiety. And when experienced in a positive environment it's important for building trust and connections with others. Our curriculum choices, delivered in a structured environment with clear rules of behavior, help our students' brains release oxytocin so they may positively grow emotionally and socially.
So, if you're watching our class and seeing our BASIC Skillz kids focused and working hard to win, remember we're teaching kids the way they learn. They're busy building positive emotional and social connections with others.
(1) Live Science, Oxytocin: Facts about the 'cuddle hormone'
(2) freepik.com, Brain Graphic
When is it most fascinating to see a group of kids laser-focused? When it's your child in that group, growing to their greatest potential! If you're interested in an activity for your child to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially, then reach out to us about our child development classes.
We're passionate about what we train and teach! We'd love to talk with you about your goals.
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