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      Martial arts courses for kids

      Martial arts refer to a broad range of codified traditions of combat that may be practiced for a number of reasons including self-defense, holistic development, and cultural preservation. Martial arts on the Bizibuz platform can be broadly grouped into those more focused on strikes (punching, kicking) or grappling (throwing, submission holds, pinning techniques).

      Strikes

      • Punching: Boxing, Wing Chun, Karate
      • Kicking: Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Capoeira, Savate
      • Others using strikes: Lethwei, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Pentjak Silat, Kalaripayattu

      Grappling

      • Throwing: Hapkido, Judo, Sumo, Wrestling, Aikido
      • Joint lock/Chokeholds/Submission holds: Jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Sambo, Catch wrestling
      • Pinning Techniques: Judo, Wrestling, Aikido

      The oldest evidence of martial arts or organized fighting is to be found in Acient Egyptian scenes of battle and Egyptian frescoes of wrestling dating from 3400 BC. It is believed that martial arts were introduced to China by the Yellow Emperor in 2698 BC for use in war. Chinese martial arts then spread to Asia Minor, Europe and India in 500 BC via the Silk Road.

        Ever since Bruce Lee’s appearance in Enter the Dragon, martial arts have gone mainstream as evidenced by western movies. For example, the use of Bruce Lee’s hybrid form of jeet kune do in John Wick and the Bourne series, the use of wushu in Game of Thromes sword fights and wing chun in the Ip Man movies.

          Martial arts were among the first sports in the Olympic Games in the form of wrestling. These days there are 6 martial arts contested at the Olympics including boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo and wrestling.

            Based on Olympic medal tallies, popularity across the Asian region is as follows

            • South Korea, China and Taiwan dominate takewondo
            • Japan and China dominate karate
            • Japan, South Korea and China dominate judo

            Children can start to learn martial arts as early as 3 years old if they express interest although many martial arts schools focus on the 5-9 year age bracket as children are old enough to have the maturity to focus, improve technique and absorb the philosophy of the martial art.

              The benefits of martial arts for children include

              • holistic development of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being
              • teaching character, self-discipline and leadership
              • encouraging an active lifestyle which establishes healthy practices for adulthood
              • teaching self defence
              • enhancing cognitive development
              • improving social skills and team work in the sense that a student will typically learn and prepare in a group setting even if contesting as an individual
              • building muscular strength, improving balance and flexibility
              • protecting against future cardiovascular disease, cancer and metabolic diseases

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