How Martial Arts Training Helps Reduce Obesity In Kids

Martial art classes for kids might just be what you need to get your child off the couch and go break a sweat.

Obesity rates among adolescents and children between the ages of 5 to 19 have risen from 8% to 20% from 1990 to 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Children who are overweight during childhood often struggle with their weight as adults. 43% of adults were classified as overweight in 2020, a massive contrast to the 25% adult obesity rate in 1990.

A significant factor contributing to the rising obesity rates is the technological boom that has taken place in the last three decades, which has led to most people being less active. With all sorts of fun video games, social media, and streaming services readily available, a growing number of children spend most of their time sitting in front of a computer.

Martial arts training gives children a fun activity that is equally good for their physical and mental health. It also helps to instill habits that will give children an edge in every aspect of their lives, some of which are discipline, perseverance, and a solid work ethic.

Fighting Off Obesity With Martial Arts Training

Some of the ways martial arts training can help children to get past obesity include:

1) Provides A Fun, Physical Activity That Never Gets Boring

Martial arts doesn’t just serve as a form of physical exercise; it also instills attention to detail in kids, sharpens their focus, and enhances their ability to follow instructions.

One of the primary factors responsible for growing childhood obesity rates is the sedentary lifestyles many children live. Martial arts training provides a fun activity that children look forward to while providing them with physical exercise.

Learning martial arts styles like Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate often involves a combination of cardiovascular exercises, flexibility training, strength training, and technique breakdowns.

Mastering martial arts can take adults over ten years, so your child won’t get bored with their training since they always learn cool new techniques whenever they train. The cardio exercise children get from training will make it easier for them to have a caloric deficit at the end of their day, with styles like BJJ, Wrestling, and Muay Thai burning as much as 1,000 calories for every hour spent training.

2) Teaches Discipline And Self-Control

Martial arts instill values like discipline and self-control in kids, which benefits them on and off the mats.

Martial arts training requires students to follow instructions and work closely with their training partners. Training provides children with a fast feedback loop, meaning they see the results of their discipline quicker than they would while doing other activities.

For example, a child who might not think of themselves as athletic might see things differently when their body starts changing because of their training and their movements become more fluid.

The discipline and self-control children learn from martial arts training carry over into other aspects of their lives, including their diet and nutrition.

3) Provides A Full-Body Workout

Martial arts offer a full-body workout for your child, engaging all their muscles and building their endurance.

Martial arts training engages every muscle in the body, so children who train get a complete workout that strengthens their muscles and bones. Many children who start training in martial arts often gain lean muscle mass, improving their body composition. Muscles use up more calories than other tissues, helping to prevent obesity.

The workout children get from their training also improves their muscle endurance, so they don’t tire as much when engaging in other physical activities. Children who are overweight often give up on physically strenuous activities to avoid the feeling of fatigue they experience because of their poor endurance.

4) Improved Concentration And Focus

Martial arts offers a great outlet for your child, providing benefits like stress release, increased focus, and more!

Martial arts training requires children to pay close attention to tiny details as their instructors explain techniques. Allowing their minds to drift for even a few seconds can be the difference between getting a technique down the first time they try it and struggling to learn it.

Over time, children who train in martial arts learn how important it is to focus on tasks in front of them. This improved mental focus will carry over into other aspects of their lives, like schoolwork.

The improved concentration they gain will make it easier for them to pay attention to teachers in school as their attention span grows.

5) Increased Self-Esteem

Martial arts enhance your child’s concentration and focus, requiring them to pay attention in class to learn techniques and follow the instructors’ explanations.

Being overweight can have adverse effects on a child’s body image and self-esteem. Martial arts dojos, like Evolve MMA, are positive and supportive environments where a child’s self-esteem can be nurtured.

A child’s confidence grows slightly every time they overcome challenges, learn new techniques, or earn a new belt rank. Their accomplishments in the dojo give them a sense of accomplishment, which positively impacts their self-perception.

The physical exercise children get from their training transforms their physiques over time, giving them one more thing to feel good about.

6) Sets A Foundation For A Healthy Lifestyle

Martial arts offers your child a powerful stress-release outlet, fostering emotional well-being through positive channels!

Martial arts training isn’t just about learning new techniques; instructors often stress the importance of proper rest, hydration, and nutrition.

Children who start martial arts training often develop greater awareness of their bodies, leading to them making better choices that support their martial arts lifestyle.

7) Improved Sleep Quality And Mood

Martial arts can serve as a positive outlet for your child’s excess energy, resulting in improved mood and better sleep!

Training provides children with an outlet for the excess energy associated with childhood. The physical exercise children get at the dojo primes to a dopamine release in the brain, which leads to improved mood. It also ensures they’re physically tired when it’s time to go to bed.

Safeguard Your Child’s Future By Signing Up For Martial Arts Classes

Childhood obesity is a fast-growing problem that can lead to significant health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.

The obesity rate of children has increased by over 12% in the past three decades, but you can prevent your child from becoming a statistic by signing them up for martial arts classes to ensure they’re regularly getting enough physical exercise.

Most children look forward to learning about anything related to martial arts, and it’s an effective way to pull them away from their gaming consoles and tablets.

The physical exercise and character development that comes with martial arts training will carry over into other aspects of your child’s life.

Martial arts dojos like Evolve MMA offer complimentary introductory classes that allow your child to experiment with different styles before committing to any. Feel free to attend one of these classes to start your child’s martial arts journey.

Book your complimentary trial class with our World Champions below!

If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:

Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525

Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556

Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293

Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590