Martial arts can help children develop confidence, strength, flexibility, and self-control. These techniques can help children handle bullying situations in a healthy way. The following guide explains different styles of martial arts and how they can help your child combat bullying without using violence.

Different Types of Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

This is a modern style of combat sport that blends techniques from several different forms of martial arts, such as muay thai or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with wrestling and grappling. MMA incorporates ground fighting, striking, and takedowns. Kids as young as 4 years old can learn grappling and a variety of defensive techniques from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and aikido.

Muay Thai (Kickboxing)

Thailand’s martial art that uses kicks, punches, and striking with knees, shins, and elbows. Although there are many possible combinations of moves, this is a simple, effective, and confidence-building martial art for anyone to learn as a pure form or in MMA. As a combat sport, participants learn to use every part of the body as a tool for defense. 

Krav Maga

Like MMA, this art uses a combination of techniques from other styles such as aikido, karate, wrestling, and boxing. Krav maga is appropriate for older kids entering high school. It teaches physical discipline, strength, courage, and boosts confidence. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

This is a combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting rather than striking. This art rests on the concept that a smaller or weaker person can defend themselves from larger or stronger opponents through ground fighting and utilizing the techniques of locks and chokeholds. Kids as young as 4 years old can start this martial art. 

How It Helps Combat Bullying Without Violence

Becoming strong and flexible as well as developing an understanding of how to subdue an opponent if needed, creates self-confidence in kids. This allows them to stand up to a bully, who will often back down when confronted by calm and confident body language. A child develops courage through the skills they learn on the mat.

Martial arts training is governed by strict discipline and self-control. Children learn to cultivate patience and focus, which will help them keep calm when targeted by bullying. Since Brazilian jiu-jitsu, krav maga, muay thai, and MMA all require quick decision making, children will learn how to best address a situation in an effective way. 

Martial arts are a great way to assist your child with bullying situations by building strength, confidence, and self-esteem. 914 Training Center in Scarsdale, NY, is a safe and comfortable place to learn self-defense, combat sports, and get physically fit. They welcome kids ages 4 and up, as well as adults, for a variety of martial arts classes. Call (914) 437-5353 or visit their website to browse their class schedules.