Martial Arts Classes: 79 Reasons Why Kids Love Them

by Sensei Matt Klein on September 3, 2010

Kids love martial arts classes

Kids love martial arts classes because they learn how to protect themselves.

Children love martial arts classes. There is no debate about this. But why? The reasons might surprise you–there are as many reasons as there are children in the martial arts. I decided to pose this question to some of my kids classes, and we came up with some interesting answers. I told the children there is no such thing as a wrong or bad answer, and that they should say the first thing that crossed their minds. I did not judge any answers as we went along. I never knew how much fun “kid brainstorming” can be. We had lots of laughs. But I was very impressed with the maturity of the children and their willingness to put their hands up and comment. Please add your own reasons why you love martial arts in your comments section below. Your feedback is valued and appreciated.

Why Kids Love Martial Arts

1. “It’s fun”. This is the most popular answer by the way.

2. “It can save your life”.

3. “For self defence”.

4. “In case someone is trying to hurt you”.

5. “We learn new things in the classes”.

6. “When we play the games”.

7. “Because we get to spar”.

8. “It is good practice for fighting”. Not sure I wanted to hear this.

9. “Every week we learn something new”.

10. “We play”.

11. “We make new friends”. A popular answer.

12. “We try our best”.

13. “We learn how to do karate”.

14. “It’s fun and we learn something at the same time”. Mature child here.

15. “We play fun games”.

16. “We can teach others”.

17. “We can avoid the punch or kick from the bully”.

18. “Karate is just cool”.

19. “All of my friends think I’m cool because I do karate classes”. Hope there are other reasons too.

20. “We learn good techniques”.

21. “I’m going to be a karate master”.

22. “Good for self-esteem”.

23. “We learn katas and lots of different moves”.

24. “Somebody’s going to get scared if they’re attacking me”. This one had the whole class laughing.

25. “It controls me” (It allows me to control myself).

26. “I learn to talk to the class”.

27. “I learn things from the games”.

28. “Gives me confidence”.

29. “We learn self defence”.

30. “We play games that can help us”.

31. “Defence against strangers”.

32. “We keep our balance”.

33. “We help people if they are sick”. Wish everyone was this kind.

34. “We practice stretching”.

35. “It is good for making friends”.

36. “We get taught self defence and how to get out of fights”.

37. “Because you get to block the soft things” (drills with padded blockers).

38. “It is interesting and fun”.

39. “It makes you feel refreshed and strong”.

40. “It is great for self defense”.

41. “It is fun and active.

42. “If someone tries to hurt you, you can protect yourself”.

43. “We learn new skills”.

44. “We learn the katas for every belt”.

45. “Can beat up people that are picking on you”. Ah-oh!

46. “We learn a new sport that gives us safety”.

47. “The exercise”.

48. “I learn to protect myself as a girl”.

49. “I learn karate because it’s better to block”.

50. “We learn lots of things”.

51. “We learn blocking and kicking”.

52. “We learn punching”.

53. “Because we get our badges”.

54. “Because we get our belts when we do something good”.

55. “We learn how to do all the stretches”.

56. “We get fit”.

58. “Makes us strong and powerful”.

Kids having fun and making friends in a martial arts class

In a martial arts class kids love to have fun and make friends.


59. “If someone attacks, we put our hands up”.

60. “We try our best”.

61. “It is educational”.

62. “We learn how to bow in”.

63. “We do front and back kicks”.

64. “We know how to block the bully’s punches”.

65. “We know how to kick behind us”.

66. “We learn to teach others”. This was another popular reason.

67. “If you can’t do it you keep trying”.

68. “I forgot”. Another popular reason.

69. “We get belts and suits”.

70. “We practice hard”.

71. “You can do karate with all your friends”.

72. “You get to move up a belt”.

73. “We have a good time”.

74. “It makes you healthy”.

75. “If someone tries to attack, use karate”.

76. “The games and warm-ups are fun”.

77. “We can help people if they are getting hurt”.

78. “We get medals”.

79. “If they are attacking, you have to kick the lot of em”. Funny answer.

Martial Arts Classes: 79 Reasons Why Kids Love Them is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.

Check out our related page about the benefits of kids martial arts instruction.

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Kids Karate Grading: How to Pass

by Sensei Matt Klein on August 28, 2010

Kids karate grading sparring

Get yourself ready for the grading by sparring as many rounds as possible--this will get you fit.

Kids–how do you pass your upcoming karate grading? Follow the dozen steps below and you will be on your way to your next rank.

Before the Grading

Ask the Sensei what will be on the grading. Many instructors will give you a handout that includes all the techniques on the actual grading–just ask for it. Some instructors will even let your parents video or photograph the techniques required.

Take the list home and mark the techniques in which you are not 100% sure; next class ask the sensei how to do them.

Once you have all the techniques down, have someone call them out one after the other. Now try to do it faster. Then do it in random order. By doing this, you are preparing yourself for the stress of the actual test, and you will know each technique by sound.

The forms or kata will take the most practice since they are the most difficult. Do them facing all directions and then do them with your eyes closed. Pay particular attention to the stances as that is what the sensei will look for. Do each form with intensity (imagine attackers coming at you), even while practicing.

Go to class early (or stay late) and ask one of the black belts to take you through a practice grading. Most will be willing to do this. The sensei will notice your initiative.

If your test involves sparring, get yourself fit for it. Run, bicycle, hit the bags, anything to build up your heart and lungs. Do as many rounds of sparring as possible, even if it is only against a moving kick bag.

During the Grading

Get there early to warm up and stretch. This will help you get those kicks up and prevent injury. You do not want to pull a muscle on grading day. Even though most kids are naturally flexible, don’t take a chance.

Perform your techniques with full power. It is amazing how many people do not do this.

Spirit is really important. Yell your kiai each time you do a technique. Pop back into position so you are ready for the next move.

Do not let your classmates throw you off with their mistakes. Keep a razor-sharp focus on your imaginary opponent, right in front of you. Other kids may try to talk to you during the grading. Ignore them.

You will make mistakes, it is human nature and no one is perfect. Do not let it get you down. Improve on the remainder of the test and you will still have a good shot.

After the Grading

Pass or not, always ask the sensei how you can improve. This will help you next time you grade. It also shows the sensei that you care enough to ask.

Kids Karate Grading: How to Pass is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney link.

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Kids Karate Tournaments: Good or Bad?

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10 More Lessons Learned from the Karate Kid Movie

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Last weeks post 10 Lessons Learned from the Karate Kid Movie got the ball rolling. We came up with ten more life lessons learned from watching this movie. Thanks to all who contributed. Lesson #11—Focus on the task at hand. By constant drilling and practising, you are gaining “muscle memory”, so even the simple things [...]

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10+ Lessons Learned from the Karate Kid Movie

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I saw the Karate Kid Movie a few days ago. Really enjoyed it. As a kids karate sensei, I decided to look for positive things in the movie. Since there are so many lessons to be learned about life in this movie, I listed them. The list is called 10+ for a reason. I am [...]

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Karate Belt Colours Originated in Japan The idea of ranking karate belts according to colour was introduced by the Japanese at the turn of the 20th century. Each belt signifies a progression in skill, but more importantly a change in attitude. Today there are many different ranks in countless systems across the world. In Kenpo [...]

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How to Watch the Karate Kid 2010 Movie with Your Children

June 29, 2010

Is this Movie too Violent for Young Children ? There has been a fair bit of controversy surrounding the Karate Kid Movie 2010. Despite the debate as to whether this film is suitable for children to view, many youngsters will see it. You have to decide for yourself whether your child is mature enough to [...]

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