Martial Arts for Kids and Teens
We live in The Procrasti(Nation). I am sure that I’m not the first to coin the phrase. We sometimes convince ourselves that we’re “not quite ready for that.” I get it. I do it too. I’m fortunate, I suppose to have people around me that when I try to back away from something I am pushed right back into it. Often, the results are positive and often I don’t give much flack back. If they don’t end in my favor, at least I attempted it. That’s enough of a win in my opinion. My dad always said, “T-R-Y, son.”
There was a Youth and Kids CMMA (Combative Mixed Martial Arts) promotion this past weekend within our youth and kids martial arts program. We forget that excited feeling we get when we’re about to embark into the unknown. If you’ve not encountered it, you’re missing out!
So many of our Youth and Kids were incredibly nervous. All of them showed up though! I was on the receiving end of many jabs, crosses, knees, elbows and a myriad of Krav Maga, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, grappling/wrestling, and Muay Thai techniques to realize this! I couldn’t be more proud. And although they are not the biggest people yet, to see them persevere and overcome performance anxiety is a huge milestone for them! Start em’ young! More people are afraid of public speaking over death. Have your kids do some martial arts in front of their peers and parents. Public speaking will be a breeze. Â Youth and kids martial arts is such a rewarding program.
We are all responsible in some way to shape and/or lead the youth in our community. If you don’t think so, look at the statistics of how we “stack up” in comparison to other countries. We lead by example. Our examples are the challenges we face and how we handle them. They are the lifestyles we live and how we either thrive or survive in them. How do you live? What constitutes lifestyle?
Let’s start with diet. There’s always something new and trendy coming out about the next quick fix. There are companies that have profited so much on our, “get rich quick” mentality. Weight Watchers, The Biggest Loser, Jenny Craig, all are hailed as a healthy way to drop weight and keep it off. If this is the case and you are the small percentage who experience success, you should be commended.
The real challenge though is creating habits that can make you successful. The challenge? Disregard what you’re told and find it for yourself. Low fat? Bad choice. There are good fats. Not doing carbs? You need them to perform and function as not only an athlete, but to maintain healthy balance. There are alternatives to pasta. Sweet potatoes are great for it. Protein? No Carl’s Jr is not the answer with their new hormone free, all natural, burger. What have they been feeding us? Soilent Green!!!
Have a bad diet? What can we expect if children are led to believe that McDonald’s and other fast food prisons are a nutritious part of a balanced diet? It’s easy, right? It’s fast, right? I hear you. So challenge yourself to find a healthy alternative. They’re out there.
There is no social responsibility on the part of these companies. They have scientists that figure out ways to hook us all on their junk. I’m guilty too! I love pizza, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, soda, fries, yum!!! All of it is incredibly tasty. I would be a hypocrite to say I am not guilty of having eaten the above over the years. I was given pizza this weekend, yet turned it down in lieu of maintaining discipline and committing to being conscious of putting things that can’t improve health and performance. Since my roommate is cutting weight, I’m trying to sympathize. However, what I’m finding is that I obviously perform better on the mat, I have more energy for teaching, and I sleep like a king!
You don’t exercise, because you don’t have time? Then how can we expect our children to be strong physically? I feel sore every morning. I often wonder to myself, “what did you do or what are you doing to your body?” It never matters after a few minutes of moving around. It always leads me to remember the people who are in their 60’s pushing themselves to achieve a next belt, taking tactical pistol courses, sparring, doing Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, MMA, Kali, etc. I am inspired by it! Thank you!
You’re not budgeting time to read? Then how can a child find the love of pursuing knowledge? We all know how important it is in our daily lives to research and stay cutting edge in our own professions. If we don’t do this or at least set the example to continually pursue knowledge how can we expect others to succeed? There is no bare minimum anymore. The mind/body relationship is the most important relationship we can maintain.
If you’re not ready to face a challenge now, when will you be? Training in martial arts or putting your kids in youth and kids martial arts is often just that. I don’t know if I’m ready to do it. What defines who we are is the show of our will in adversity.
I have struggled with eating cleanly just like everyone else. I am challenged daily to exercise. When will I make the time? I am fortunate that I am around fighters who remain weight conscious and a girlfriend who actually likes the taste of beets, kale, collared greens, and other “earthy” treats. Â I have a job that requires that I am healthy and move around often. I can empathize with the challenge.
Turn struggles into challenges. Turn challenges into goals. Make your goals a lifestyle.
Live large! Smile big! Train hard! Train often!
S. Derhammer
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
