"Martial arts will encourage aggression."
Martial arts (MA) actually has a balancing effect. Kids and teenagers who have aggressive tendencies will mellow out and become calmer and more self-contained, upon studying the martial arts. And meek, shy kids and teens, even adults, will become more assertive and self-confident.
Many doctors recommend MA for ADHD patients. MA increases self-discipline and focus. This is done by creating an atmosphere of respect and discipline. A child’s character is molded by this structured environment and gets carried over to home and school. Kids learn to apply themselves better in school, and perform better in sports.
"Martial arts is dangerous."
What is absolutely the most dangerous physical activity for children? In other words, what physical activity sends more kids to emergency rooms every year, than any other physical activity? Hint: Parents think nothing of allowing their kids to do this! Are you ready? Bicycle riding! In fact, any activity that involves wheels, like inline skating, skateboarding, even riding in wagons, has a very high rate of injury. Injuries are often caused by being hit by cars.
Another leading injury-causer is — believe it or not — playing at a playground. Think about it: What do kids do at playgrounds? They swing from heights, climb and slide down narrow, unstable surfaces. Other activities that top the list for injuries are: soccer, gymnastics, hockey, baseball, basketball, football, and skiing. MA lessons are often conducted on mats, and kids wear protective gear during sparring drills.
"Martial arts is not feminine."
A girl who develops MA skills will be much better prepared for other activities that are traditionally considered feminine, such as dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, ballet and tennis, due to the development of flexibility, balance, back and leg strength, from MA training. An experienced martial artist exhibits grace, poise and artistry.
"Martial arts is too expensive."
Why bother having kids if you’re not willing to spend some money on them? Parents spend money on piano lessons, violin lessons, gymnastics lessons, computer games, designer clothes that kids will soon outgrow, and many other items; it’s part of raising kids — it’s not cheap.
However, spending money on MA is more like an investment, because you will be purchasing increased discipline, self-awareness, confidence and self-defense skills. You can’t put a price tag on that. Shop around and see what’s offered out there, in the way of lessons. Some recreational centers offer training at very reasonable prices. Obviously, fancy MA schools, complete with weight lifting rooms, locker rooms, saunas and showers, will charge a lot more than smaller studios that don’t have all the amenities.