Muay Thai, otherwise known as “Thai Boxing,” is both a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. The sport is also referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it utilizes punching, kicking, elbowing and various knee strikes.
This particular type of martial art was initially used as a combat skill to help people protect themselves against strong opponents. Eventually, Mauy Thai modernized into a popular sport in Thailand sponsored by the king himself, and therefore immediately garnered an immense amount of respect throughout the nation. Practitioners were praised for their exceptional skills and unique ability to use their body parts as weapons.
Today, Muay Thai is practiced worldwide. And while it may seem like a dangerous or extreme contact sport, a majority of modern Muay Thai practitioners are actually non-competitive, and many do it to improve both their mental and physical state. A good Muay Thai instructor will make it his or her goal to ensure that you get the most out of each and every class.
So, what about Mauy Thai for children?
It’s understandable to think that Muay Thai may be too dangerous for your child to participate in, however, the truth is, this type of martial art is no more dangerous than other sports that children practice. In fact, we encourage parents to consider enrolling their child in our Muay Thai classes as early as possible.
Need more convincing? Here are five amazing benefits your child will receive from enrolling in our Toronto-based Muay Thai classes.
1. Muay Thai Encourages Goal Setting
Muay Thai is practiced in way that puts emphasis on personal goals. For example, much like the Karate belt-system, Muay Thai allows practitioners to work towards higher levels of achievement in the Prajioud (arm band) system.
So, what does this mean for your child? By setting goals, your child will gain more determination, which can improve his or her ability to study at school as well as complete other tasks with focus and drive.
2. Muay Thai Teaches Mindfulness
Muay Thai was developed within a predominantly Buddhist culture where the importance of mindfulness, respect and peace is emphasized to a large degree. Because Muay Thai training, at its core, centers on this historic tradition, your child will learn to become more mindful in his or her everyday life – at home, in school and while interacting with friends.
3. Muay Thai Improves Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is important for children to grow up healthy – both physically and mentally. To help your child develop habits that will last a lifetime, an active, healthy lifestyle should start in the early years.
With childhood obesity becoming more prevalent today, it’s even more important for children to get involved in physical activities. Muay Thai is a perfect activity to can keep your child interested in physical fitness, all while encouraging concentration and coordination. In addition, Muay Thai classes are generally taught indoors, so Toronto’s cold winter months won’t interfere with your child’s fitness regimen.
4. Muay Thai Teaches Self Defense
While we don’t endorse fighting, it’s beneficial for your child, or anyone for that matter, to know how to defend. During our Muay Thai classes in Toronto, your child will be taught personal responsibility on how to handle confrontations and how to avoid potentially threatening engagements.
5. Muay Thai Promotes Mental Awareness
Muay Thai is a tremendous mental exercise as much as it is physical. The sport itself is very technical; practitioners must make sure all movements and techniques are properly executed. This greatly improves mental psyche, empowering your child with supreme self-confidence, tenacious discipline, and absolute focus — all of which combined put your child into an optimum mental and spiritual state.
Registering your child in our Toronto-based Muay Thai classes can be absolutely beneficial for their mind, body and overall spirit. However, before enrolling your child in any of our mixed martial arts classes, it’s best to discuss it with them first. Make sure to discuss with them your goals, or why you’d like to enroll them. Together, you and your child should come to an ideal agreement about practicing this sport.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about our Muay Thai classes for children, or if you’d like to set up a meeting with one of our highly trained, professional Muay Thai instructors, contact us today to redeem your free week trial. We are among the few Muay Thai trainers in Toronto that offer yearly child fitness packages. These packages are conveniently available to suit all needs and schedules; your child can attend any child-specific Muay Thai and Boxing class listed on our fitness schedule.
View our online fitness schedule here.
