Many different martial arts exist, but which is the best martial arts for teenagers? Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular kinds of martial arts out there:
- Taekwondo is a technical and competitive sport that is focused more on kicking than punching.
- Aikido is a non-competitive self-defence martial art focused on exposing the opponent’s weaknesses.
- Muay Thai Kickboxing is an active martial art focused on kicking and punching, focusing on using elbows and knees for maximum damage.
- Ju-Jitsu and its offshoot Brazilian Ju-Jitsu is a martial art focused mostly on grappling and using one’s centre of gravity to gain an advantage.
- Judo is a form of tactical wrestling, sharing many similarities with ju-jitsu, such as grappling and using joints to overpower opponents.
- Mixed Martial Arts is a more highly competitive sport combining tactics from different martial arts.
- Krav Magra is an Israeli martial art developed for real-world tactical military and law enforcement scenarios and is focused mostly on self-defence, although assault is an aspect.
- Karate is a competitive and unarmed martial art focused more on speedy deflection and disabling of attacks than on assault, although striking with arms and legs is a key aspect.
- Kung Fu is similar to karate but less competitive and more focused on circular and fluid motions mimicking animal strikes and defences.
Now that we know what the different basic forms are, what are the risks and benefits of practising martial arts as a teenager, and which one do we recommend most?
Benefits
Martial arts classes can provide an excellent way for teens to get vigorous exercise, keeping them fit, lean and healthy while getting them away from their computers and TVs for a bit. It improves coordination and concentration while also building muscle and burning fat. Martial arts training helps teenagers learn discipline, respect and self-control – traits that are valuable for all walks of life.
At Kickfit Martial Arts schools, we focus on karate as it has a long and respected history of teaching youngsters about balance in life, and it focuses on unarmed defence more than offence. It’s closely monitored by careful instructors to ensure that sparring opponents are equally matched and that the students are made welcome and feel comfortable within classes.
Learning the art of self-defence will remain valuable for the rest of the learners’ lives. The combination of fitness and self-assuredness that comes from learning how to handle one’s body and defend one’s self combines to give a marked boost to one’s self-esteem. Self-confidence is probably one of the most valuable rewards gained from practising martial arts.
Moreover, martial arts that involve some competitiveness can serve to provide a healthy sense of achievement and something to work towards. Karate has fun and challenging formal competitions that learners can take pride in competing in.
Risks
As with any sport, the risk of injury is ever-present. Minor bruises and sprains account for the vast majority of injuries in most martial arts, especially at lower levels. Just about any sport, from cricket to rugby to even tennis, could boast the same kinds of injury risks.
These risks are negated, however, by the close and conscientious monitoring and guidance of the instructors. The main goal of karate is not so much to seek to strike and injure the opponent. Rather, the focus is on avoidance and deflection rather than offensive tactics. Moreover, strikes to the head and groin are expressly forbidden in karate competitions, limiting the potential for accidental injury.
At Kickfit Martial Arts schools, we believe that karate is the best martial art for teenagers and all ages, combining good self-defence technique with fitness, comradery and a massive boost to self-confidence. Contact us now to get enrolled!