How Martial Art Can Help a Child Overcome Shyness

Shyness in children can be linked to low Self-esteem which could either be inherited from shy parents or picked up. And this, if not worked on early could be a stigma. Although psychological, it restrains its subject from the ability to do or say what he wants, have healthy relationships and socialize which could damage the child's mental health. Kids who suffer from shyness are also prone to bullying because of their inability to defend themselves pyshically or mentally, interact with peers and be in control of social Situations without feeling alienated. Engaging such child in sporting activities could help correct and break the child out of his Shell and as we proceed in this write up, we'll be looking at ways Martial Art can be a tool to help your child overcome shyness.

However team sports like football and basketball shouldn't be introduced to shy kids because, it requires team interactions and work, and because shy kids are Tiworthey won't be proactive in such sports because they won't fit in. Martial Art amidst other sporting activities however is a better tool to enhance any child social lifestyle because first, it deals with a one-on-one interactive teaching, considering shy kids feel more comfortable with just one more person in the room than they are with the crowd.

Ways Martial Art can Help a Child Overcome Shyness

Improves Child's Self-esteem/ Respect

Martial Arts drills don't just physically prepare kids, it also mentally prepares them by introducing them to ways Martial Arts rules can be used in their daily lives. Like in situations where they take hits, face difficult challenges with drills, learn different prerequisite skills, this teaches them never to give up, practically during drills or theoretically in their daily works of life.

Builds Confidence and Coordination

A shy child usually lacks confidence and coordination, which is why they try so hard to avoid eye contacts and sometimes startle when speaking in the crowd. With Martial Art training like the Tang Soo Do which teaches self worth, pyshical strength, concentration and coordination, when introduced into your child's syllabus will help build his confidence, because the moment your child realizes that he's fit and strong from all the punching, kicking, rolling, movement and agility drills done in class, his physical and mental strength increases so also his confidence which will in turn eliminate his shyness.

Self Defense

With Martial Art training like the Karate and Taekwon-Do which focuses on self defense, will imbibe in your child mental attitude and courtesy through defensive blocking. Martial Art like Aikido which Main focus is on how to avoid confrontations and not use force to retaliate, also teaches your child self control, meaning, your child will be able to take charge of his emotions in public, he'll know how to react under pressure and know when there's a threat and how to react when theres one while you as parents wouldn't have to worry about your child overcoming shyness and then ends up picking fights with children without Martial Skills.

Build Strength

A shy child is always considered weak physically or mentally not just because they are shy, but because they are often introverted and are known loners. This makes them vulnerable to attacks from peers who move in packs. With Martial Art training like Judo which involves lots of throwing, all round fitness, stamina, postures and balanace, your child won't only show strength but will also be confident.

Anger Management

A psychologist named Heizi Gazelle identified three subgroups of shy children with different patterns to social relationship, and according to Gazelle, there are the:

1. Agreeable shy kids who although don't start up conversations, they always give warm response when being approached by peers.
2. The immature shy kids are laid back in social places, but act immature when being approached by peers.
3. The aggressive shy kids these type of kids according to Gazelle keeps to themselves the most but when being interacted with, they respond in a very aggressive and hostile manner.

This however shows that shy kids can also be Aggressive, and with Martial Art training like the Jiu jitsu, meaning 'gentle soul' your child will have control over his Anger and frustration.

Self Worth

Lastly, Martial Art like the Kungfu which means 'Achievement through great work' is the most popular skill in martial art training. It teaches your child that Achievement only comes through putting in work, respecting your opponent and perseverance. Children who are in Martial Art classes will gradually learn to embrace being a center of attraction through participating in Martial Art competitions, interacting with their trainers and other students, will in no time get used to the spotlight and in turn overcome stage fright.