Muay Thai is a martial art that’s been around for centuries. It’s called by different names, including Thai Boxing and the Art of Eight Limbs, because it involves kicking, punching, using the elbows, knees and shins. Many people join a Muay Thai boxing gym thanks to its popularity among professional fighters.
Muay Thai started as a self-defense combat skill that gives a person some advantage, or at least some leverage, when used against stronger and larger enemies. Over time, however, it became popular as a sport, as well.
Muay Thai is no longer a Thailand-only martial art. It has grown to become popular worldwide. It’s also one of your best options if you want your kids to learn a martial art. Though you might have misgivings about it, thinking it might be too dangerous for a child, this discipline is actually not just about fighting. It offers great benefits to people of all ages. You can even find a great women’s personal trainer.
As for your kids, here are some of the reasons to get them involved in Muay Thai:
Improves Fitness
Physical fitness is probably the first reason you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a Muay Thai class. You won’t be disappointed. This fighting technique often helps kids develop a liking for an active lifestyle, and it often lasts a lifetime. If your child is overweight, that’s all the more reason to get them involved in Muay Thai. Your kid can enjoy it even if it’s too cold or too hot outside because Muay Thai can be taught indoors or outdoors.
Improves Discipline
At the core of Muay Thai are the Buddhist tradition of mindfulness, respect and peace. That it would lead your child to be more aggressive is often a misconception. It will actually improve your child’s self-discipline, and that will extend beyond the gym to make your child’s everyday life better.
Encourages Perseverance
Like most martial arts, Muay Thai emphasizes setting personal goals. It takes perseverance to reach those goals. Your child will feel encouraged to go for that next level of achievement, which is represented by an armband in a system called Prajioud. Learning to set goals and working towards them is an important life skill that your child will benefit from in different ways, from family life to work life.
Teaches Self-Defense
Of course, every parent wants their child to avoid trouble, but if your child needs to defend themselves against somebody, knowing how to use Muay Thai to their advantage is better than nothing. It’s a great physical fitness program that also teaches skills that might prove helpful in dangerous situations. Even if your child doesn’t fight, the self-discipline and self-awareness they’ve learned from Muay Thai can help them make quick and safe decisions.
Get in touch with American Boxing if you want your child to enjoy the benefits of Muay Thai. Call us today at (858) 581-2694 or fill out this form.