QUICK NOTES … Martial arts can help build many of the 40 developmental assets identified by the Search Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive youth development. Here are some examples:
- Support: Martial arts schools often have a strong sense of community and support, with instructors and peers offering encouragement and positive feedback to students.
- Empowerment: Martial arts can help children and youth feel empowered and capable by providing opportunities for them to learn and master new skills.
- Positive identity: Through martial arts, children and youth can develop a positive sense of self, based on their achievements, values, and connections to others.
- Commitment to learning: Martial arts require discipline, focus, and a commitment to learning and improvement, which can help children and youth develop a positive attitude towards education and lifelong learning.
- Responsibility: Martial arts emphasize the importance of responsibility and accountability, which can help children and youth develop a sense of ownership over their actions and decisions.
- Social skills: Martial arts schools often promote positive social skills, such as respect, teamwork, and communication, which can help children and youth build positive relationships with others.
- Positive values: Martial arts often promote positive values such as respect, honesty, and perseverance, which can help children and youth develop a strong sense of ethics and values.
Overall, martial arts can be a powerful tool for building many of the developmental assets that are essential for healthy youth development.
Want to learn more? Contact Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts at (402) 215-6003.
