Martial arts boost kids’ confidence

CHANDIGARH: Many parents in Chandigarh are sending their children for martial arts classes during their vacations with the aim of making them self-sufficient and also giving them enough gumption to take on anti-social elements. It is not only a good way of making children utilize their time productively but also boosts their confidence.
Training in martial arts helps one increase his or her fighting ability.And the heroism and folklore attached to martial arts only adds to their enigma. We have often seen the good martial artist kicking some bad guys in the movies. And these skills that are used for personal safety also help boost one’s self-confidence.
Amanpreet, a resident of Sector 33, who is a mother of a 7-year-old girl said, “I send my daughter for karate classes because I want to make her strong enough to defend herself. Many times girls come across eve-teasers, who pass nasty remarks and sometimes even try to misbehave with them. And many times girls, who are not trained in any self- defence techniques find themselves in a helpless situation. By getting trained in a martial art at least my daughter will be able to defend herself.”
“My aim is to build the stamina of my 10-year-old son. He is in the growing stage and stretching exercises performed in martial arts will improve his body muscles,” said Rajneesh Jain, a resident of Sector 31.
Suraj Verma, a black belt in tae kwon do, who is also a trainer said, “Martial arts increase body flexibility. The bonus for girls is the huge boost in self-confidence they get, making any future physical abuse unlikely.”
“Being a girl I strongly feel learning martial arts is a must for girls as it keeps one fit and also builds self-confidence. It also gives one a healthy dose of aerobic activities, stretching and breathing techniques,” said Sakshi Mittal, a national gold medalist and a tae kwon do expert, who is also a trainer.
Pushpa Chawla, a retired principal said, “Training in martial arts for self-defence for kids is the need of the hour to fight rising violence in society.”