In 2010, my world as I knew it changed. As we shared our first of many silent gazes, I embraced his small body and with it, my newest identity: Mom. His Mom. The magnitude of that moment was palpable. It was suddenly up to me to provide for him, to care for him, and to protect him. In the coming weeks, that would mean nursing him every two hours, changing countless diapers, gently washing the wisps of his hair, and above all, showing him what love felt like daily. As he matured into a toddler, it would mean, making sure he was eating his fruits and vegetable, teaching him colors and shapes and manners, wiping away tears and kissing away “boo-boos”- the gifts of curiosity and ambition, and above all else, showing him what love looked like daily.
Before I knew it, I was writing his initials on school supplies, packing his lunchbox, and fighting back my own tears as I watched him confidently walk into his kindergarten class for the first time. And as I watched the door close behind him, questions flooded in: Would he make good friends quickly? What if other kids picked on him? Would he be afraid? Who would protect him when I couldn’t? But as quickly as these questions threatened to consume me, all at once, I felt a calm wash over me. Why? Because I had given my son a pre-school gift: the gift of martial arts training.
You see, I knew a day would come when I wouldn’t be able to protect him, so I wanted to give him the next best thing: the knowledge and ability to protect himself.
My son started training in martial arts when he was only three years old. It began as a fun outlet for his exuberant energy but the value he received from starting his training at such an early age was so much more. As a result of his martial arts training, he learned how to focus on a task and follow directions. He discovered the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. He learned to respect his instructors, his peers, and himself. Additionally, he developed self-confidence and learned about the responsibility that comes with being recognized as a leader. He gained an understanding of how to protect himself and others through various examples of self-defense. And he experienced the value of community and friendship.
So, when is the best age to start martial arts? As soon as you want your child to experience these benefits for themself.
Unfortunately, most martial arts schools will not train children under 6 years old. And even if you happen to find a school that will train a 3-5 year old, most likely, they are expected to train in a class with older children and even adults, and they are taught techniques and skills that may not be as beneficial to them at their young age.
As co-owner of Invictus Martial Arts, it became my passion to develop and facilitate a martial arts program specifically tailored to the unique learning style, pace, and energy of 3-5 year olds. Our Tiny Titans program uses age-appropriate martial arts lessons that target physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Best of all, our unique curriculum employs specific martial arts drills that prepare pre-school aged children to successfully meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) kindergarten standards.
Frederick Douglass said, “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Our goal with the Tiny Titans program is to do just that: build strong children that embrace challenges, enjoy effort, are intrigued by mistakes, and chose to always keep learning.
Curious about how we train our Tiny Titans?
>>>Try a complimentary class today!<<<
Invictus Martial Arts premier training facility is located at the SW corner of N. Lake Creek Pkwy. and Lakeline Mall Dr. across from the Lakeline Super Target in Northwest Austin.
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