Parents want the best for their kids and they protect their kids – as long as they can. We lose sleep over concerns over our kid’s safety. Ask yourself – do you have the confidence that your kids will know what to do in a dangerous situation if you are not near them.

Do they know what to do if a stranger approaches?
Can they defend themselves if a bully strikes them?
Do they know what to do if someone tries to grab them?

Basically – can they remain safe? 

Why choose self-defence over other sports for kids? Read on to find out.

In today’s technology-driven world, children often spend countless hours on screens and devices, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that can significantly impact their health and well-being. 

With 1 in 4 children now considered overweight or obese, promoting physical activity from a young age is crucial for developing healthy habits that last into adulthood. 

While many sports are available, we at SGS Krav Maga believe self-defence is the superior choice for kids. 

From grappling to striking, ground combatives, de-escalation, and fighting tactics, self-defence offers unique benefits that other sports cannot match.

Self-Defence Skills

According to a report by the Australian Human Rights Commission:

“Bullying in Australian schools is a serious problem, with over 20% of males and 15% of females aged 8 to 18 years reporting being bullied at least once a week.”

One of the primary advantages of choosing a reality-based self-defence system over other sports is learning practical self-defence skills. These skills equip students to defend themselves physically in real-life dangerous situations. Kids gain the confidence and ability to handle challenging situations, avoid potential dangers, and stand up to bullies.

Discipline

Mastering self-defence requires a high level of discipline, focus, and commitment.

Through repetition and hard work, kids practicing grappling, striking, ground combatives, and de-escalation will learn to set goals, challenge themselves, and persevere even when things get tough. 

These valuable skills transfer to other areas of life, such as academics and personal relationships. 

Learning self-discipline from a young age helps create mentally strong, resilient individuals confident in their ability to tackle various challenges.

Physical Fitness

The technical nature of the moves and techniques also improves posture and body awareness. Practicing self-defence fosters a lifelong love for exercise and fitness.

Injury Management

While beneficial in many ways, team sports often carry a higher risk of injuries for children than self-defence classes. In sports such as football, soccer, and basketball, the fast-paced, high-contact nature of the games can lead to sprains, fractures, and other injuries. 

Conversely, kids self-defence classes at SGS Krav Maga emphasise controlled, individual practice and technique mastery, significantly reducing the likelihood of injuries. 

Our instructors prioritise safety, ensuring that children learn and practice in a structured environment where movements are carefully supervised. This approach minimises the risk of injury and fosters a safer and more focused learning experience for kids.

Character Development

All martial arts styles are based on fundamental principles and values such as respect, loyalty, humility, honor, and perseverance. At SGS Krav Maga, we teach these values with a reality-based purpose. 

While traditional martial arts emphasize respect for opponents, we focus on the practical application of these values in real-life scenarios such as bullying in school and issues kids and teens may encounter on public transport, playgrounds, and other public spaces.

Abiding by these principles helps kids develop a solid moral compass and become well-rounded individuals capable of defending themselves and their loved ones.

Mental Health

Self-defence classes can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. By engaging in classes at SGS Krav Maga, children learn self-discipline, enhance focus and concentration, manage emotions, and develop a sense of inner peace. 

These skills help children navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

Martial arts also provide a safe environment for physical and mental self-expression, helping kids, especially those with anxiety or other mental health issues, feel more at ease with themselves and their surroundings.

No Off-Season

Unlike most sports, which have off-seasons, SGS Krav Maga classes continue throughout the year.

This continuous engagement ensures children remain active, social, and engaged year-round, preventing the loss of gains and the resurgence of bad habits.

Conclusion

While any sport can benefit a child, kids self-defence and teens self-defence with SGS Krav Maga offers invaluable lessons, skills, and principles that children can carry into adulthood. 

An excellent way to stay healthy and fit, self-defence promotes well-being, mental clarity, and emotional stability—and above all, it is fun!

Remember, their first class is free.