CONTROL YOURSELF! WE ARE NOT BORN WITH SELF-CONTROL. MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING CAN GUIDE YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE YEARS OF CHANGING EXPECTATIONS TO BECOME SELF-DISCIPLINED Control Yourself! We Are Not Born with Self-Control. Martial Arts Training Can Guide Your
Squirrel!
Not to compare children to our K-9 counterparts, but until they reach a certain age, children can easily be distracted by the things in this world that are loud, flashy, or loved the most. This constant flow of stimuli requires an extreme amount of self-discipline and focus that children don’t have at a very young age.
Once you’ve taught kids to focus, then you have to add to that skill set the ability to regulate their behavior themselves to stay on task. Ignoring a squirrel running by is one thing, but when a child’s best friend is encouraging him or her to join them in an off-task behavior or even behavior that might get them in trouble it is difficult to resist.
Having the self-discipline to not join in on the shenanigans (when inappropriate) can really benefit your child throughout their academic career and their social life. It can keep them out of trouble, it can help them achieve greater things, and it will help them stay out of trouble.
How Does Kids Martial Arts Class Engrain Self-Discipline?
It may seem so tiny, but every small behavior when a child is very young adds up to a bigger behavior as they get older. We start with high expectations for our youngest martial artists in the class. As self-discipline is a progression of child development we can help further it along by encouraging our youngest to stay on task and not give in to their every urge.
What does this look like?
Our pre-school and early elementary aged students are together in class working through their forms. Maybe someone’s shoe squeaks and it gets a giggle from everyone. The immediate urge might be to make that sound again, but this time on purpose. In the studio, if a child were to do this, we would gently discourage that and give positive reinforcement when they comply – or resist in the first place.
With consistency and regular positive reinforcement, the children will learn to control those basic urges because they know it is inappropriate in the given setting.
Over the course of time, they will begin to exhibit this self-control in other settings as well. They will understand that in class, to show respect for their teacher, they should behave as expected which goes against some of the natural impulses they may feel.
At home, they may not want to eat their peas. The reactionary urge may be to throw them, throw a fit, whine and/or complain. With gentle discouragement and positive reinforcements, our goal is that they may still express their disdain for peas, but resist the urge to display that feeling in ways that are impulsive and less than helpful in the situation.
If you’re interested in a full character development program that encourages self-discipline while still being fun, we urge you to consider our children’s martial arts program. We offer a free semi-private class, so you and your child can check us out. Call today to schedule your free class!
Owings Mills: (443) 394-9222
Marriottsville: (443) 545-5566
What Others Say About us!
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The School has Transformed my Life.
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
Steve Smith
Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused & organized at work
It has helped me keep my sanity! Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused and organized at work. I am a better person, writer, and mother because of my experiences at USKSA. And it's been the "village" that has helped my sons learn about values and character and hard work. If you want to change your life for the better, if you want to give your children tools...then this is the place.
Xylia Hall
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people.
Jeramy Hansen
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people. Joining US Kuo Shu Academy was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Jeramy Hansen
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
The School has Transformed my Life
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The Best School of Martial Arts
My children have been students for more than 4 years now and they love this school of martial arts. US Kuo Shu Academy is their second home, learning not just Kung Fu but also developing one’s character as a good, responsible, respectful and disciplined citizen. Thank you very much Grandmaster Huang. Master Michael Hung and all the teachers and students for making this place the best school of martial arts.