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As parents, we always look for activities that can help our children grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Martial arts have long been recognized as an excellent way to develop discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness in kids. Also, martial arts training can make one proficient in self-defense if needed.
While both kickboxing and Taekwondo offer numerous benefits, there are a few good reasons why kickboxing might be a more complete and adequate combat style than Taekwondo.
In this blog, let us look at seven reasons kickboxing could be a superior option for kids compared to Taekwondo.
Kickboxing Offers A Full-Body Workout
Taekwondo is a great sport, there is no doubt about it, but it also majorly relies on kicks and lower-body techniques. Kickboxing, conversely, involves a combination of punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. This variety ensures children receive a comprehensive full-body workout that improves their cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Kickboxing is Better For Self-Defense
While both kickboxing and Taekwondo teach self-defense skills, kickboxing incorporates a broader range of practical techniques for real-life situations. In kickboxing, kids learn to defend themselves using punches, kicks, and clinches, which can be more versatile when dealing with potential threats. These skills give children the confidence and ability to protect themselves effectively if needed.
Kickboxing is More Practical
Kickboxing techniques are designed with practicality in mind. Kids learn movements that are effective in both self-defense and competitive settings. Taekwondo is a very disciplined and aesthetically pleasing sport, but it often focuses on elaborate forms that are more attuned to competitions and may have limited real-world applicability. Kickboxing's focus on functional techniques can be more relevant to a child's overall development.
Kickboxing Offers Balanced Skill Development
Kickboxing places equal emphasis on both kicks and punches, promoting a more balanced development of skills. On the other hand, Taekwondo is more focused on developing kicks, potentially leading to an imbalance in a child's training. Kickboxing's combination of punches and kicks helps kids become well-rounded martial artists with a broader skill set.
Improved Confidence and Mental Toughness
The rigorous training and challenging workouts in kickboxing help kids build mental resilience and develop a strong sense of self-confidence. While Taekwondo also instills confidence, the intense nature of kickboxing training can translate to increased mental toughness, which can benefit children in martial arts and other aspects of their lives.
Variety in Training
Kickboxing incorporates elements from various martial arts disciplines, like Karate and Boxing. This diversity in techniques keeps the training interesting and engaging for kids, preventing boredom and helping them stay motivated to continue their practice.
Fitness and Weight Management
Kickboxing's high-energy workouts are exceptional for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting overall fitness in children. Combining cardiovascular exercises and strength training can improve endurance, muscle tone, and calorie burning. This can be particularly beneficial when childhood obesity is a growing concern.
Both kickboxing and Taekwondo offer valuable lessons in discipline, motivation, and physical fitness for kids. And if a child leans more towards the Taekwondo style, then by all means, they can go on to achieve a black belt in it. However, kickboxing is more effective and well-rounded for practical self-defense techniques with a comprehensive full-body workout.
Ultimately, kickboxing and Taekwondo should be based on a child's interests, goals, and learning style. Still, kickboxing's versatility and effectiveness make it an excellent option.
If you want to enroll your child in Taekwondo or kickboxing, get the FITPASS app and find fitness centers that offer MMA near you. With a FITCOACH membership, you get an AI fitness coach that offers customized workout routines, including kickboxing, MMA, and other combat sports. So, what are you waiting for? Join the best kickboxing classes near you today.
