Engaging In Martial Arts To Combat Childhood Obesity

By Black Belt Academy in Surrey, BC

The Problem of Childhood Obesity

With childhood obesity having become a national epidemic in the last decade, more and more parents are discovering that martial arts can be an effective solution for helping their children to get their weight under control. Studying this form offers both children and adults a fitness program that is complete and beneficial to the development and improvement of the whole body.  Participaction recently gave Canadian kids a “D minus” for physical activity as reported by The Canadian Press.

“Canadian kids are getting a failing grade in physical activity and a new report blames helicopter parenting. As Jennifer Tryon reports, we need to strike a better balance between protecting children from genuine threats and giving them a childhood rich with adventure.”

Martial Arts and Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can be a complex, multi-tiered problem. Martial arts, contrary to what many people believe, are not merely a method of learning a forceful form of attack. In fact, it is a way of life for many of us. The physical practice of martial arts incorporates many different aspects of fitness including strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and becoming more agile, coordinated and in control of your body. Together, these different aspects of studying martial arts can combine to be a very powerful tool in combating childhood obesity.

Black Belt Academy

Black Belt Academy makes a commitment to each and every one of their students to help them reach the top of their potential, not just in the dojo but also in life. In their kids program and in their teen and adult martial arts program, they work with individual students to help them get out of martial arts the things that will most benefit them in their lives.

When it comes to combating childhood obesity, they encourage behavior within the walls of the martial arts studio that is intended to be carried over into every aspect of their lives. They instill their instruction in martial arts technique with a strong sense of virtues like self-control, self-discipline and self-respect. They foster an environment that encourages constructive behavior and moderation of consumption.

NOW ENROLLING – Tigers aged 5 & 6!  Register Now by calling 604 590-5425.  Spaces are filling up quickly!

Childhood Obesity and the Community

Childhood obesity is a very serious problem. Childhood obesity is a problem that is the responsibility of the whole community. Parents, adults and teachers must set an example and provide an atmosphere that encourages the healthy development of our children within the community. Martial arts is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal available to deal with this problem.

To find out more about the martial arts programs visit https://trykarate.ca/

Stay Fit and Stay Safe!

Submitted by
Chief Master Candidate Scott Karpiuk
8th Degree Black Belt
Newton ATA Academy Director