By: Micah Lamb, DO, FAAP
Martial arts can be some of the most rewarding
sports that children can participate in. Depending on the type of martial arts practiced, there is often a balance of physical activity, body control, mindfulness, goal setting and competition.
With so many types of martial arts, it can also be one of the most confusing sports for
parents looking to get their children involved. Here is some basic information about the most common martial arts styles for kids, types of injuries to watch for and potential benefits of training in these disciplines.
How popular are martial arts for kids in the U.S.?
Martial arts are some of the oldest and most popular sports practiced among U.S. children. While the exact number of children who do martial arts is tough to know, an estimated that 8.7 million kids are involved in some form of each year.
What are the benefits of martial arts for children?
A growing body of research suggests many potential benefits for children participating in martial arts. Depending on the type of martial arts practiced, studies have shown they can lead to reduced stress and improved physical fitness and school performance. Martial arts are also shown to boost development of motor (movement) and cognitive (thinking and learning) skills.
Types of martial arts: karate, taekowndo & more
The two most common types of martial arts practiced in the U.S. are karate and taekwondo. Many other types also having strong followings.
Each type of martial arts is unique in its focus and origin.
For example:
Karate, founded in Japan, focuses mostly on strikes using the hands.
Taekwondo, which may seem very similar to karate, originated in Korea. It tends to have a slightly greater focus on strikes that involve the feet.
Judo and jiu jitsu often also include grappling and tackling.
Tai-chi, with origins in ancient China, is largely non-contact. It focuses on body positioning and balance.
Should I let my kids do MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a competitive combat sport that recently started to grow in popularity. In MMA participants use a variety of martial arts forms to score points or force their opponent into submission. This often comes with a relatively high level of risk of serious injury. MMA should be generally discouraged for young participants.What to know about sparring in martial arts
When first getting started with martial arts, it is important to focus on non-contact form and skill development before considering any "sparring" or contact.
Most martial arts have some form of progression. This means that students learn techniques that they try to develop under supervision. After they can do certain skills adequately, they can then be introduced to testing these skills against others.
In certain martial arts, participants can also test their skills with or against objects (for example, breaking boards, hitting sparing dummies, using dummy swords and nunchucks, etc.).
Injuries kids get in martial arts
The types of
injuries that kids tend to get while doing martial arts largely depend on the type and level of martial arts they practice. One recent study found that children generally a low injury rate in martial arts. Because so many kids participate in martial arts, though, the overall number of injuries do add up. Thankfully these injuries are often relatively mild.
Cuts, scrapes & overuse injuries
The dynamic movements of martial arts at all levels, combined with exposed skin from practicing barefoot, can lead to cuts and scrapes. As kids progress and techniques advance to higher levels, there comes the risk of other injuries to the knees, feet, ankles, arms and hands.
In addition, with the repetitive nature of many martial arts techniques, there is also the potential for common
overuse injuries.
Bruises, fractures & concussions
Once kids start to get involved with contact martial arts, the potential for other traumatic injuries increases. Besides bruises and fractures, full-contact martial arts do have the potential for
concussions.
One of the best ways to help
prevent injuries in martial arts is to ensure appropriate training, coaching and refereeing. This is particularly true as children start to compete against each other.
Protective gear & equipment for martial arts
Typical protective equipment for martial arts also depends on the type and level practiced. Often, with non-contact martial arts, there is little in the way of protective equipment apart from foam floor mats. These should be kept in generally good condition and cleaned to help prevent the spread of infection.
With the addition of contact in martial arts, often kids will use some form of headgear, bodygear (particularly of the lower extremity for kicking) and a mouthguard. While these can help with many of the soft tissue and dental injuries, unfortunately no protective equipment has been shown to help prevent concussions.
Remember
Martial arts can be a great way for your child to experience the many benefits of sports participation. If practiced appropriately they can be done in a relatively safe manner.
Keep in mind that no sport is entirely without risk. It is important to understand the types of injuries typically occur, and ways to minimize the risks. If you have any questions about your child should participate in martial arts, reach out to their pediatrician.
More information
About Dr. Lamb
 Micah Lamb, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician who specializes in sports medicine at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics through Eastern Virginia Medical School/Old Dominion University. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and Section member with the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.
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