7 Tips to Convince Your Child to Try Krav Maga Self-Defense

Convincing children to participate in Krav Maga self-defense training can be a challenging endeavor, given the allure of screentime and the demands of school schedules. However, this age group is at a crucial developmental stage where they can greatly benefit from the physical and emotional skills that Krav Maga offers. If you're struggling to make Krav Maga appealing to your child, here are seven compelling tips to help you present the benefits of this martial art in a way that resonates with them.

1. Highlight Real-World Skills

Many children have been exposed to short martial arts expositions as a part of their P.E. programs at school or have attended martial arts themed birthday parties for their peers and think only of stiff uniforms and synchronized call-and-response as training options.  This greatly differs from the Youth Krav Maga environment.  Explain to your child that Krav Maga isn’t just about learning cool moves; it’s about acquiring real-world self-defense skills that can help them in everyday situations. According to Sammy Franco in When Seconds Count, Krav Maga focuses on practical techniques that are designed to be used in real-life scenarios (Franco, 2005). Emphasize that the skills they learn can help them feel more secure and confident, knowing they can handle unexpected situations.

2. Emphasize Fun and Empowerment

Make it clear that Krav Maga is not only educational but also enjoyable. Our Youth Krav Maga program at Armored Self Defense does not require uniforms, so they can wear their comfortable athletic clothes to class.  The training involves dynamic and engaging activities that keep kids active and entertained. Explain that, through Krav Maga, they will learn to defend themselves while having fun with friends. This aspect of empowerment is crucial; as Grand Master William Clark of Warrior Systems Krav notes, Krav Maga helps students develop confidence and self-reliance (Clark, 2021). 

3. Focus on Increased Confidence

The unspoken struggle of many youth revolves around self-esteem issues and being self-conscious as they mature and grow.  Your child may not wish to discuss their lack of confidence directly, but you can still speak generally about how EVERYONE needs better confidence in life.  Discuss how Krav Maga can significantly boost their self-confidence. Research shows that martial arts training, including Krav Maga, is linked to higher levels of self-esteem and reduced anxiety in adolescents (Zivin et al., 2001). Point out that by learning self-defense skills and achieving new milestones, they will gain confidence not just in their physical abilities, but in their overall self-worth.

4. Address Safety Concerns with the "Stun and Run" Mentality

Clarify that Youth Krav Maga teaches a “stun and run” mentality, focusing on neutralizing threats quickly and safely, and avoiding prolonged confrontation. This method is designed to keep them safe, prioritizing their well-being by engaging skills only when absolutely necessary (Krav Maga Worldwide, 2020). Reassure them that the primary goal is to protect themselves, not to get into fights.  They can remain a kind and caring person and still learn to stand up for themselves and take care of themselves in potentially threatening situations.

5. Illustrate the Benefits of Physical Fitness

Discuss how Krav Maga provides a great way to stay fit and healthy. Physical activity is essential for children’s development and overall well-being, contributing to better cardiovascular health, strength, and coordination (Strong et al., 2005). Explain that Krav Maga is a fun way to get exercise while learning useful skills, making it a win-win for both fitness and personal safety.  In fact, most of our students are amazed at how quickly each class goes by as they are so involved in the ever-changing activities that they lose track of time!

6. Highlight the Social Aspects

It is harder than ever for youth to build friendships and relationships due to the increased demands of school work and the loss of gathering places for youth to meet new and positive influence peers.  Krav Maga classes offer a structured environment where they can make new friends and interact with peers. This social aspect is beneficial for developing teamwork and communication skills. Being part of a Krav Maga community helps them feel connected and supported, which can be especially valuable for social development during their pre-teen and teenage years (Ray, 2017).

7. Connect to Their Personal Interests

Find ways to connect Krav Maga to their personal interests or goals. If they enjoy action movies or video games, relate Krav Maga to the action-packed scenarios they love. Show them how the discipline and skills of Krav Maga can be as exciting as their favorite hobbies, turning training into a thrilling and relevant experience.

The absolute best way to show your child how compelling and interesting Youth Krav Maga training can be is to sign them up for a trial class where they can see how relatable the content is to their lives and how much fun it can be to move with purpose!  

References

- Clark, W. (2021). Warrior Systems Krav Maga. Warrior Systems Publications.

- Franco, S. (2005). When Seconds Count. Franco Publishing.

- Krav Maga Worldwide. (2020). The Krav Maga Philosophy: Self-Defense and Beyond. Krav Maga Worldwide.

- Ray, B. D. (2017). A review of research on homeschooling and what might educators learn? Pro-Posições, 28(2), 85-103.

- Strong, W. B., Malina, R. M., Blimkie, C. J., Daniels, S. R., Dishman, R. K., Gutin, B., ... & Trudeau, F. (2005). Evidence based physical activity for school-age youth. The Journal of Pediatrics, 146(6), 732-737.

- Zivin, G., Hassan, N. R., DePaula, G. F., Monti, D. A., Harlan, C., & Hossain, K. D. (2001). An effective approach to violence prevention: Traditional martial arts in middle school. Adolescence, 36(143), 443-459.