Everything You Need To Know About Mom & Me Martial Arts Classes

Mom & Me martial arts classes have exploded in popularity in recent years. Despite the name, it’s not just moms who can take part as dads are welcome to join in too.

Usually, these classes are fitness based with only a small amount of technique being used compared to an adults martial art class. This is because the kids involved are usually very young aged between 3-7. In a regular kids martial arts class a lot of the instructor’s time is spent by keeping the kids occupied so they don’t become distracted. By implementing a structure where kids can train with their parents, they tend to behave more and want to impress their mom or dad.

Mother and child martial arts are generally either karate or taekwondo since these striking arts can be practiced without the need for a drilling partner. This is ideal since you can’t really practice strikes with your child if their head only reaches your knees. These classes are 100% ideal for beginners with no previous martial arts experience. The class is going to have no young athletic men in it and is exclusively people of your own age, shape and background. Kids will usually wear typical martial arts clothing such as a gi and white belt. Parents usually wear standard fitness clothes as if you were going to the gym.

Typically you will find that classes run around 2-3 times per week and last for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, although this will depend on what martial arts school you go to. These classes usually begin an hour or two after school ends each day. Womens kimonos are easy to get hold of online, so there is no excuse not to train!

The Benefits Of Mom & Me Martial Arts Classes

Bonding With Your Kid

Whilst there are thousands of activities you can do with your child, none are really structured in a way like martial arts classes. Martial arts does not just teach you a single discipline and will at the very least make your mind and body stronger – as well as your child.

Kids really get something out of training alongside their parents compared to a regular kids class. They will try harder to impress you and generally behave a lot better than they would otherwise.

It also helps that you’re both being occupied doing something at the same time with the same goal. You can share disappointments and achievements together that otherwise you would not understand. If you’re training after school, you will also occupy your time together so that you are synchronized for the rest of the day. Your kid will not be running around wildly when it’s time for bed as you’ll both be tired at exactly the same time.

Fitness

There is no doubt about it that when you become a parent there is a lot less time for everything, especially your own fitness. Most parents will find that they put on excess weight within a few years of their first child being born. It makes sense then, that if you are spending time with your child, to make the most of this and increase your own fitness levels as well.

Even if you do not lose any weight but just keep your heart rate up for 30 minutes per week, your body will thank you in the long run.

This also applies to children. In modern day, kids spend a lot more time on tablets, phones and laptops than we did when we were growing up. So it certainly doesn’t do your child’s fitness any harm to be put through their paces a few times per week. It’s certainly better to grow up as a fit child than an obese one in terms of both physical health and self-esteem too.

Safety

Obviously, whenever you leave your child in the hands of other unknown adults there is a safety risk. This can always be mitigated since you can choose which activities your child does and doesn’t take part in.

However, martial arts schools have a power structure just like any other organization. Adults are left in charge of children and have superiority due to their age and status within the martial arts academy. This is not to say that martial arts schools are dangerous for children, as clearly on the whole they bring a huge benefit for kid’s mental health. But there are numerous stories of kids being mentally and physically abused by people in positions of power, no matter what type of sports club they take part in.

Mom & me classes don’t allow this to happen since you’re in the class with your own kid. This creates a welcoming environment and predatory instructors simply won’t work in these martial arts schools – they will look elsewhere for an easier target.

Learning Self Defense Skills

One of the main key benefits of martial arts is that you learn self defense skills. Some gyms may advertise themselves as offering self defense classes, but whatever martial art they teach, it can be used for self defense.

The main benefits of self defense don’t really need to be discussed since they’re so clear and obvious. However, there are some positive mental benefits to learning self defense that aren’t discussed as much. Just knowing in your own mind that you have the ability to defend yourself if need be will give you a lot more confidence and self esteem. This is beneficial for both yourself and your child.

The Cons Of Mom & Me Martial Arts Classes

If One Person Doesn’t Like It

Mom and me classes become difficult when either you or your child does not like the class. This is especially difficult if one person loves the class whilst the other hates it. All in all, this is generally not a big deal because usually this will not be the case. To further this point, there are many gyms offering both adult only and children only classes, so there isn’t much to be lost if one of you didn’t really enjoy the class anyway.

It should also be noted that this can work in a positive way as if you both enjoy martial arts but sometimes think of quitting, one person can help pull the other along until they are through this rough patch.

Too Broad

As mom & me classes are mostly focused on children, they can be a little basic and broad. You will not be learning any advanced techniques or doing and live sparring. Whilst this is all well and good for the average mom, if you’re already a fit young woman then a mom and me class will probably not be stimulating enough for you mentally or physically.

If you want to learn an adult martial art properly then it is advised you do not take mom & me classes. Adult martial arts classes are very much different from mother and child classes, which are obviously a lot tamer and beginner friendly.