THE martial arts — boxing, kung fu, karate, among many others — can build character, instill discipline and inspire their practitioners to overcome daily stressors and challenges, said Jerry Diaz, a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer.
Maja Diaz executes a front kick at a Kyokushin Karate Dojo.
He believes that the martial arts could greatly benefit community members, especially the youth.
“Kids are always ready and willing to learn new things,” he said. “It is when they’re young that we should teach them the foundations of healthy living through proper nutrition and movements.”
Moreover, the martial arts will help develop their mental, physical, and emotional skills, and prepare them for life’s challenges, Diaz said.
He noted that the martial arts teach self-defense and how to respond to crisis moments without over or under reacting.
The martial arts can also boost a child’s confidence, Diaz added.
“Their attitude and mindset can be enhanced through martial arts training which leads to character development — and they will also learn self-discipline,” he said.
The martial arts involve various moves that are performed to achieve excellence. “Kids will learn to improve their techniques through disciplined practice and trial and error,” Diaz said.
Like sports, the martial arts can help us remain healthy and fit while developing positive habits, Diaz added.
And lastly, the martial arts provide choices. “The kids are provided a variety of options,” he said. “There’s karate, kung fu taekwondo, jujitsu, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling. It’s a long list!”
For professional fitness inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
