Ask a child what martial arts is, and you'll often get answers like "something like flips and kicks" or "becoming a ninja." Ask a parent, and they'll likely say "discipline, respect, and energy." And that's precisely the magic of martial arts for kids: it's both fun and educational.
Whether it's karate, judo, kickboxing, or taekwon-do, children learn not only techniques but also teamwork, respecting boundaries, and building self-confidence. And the best part? They often don't even realize they're working incredibly hard on their motor skills, fitness, and focus.
Martial arts that are popular with children
Judo
Judo is ideal for children because it's all about balance and throwing, not punching or kicking. Children learn to fall without hurting themselves—something that secretly makes parents happy too.
Karate
Karate is all about discipline and precision. Children especially enjoy the kata (fixed movements) because it almost feels like a dance full of cool moves.
Taekwon-Do
Lots of stairs, lots of action. This is often a hit with kids because it looks cool and is fun and energetic.
Kickboxing
Increasingly popular with kids, especially because bumpers are so much fun. They provide children with a safe and manageable outlet for energy.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ is also becoming increasingly popular with children. It's a bit like "floor puzzles": rolling, twisting, and clamping. Children often experience it as a game, but they learn a great deal of control in the process.
Why children benefit so much from martial arts
What makes Martial Arts unique for children is that it's more than just a sport. It's a blend of physical training, mental resilience, and social skills. In a world where children are often glued to their iPads, it's a breath of fresh air to see them excelling on the mat, full of energy. Not just for the parents, but especially for themselves.
The beauty of martial arts is that it's not about winning or losing. It's about learning to interact with yourself and others – and that's perhaps even more important for children than for adults.
Martial Arts exercises for kids (for home)
At Fight2Win.nl, we have a lot of experience training children. For this list, we've looked at what's commonly practiced in various martial arts and what really gets kids excited.
1. Falling and rolling games (Judo & BJJ)
Kids learn to fall and roll, but through play. For example: "Who can roll like a ninja the best?" This way, they learn technique without it becoming boring.
2. Kick the Tower! (Taekwon-Do & Karate)
Build a tower with pillows or boxes and let children take turns knocking it down with a kick or a punch. The result: fun together while learning technology.
3. Pad Relay (Kickboxing)
Form pairs and have the children face each other with enough space for a short sprint. Each child has a punching bag. In turns, one child sprints to the other, delivers a series of punches or kicks to the bag, and then runs back to their own spot.
4. Wrestling for the ball (BJJ & Judo)
Place a soft ball in the middle and have two children try to use grappling techniques to get it to their side. It's fun and playful, but also good for balance and control.
5. Shadow Fighting (Karate & Kickboxing)
Have children perform movements as if they're fighting an imaginary opponent—but with a rule: for example, "only in slow motion" or "pretend you're floating in space." This makes it fun and creative.
Teaching Children Martial Arts
One person is seriously attempting a Judo roll, another can't contain his laughter as he knocks down a tower, and before you know it, several kids are rolling around the room giggling. It's chaos and discipline all at once – and that's precisely what makes martial arts for children so special. Because let's face it: it's not about a future champion.
It's about children learning respect, how to release their energy, and, above all, having fun. And when they bounce out the door with rosy cheeks, ear-to-ear grins, and a punching bag under their arm, you know you've got it right as a coach.
