| By :
Nick Messe
Many people are now asking if a martial arts program could be useful in combating childhood obesity. With the rise in obesity of children between the ages of 6-19 years, parents and health organizations are searching for effective solutions. It has been suggested that various martial arts programs may be very effective in combating what has become an epidemic. Although not much concrete evidence has been provided due to lack of proper research and clinical trials, some preliminary evidence does suggest martial arts are beneficial. It isn't certain whether a mixed martial arts program or specific martial arts for example Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, might work best. However it is fairly self evident that the longer a person participates in martial arts activities, the more benefits would be obtained. Poverty, race, family history, physical activity, and nutrition are all complex influential factors on the potential rates of obesity. Some research suggests that children living in unsafe surroundings, poor housing, and in areas that do not provide sidewalks, parks and recreation centers are at a twenty to sixty percent higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. Children, whose sedentary lifestyles involve eating mostly fast foods, watching television and playing video games are at high risk as well. This becomes an even higher risk when combined with attending schools that neglect physical education, extracurricular group activities, and the like. Obesity increases the potential for both, physical and emotional health problems. Preliminary research has demonstrated that even people with physical and mental disabilities felt that martial arts training greatly improved the quality of their lives and their overall health. The research also indicates an improvement in self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth being achieved through martial arts training. This major improvement could be due to the physical and mental exercise that various martial arts provide. Karate, Tai Chi and Ju Jitsu all can be helpful for self-discipline, confidence and stress management. They also require a wide variety of physical activities, which can increase blood circulation and improve breathing and joint flexibility. Most of the martial arts activities can be adapted to suit a person's physical and mental limitations, while still providing physical and mental health therapy. Martial arts, such as Karate and Ju Jitsu, can be as beneficial for physical health as any other vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise. Participating in other martial arts such as Kung Fu, and Tai Chi, can be substituted for numerous other exercises, as they use many calories in their performance. All these forms of training can provide adequate exercise for muscle and bone strengthening, as well as provide resistance exercise. Studying martial arts can teach the child to use self-defense instead of aggressive methods to resolve problems. The lessons can also teach a child self-reliance while instilling a sense of good sportsmanship and teamwork.
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