Martial Arts: More Than Just Kicking and Punching – A Message for Parents

Nicola Hurcombe
May 30
3 min read

When parents first hear the words Martial Arts, it’s not unusual for their minds to jump straight to flying kicks, action movie punches, or loud shouting in a dojo. And while those things can be part of the experience, they only scratch the surface of what Martial Arts is truly about.

At KBT Academy of Martial Arts, we hear it all the time:

“I’m not sure Martial Arts is right for my child – I don’t want them becoming aggressive.”

“My child is shy – is this going to be too much for them?”

“Isn't Martial Arts just teaching kids how to fight?”

If you’ve had similar thoughts, you’re not alone – and we’re here to put your mind at ease.

Martial Arts is About Control, Not Chaos

Yes, Martial Arts teaches kicking and punching – but even more importantly, it teaches when not to use them. One of the first lessons every student learns is self-control. This means knowing how to manage emotions, stay calm under pressure, and walk away from conflict.

Children who learn Martial Arts often become more peaceful, not more aggressive. They gain confidence, emotional balance, and the tools to handle challenges calmly and respectfully.

It Builds Character from the Inside Out

What’s behind every good martial artist? Not just strong muscles – but strong values. Respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility are cornerstones of our programmes.

At KBT Academy, we often say that we’re not just building Martial Artists – we’re helping shape respectful young people. From bowing at the start of class to cheering on their teammates, children learn the importance of kindness, teamwork, and giving their best effort.

A Safe, Structured Environment

We understand that safety is a top priority for parents. That’s why our classes are designed with clear rules, certified instructors, and age-appropriate training. Children learn techniques step-by-step, in a controlled, encouraging environment.

You’ll see structured drills, focus exercises, partner work (always supervised), and games that boost coordination, confidence, and listening skills. There’s no room for roughhousing – only respectful learning and gradual progress.

Martial Arts Helps Shy or Anxious Children Blossom

Some parents worry that their quiet or introverted child might be overwhelmed. But often, those are the children who benefit most.

Martial Arts gives children a chance to shine at their own pace. We’ve seen countless kids come in shy and unsure, only to blossom into confident, focused, and happy students – simply because someone believed in them and they had a safe space to grow.

Our Age-Specific Programmes Support Every Stage

At KBT Academy, we tailor our classes to suit each age group – so every child feels supported, encouraged, and challenged in the right way:

Little Ninjas (Ages 4–5): A playful introduction to Martial Arts, movement, and discipline for our youngest students.
Karate Kids (Ages 5–7): A fun, energetic class that builds strong foundations in focus, coordination, and basic techniques.
Junior Taekwondo (Ages 8+): Structured skill development, confidence-building, and progress toward full Taekwondo training.
Teens & Adults (13+): A motivating, empowering programme for all experience levels – ideal for fitness, self-defence, and lifelong learning.

Why Taekwondo?

At KBT Academy, our Martial Arts style is Taekwondo, a powerful Korean discipline that combines speed, flexibility, and focus. Taekwondo is not only widely practised around the world – it’s also a recognised Olympic sport, which reflects its high standards of discipline, technique, and structure.

Our students don’t just learn how to kick or punch – they develop a deep understanding of respect, personal responsibility, and physical and mental resilience. It’s a journey that supports them not just in the dojo, but at school, at home, and in life.