Martial arts in children, can be dangerous if they are not practiced well

Staying active is an obligation for both adults and children. Choose the practice of a sport or activity to combine fun and exercise is the best way to not get bored in these practices. The fan is large: basketball, soccer, skating, swimming and even Martial Arts, a very attractive activity due to its exposure in action films and which arouses the curiosity of many children.

In this way many parents point their children to classes of Martial Arts without knowing the potential danger that this practice can pose for the little ones. This is how the American Academy of Pediatrics that warns adults of possible injuries resulting from these activities.

Martial arts without contact

According to this organism the problem comes from those martial arts that suppose a physical contact among children, those that are based on the combat of two opponents and that are the most attractive for the youngest ones due to the influence of action movies.

"There are many different types of martial arts for families to consider and enjoy, but there is a big difference in the risk of injury between the different ways in which there is no contact and in which there are combats," explains Dr. Chris Koutures. , member of the Executive Committee of the Council of Sports Medicine and Physical Form of this body.

Danger of injury

These martial arts based on the combat between two opponents They are usually quite dangerous for the integrity of children because in some cases injuries such as bruises and sprains can occur and in some cases more serious such as broken bones and even internal bleeding.

There is also that can cause concussions in children, asphyxia due to pressure in the neck area and injuries in the head area caused by the numerous impacts suffered by children in this area. Injuries as indicated by this body can not avoid the safety equipment used in martial arts such as mouth and facial protectors.

In addition this body also notes that the use of this safety material causes a false sense of protection that makes the blows more aggressive and therefore the possibility of injury is higher. Especially in practices such as taekwondo that gives extra points for those attacks that reach the opponent's head.

Always use your head

Given the potential risk of martial arts practice in children, parents are reminded of the need to use logic before targeting their children in these activities. First of all be aware that it is possible that your child is not yet physically mature enough to withstand all the blows he will receive.

Second, make the child understand the difference between reality and fiction. That everything he sees in films is done by professionals after years of training and that at his age it will be impossible for him to imitate these people.

Damián Montero