Boxing is one of the most popular combat sports. However, its practice is usually more common in young people and adults than in children or adolescents, as it is believed to be a “dangerous” sport because there are constant blows. Nonetheless, boxing for kids is a perfect discipline for the little ones because it transmits essential values such as self-improvement, respect, discipline, motivation, will, and self-confidence, among others.
To know all the details about children’s boxing, keep reading!
From what age is boxing recommended?
Starting with kids boxing classes between 8 and 12 years old is the most advisable. But this may vary depending on the gym regulations where your child will train.
It is important for children to stay in good physical condition and have excellent coordination and balance to start practicing boxing. Therefore, learning this discipline at these ages is based on carrying out cognitive activities, jumping rope, and even practicing defense and attack in pairs, but without having to make any type of contact. Therefore, they begin to work on their psychomotor skills.
Advantages of training at a child age
The practice of boxing for kids brings the following benefits for children:
- It helps them defend themselves: Boxing for kids promotes defense, not violence. Therefore, respect for your opponent is one of the fundamental values of this sport. While it is true that it is about “fighting” in a ring, this does not mean they should get hurt. Thanks to this discipline, children will be able to acquire greater agility and self-control, as well as the ability to improve their attacks, so that they can defend themselves in any circumstance that comes their way in life, not only from the physical aspect but also from the intellectual.
- It allows them to know their body better and measure their strength: through boxing drills, they will have greater control and knowledge of their body since they must constantly move, dodge, and execute blows. As is known, a different force must be used for each of the latter, and as children learn how to execute the blows correctly, they will realize the range they have and learn tactics they can use in the future.
- Enhances physical and mental health: practicing boxing keeps children healthy because it allows them to improve their cardiovascular system, and tone the arm muscles, as well as their torso and legs. It also helps them to reduce stress, release accumulated tension, and sleep better.
Also, kids boxing and youth boxing promote mental health because the practice helps strengthen self-esteem and makes them understand the importance of getting up after a fall, as well as accepting defeats with the greatest humility.
How much can a boxing class for kids cost?
When making the decision to enroll your child in boxing classes, you must keep in mind the expenses involved in such an activity, which range from equipment (gloves, clothing, footwear for boxing, mouth and head protectors) to the instructor’s fees or the club monthly fee as the case may be.
The cost of a boxing class varies depending on the place where it is practiced. If it is a public establishment, that is, attached to a federation, it could be lower, but if you decide to take your child to a private organization, for example, a club, the monthly payment could be higher. On average, a boxing class for children costs around $20.
Another way to learn this discipline is through online lessons. There are different platforms where they can teach your child everything they need, although it is advisable to have a teacher in person who can make the necessary corrections to guarantee quality learning for the future.
Conclusion
The practice of boxing for kids is becoming increasingly popular, but carrying it out requires a lot of discipline, determination, and love for the sport. It is important to keep in mind that it is a physically demanding sport, and it can also be dangerous if not executed properly. For this reason, it must be exercised under the supervision of trained people and using appropriate protection.
Finally, organizations such as the World Health Organization recommend that children practice martial arts (including boxing) because it promotes the development of elasticity, rhythm, coordination, and balancing body and mind.