3. Train Single-Leg Balance
Balancing on one leg is easy. Balancing on one leg while executing a leg technique makes it more challenging. You will need single leg stability when throwing kicks. Hence, it is paramount to work on single leg balance. In addition, such training will improve leg proprioception which will enhance your kicks.

To train single leg balance, simply lift one leg to a 90-degree angle and hold it for at least 10 seconds. You may increase the difficulty of the exercise by holding a weight, standing on an unsteady surface (such as a bosu balance trainer) or even switching up your foot position (toes pointing forward, sideways and backwards).

Children can start learning sports as early as 3 years old through physical activities such as running, throwing and catching a ball, playing simple games and martial arts (such as kickboxing).

There are 4 reasons why it is beneficial for kids to learn sports at an early age.

1. Prevent Obesity and Boost Immunity
   A key benefit, is helping your child build healthy amounts of muscle tissue and bone growth. These physical attributes contribute to a healthy metabolism, lowering the risk of child obesity which is prevalent in today's modern age. Research has shown that exercising boosts the immunity system and plays and active role in delaying aging. Such qualities will ensure your child will have a higher quality of life in the years ahead. In a previous blog post, we uncovered the physical benefits of learning sports.
   
   
2. Develop Soft Skills (also known as 'Life Skills')
   In today's context, there are instances where soft skills are prized of greater significance than academic qualities. Learning sports teaches kids important life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, perseverance, and discipline. Such soft skills are usually not taught in academic settings, but through play (which sports become the medium for).
   
   
3. Learn How To Cope with Losing
   In life, we can never win 100% all the time. As much as we love our children and want them to win as much as possible, it is important for children to learn how to lose, face defeats or even get rejected. Through such situations, they learn how to cope with winning and losing, and how to handle pressure and challenges. This will build their resilience and coping mechanisms, allowing them to handle challenges and greater responsibilities in future.
   
   
4. Develop Social Skills
   Sports provide an opportunity for kids play and interact with the others in their cohort. The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted children's play time and social experiences with their peers. Through sports, they socialize and make friends outside of school, which can improve their self-esteem and confidence.
   
   

However, it is important to note that children should not be forced into sports if they are not interested. It is essential to find a sport that they enjoy and to make sure that the experience is positive and fun for them.

Where Can My Child Learn Kickboxing?
Want to try Kickboxing, but don’t know where to go? Come and join us at Active Zone. We run a credible kids kickboxing program with a grading system accredited by WAKO. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for some action and lots of fun! Follow us on our social media pages for more information on the classes we have.

Kickboxing for your child can provide a wide range of benefits. For children, they stand to gain both physical and mental benefits. Some of the key benefits of kids kickboxing include:

1. Improve Physical Fitness
   Kickboxing is a high-intensity sport that can help children improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Regular kickboxing training can also help children maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall physical fitness.
   
   
2. Enhance Coordination and Motor Skills
   Kickboxing involves a lot of movement, coordination, and agility, which can help children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. #InjuryProof your child with improved motor skills, decreasing the likelihood of serious injuries when accidents (such as falls) happen.
   
   
3. Boost self-confidence
   Due to the age of social media, younger children have a tendency to be more self-conscious today. Learning and mastering new skills can boost children's self-confidence and self-esteem. As children improve their kickboxing skills and techniques, they will feel more confident in their abilities and become more willing to take on new challenges.
   
   
4. Improved Discipline and Focus
   Kickboxing requires focus and discipline, which can help children develop these important skills. By following instructions, paying attention to their surroundings, and practicing regularly, children can learn how to stay focused and disciplined.
   
   
5. Self-defense skills
   Kickboxing can teach children basic self-defense skills and how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. This can help children feel more empowered and confident in their ability to protect themselves.
   
   

Overall, kids kickboxing can provide a fun and challenging way for children to improve their physical fitness, coordination, and mental discipline while learning self-defense skills and boosting their self-confidence.