Pros and cons of youth martial arts?

Answer 1

Like all Martial Arts, Jujitsu is designed to help an individual become a better person. As a martial art it is catagorized in the grappling family, meaning that the primary focus is on grabbing and controlling the opponent. It can be hard on the joints for an older individual that is just starting out and dangerous for someone that is still young and growing. Jujitsu, contrasted to Judo, is aimed more at actual combat. Judo, while also effective in combat, is focused on competition and not causing permanent damage. ---------------- In the interest of a productive, informative answer, I'd like to comment on the answer given above and hope the original respondent will reply.

"Like all martial arts, Jujitsu is designed to help an individual become a better person." Better in what sense? Why would it be created for anything other than self-defence? The fact that mental/spiritual elements appear is immaterial, nothing more than a remnant of the Japanese warrior class. Such philosophy existed independently of martial arts, so it is apparent that martial arts themselves appear out of the necessity to learn how best to deal with violence. "As a martial art it is catagorized in the grappling family, meaning that the primary focus is on grabbing and controlling the opponent." Firstly, there are no martial arts "families" in the way that is described. Secondly, Japanese jujitsu encompassed far more than grappling techniques - remember it is part of a complete system that stems from the samurai. Brazilian jujitsu on the other hand is a pure grappling art, but to refer to jujitsu as a whole as solely grappling is misleading.

"It can be hard on the joints for an older individual that is just starting out..." True, as can any other intense physical activity. However, assuming proper care is taken, even fairly elderly individuals can reach a good level of performance without injuring their joints.

"...and dangerous for someone that is still young and growing." Dangerous in what sense? Dangerous to the development of bones? This is as true of jujitsu as it is of gymnastics or Weightlifting, i.e. not at all. Dangerous in the sense that young, boisterous individuals might injure themselves through lack of attention? This is at least 10 times more likely to happen playing soccer than jujitsu. "Jujitsu, contrasted to Judo, is aimed more at actual combat. Judo, while also effective in combat, is focused on competition and not causing permanent damage." Is it aimed at actual combat or competition? Contradictory statements like this only serve to confuse. Judo is primarily a sport, and was developed as such, although one's training could incorporate it and focus it in a self-defence context as many thousands do so successfully.

Answer 2

Pros - Learn discipline, exercise, self-control and the basics of self defense. Improves focus and learning ability. And you cannot get into trouble if you are in class!

Cons - Some styles can focus on competition, which may or may not be good. Some youth get arrogant and become bullies. There is always danger of injury. In some schools the techniques being taught are really not effective in self defense situations.

Answer 3

I am a black belt at a Hapkido Studio. Some of the pros are that hapkido makes you strong and brave. You learn throwing/punching self defenses. You can also learn kicking, rolling and much much more. Plus, lessons are really cheap. Some of the cons are that you get tired really easily.

Answer 4

I have taken martial arts for several years and have found it very beneficial.

Pros for me include: increased confidence, flexibility, endurance, and overall health. It also gives me a good way to relieve stress and what feels like a second home with a second family.

Cons include: the possibility of injury, the cost, and possible increased stress around test and tournament time.