Father’s Day is just around the corner. Let’s celebrate with an AWMA twist!
The annual holiday dedicated to fathers and father figures is the perfect time to reflect on what fatherhood means to martial arts—and what martial arts can mean to dads. So let’s take a closer look at how martial arts training can help dads be happier and healthier.
And then we’ll take a peak at some martial arts training gear that can help them get started.
What are the benefits of martial arts training for fathers?
Bonding
Sharing an interest or activity with your kids is a great way to spend quality time with them. It’s a chance to do something you both enjoy, and it gives you something fun to talk about when you’re not actively participating. And martial arts training is full of positive teachable moments for both parents and children. You get learn about teamwork, supporting each other while you work toward your goals, and building community with likeminded people.
For dads with shy or nervous kids, taking up training yourself might also be a way to give them the confidence boost they need to make the leap. Knowing that they have someone in their corner who is taking those same steps into a new experience can help some kids feel brave enough to try.
Fitness
Kids have a lot of energy. Sometimes it can feel like they have way more energy than any adult could ever dream of. A solid fitness training program can help close that gap a little bit. And martial arts is a very fun and effective form of fitness training.
Martial arts training can help you develop the cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance you need to keep up with your children longer—and carry them around for longer.
Focus and Mental Discipline
Raising children also requires strong mental fitness. You need to be agile enough to keep up with their active young minds. And you need to think quickly in a lot of high pressure situations.
Martial arts training is all about developing mental focus and endurance so that you can react calmly and rationally under stress, pressure, and exhaustion. And it teaches you how to manage your emotional responses in intense situations. All of which will make you a more focused, mentally disciplined, and present parent.
Stress Relief
Having kids isn’t easy. It’s rewarding and magical and wonderful. But like most things that really matter in life, it takes some hard work. Sometimes parents need a break—and a way to blow off some steam.
Martial arts classes—or even a quick practice session at home—can help! They’re a great option for anyone who is looking to take a short break from life’s demands, work out some frustrations, and enjoy a good endorphin rush. Martial arts training also teaches you how to manage your stress better. Which means you’ll probably end up a little more relaxed and in control in the rest of your life, too.
Community
Making new friends gets harder as you get older. Making time for friends isn’t easy, either. And those challenges get even bigger when add children to the mix. Martial arts lessons can help you with both of those issues, though.
Martial arts classes are kind of like multitasking. You get to meet and collaborate with other likeminded people while you’re actively working on your physical and mental health. Even if you don’t have the time or energy to hang our with any of your newfound friends outside of the gym, you’ve still got a built in sense of community that will help you feel less alone in the world.
Positive Role Models
A good martial arts instructor, coach, or sensei can teach you a lot about how to work with other people and help them become their best selves. Great examples for any dad who wants to do their best.
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Here are some key pieces of martial arts training gear for the martial arts dads and aspiring martial arts dads in your life.
ProForce® Karate Uniform
You can’t go wrong with any ProForce® martial arts uniform. But if you don’t know exactly what weight, style, and color to get for the dad on your list, we recommend this 8 oz. 55/45 Blend Karate uniform with an elastic drawstring. It’s a durable, high quality gi that can withstand the wear and tear of martial arts training. But it’s still light and comfortable enough for anyone who is not used to getting hot and sweaty in long sleeves, pants, and thicker fabrics. Plus it comes with a free belt! $53.99-$97.99 USD.
ProForce® Leatherette Boxing Gloves
If the dad you’re shopping for is more interested in striking-based martial arts and combat sports like Boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or MMA, you can’t go wrong with any pair of ProForce® Boxing Gloves, either. If you’re not sure what his exact tastes are, though, we suggest a pair of 12 oz ProForce® Leatherette Boxing Gloves.
They’re built to weather the impact of heavy bag work, focus training, sparring, and competition. 12oz is a great weight for anyone who knows they want to punch things, but isn’t sure what their weight class is—or if they want to do any actual fighting yet. And they come in a wide range of colors. That means you can find the perfect pair for any dad’s tastes. $44.99-$59.99 USD.
ProForce® Mats
No matter what discipline your martial arts dad is interested in, a set of ProForce® Mats can make his training more comfortable. This goes for at home training, practice, and cross-training. Mats like the ProForce® Mini Mat can provide a much needed layer of padding between your body and any hard surface during exercise for mat-based work like grappling drills, cardio, bodyweight, and mobility training. For strikers, they can make footwork drills, shadowboxing, and pad work easier on your feet and your flooring. They even help playtime feel better. A set of mats can make floor time with younger kids a bit easier on older joints. $19.95 USD.
