Martial Arts: Keep Your Family Fit & Connected

A most enlightening stage of parenting is when your child’s newest interest or hobby becomes one that is enjoyed by – and benefits – the entire family. 

Martial arts promotes physical fitness for all ages and encourages a shared, healthy lifestyle. Program options throughout South Florida are endless. Whether you choose Karate or Krav Maga, Judo or Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo or Boxing, or a mix of all, martial arts will take mental and physical fitness to the next level.

Image: A little girl demonstrates a taekwondo pose

Martial Arts for the Whole Family 

According to Moti Horenstein, a multiple-award global martial arts champion and owner of one of Miami’s oldest Krav Maga MMA dojos, “Families that kick together stick together.” 

Here are 9 benefits of an ongoing martial arts practice: 

  • Builds discipline and focus for children and adults

  • Strengthens family bonds through shared goals, practice, and achievements

  • Encourages mutual respect and cooperation, in class and at home

  • Teaches self-defense skills, increasing confidence and safety awareness

  • Fosters perseverance and goal-setting by progressing through levels together

  • Reduces stress through physical activity and mindfulness

  • Improves communication skills through partner drills and teamwork

  • Provides a positive social environment and community, connecting families with like-minded people

  • Offers structure and routine, benefiting everyone!

Consider martial arts when you seek out this year’s after-school activities or even a new form of exercise for yourself. Many local studios offer classes for all ages, as young as preschool, and invite families to test out trial classes. 

In only a few weeks, your child will feel great in mind and body, their teachers will thank you for the improved focus and discipline, and YOU will be so fit you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back!

Does your family participate in mixed martial arts? Share your favorite local dojo or gym with us below!

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Ilana Lipson Cohen
Ilana Lipson Cohen counts her blessings as a beyond-full-time working mom and wife who has the romantic notion that she can cook like Ina yet appreciates the reality that Trader Joe’s is the most brilliant source of dinner. Her career began in New York’s film industry and over the years evolved into communications, branding and growth strategy within a range of industries. At the intersection of creative development and data-driven strategy, her contributions are for the long-term: elevating brands, creating new sources of revenue, fostering engagement and building teams to achieve sustainable momentum. She offers fractional as well as in-house services, committed to supporting purpose-driven companies and organizations that are meaningful to her family. That commitment to values reaches beyond the office with volunteer work being central to family life. Proud to be first-generation American-born on her maternal side and a second-generation Miamian on her paternal side, she has a degree in public relations from the University of Florida’s school of journalism. Find her at HoldingHandsForever.com, on Facebook or LinkedIn.