3 Best Martial Arts For Teens | Simply Explained
During the teenager phase, a ton of physical and mental development occurs, and there are certain martial arts that are perfect in helping this development.
In this page, we'll cover the best martial arts for teens, why they're the best martial arts for them, and how those martial arts are beneficial.
Table of Contents
1. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
For teenagers, BJJ will enhance confidence, mental toughness, physical toughness, and provide a better understanding of team work.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of ground fighting, in a martial arts where technique and fight IQ matters more than size and skill.
BJJ evens the playing field as the smaller guys can compete with the bigger ones and even submit them.
Perhaps there is no better example than when a slender Royce Gracie won the first 3 of 4 UFC tournaments, despite being massively outsized.
Although martial arts are typically looked at as a 'lone sport', BJJ does a fantastic job of helping students understand how to work together.
It teaches students how to train correctly, in terms of when to go 100%, and when to go easier on other less-skilled opponents, so that they're able to gain confidence when practicing their moves.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community is a tight knit group, one where everyone is always willing to help the other, which is a perfect environment for the physical and mental development of teenagers.
For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, all that is needed in order to begin training is a Gi, and a BJJ gym.
2. Boxing
Boxing is often called the loneliest sport. When a fighter is in the ring, he or she is alone. It is fully up to the boxer alone to make it through the rounds and survive.
However for teenagers, it can be a great way to help them 'find themselves'. This lonely sport can enhance mental and physical toughness, as it is up to them, and only them as to how far they can go.
All that is needed in order to begin training are boxing gloves, and boxing shoes, and a boxing gym.
There is very minimal upfront cost, and the gloves and shoes will last a long time, as long as you properly clean and take care of them.
When training BJJ, opponents normally need another opponent in order to practice their moves.
In boxing, students are able to practice vs pads by themselves, as well as vs sparring partners.
It comes down to preference. Some martial arts are lonelier than others, and other martial arts have a more involved community.
3. Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a nice change up from BJJ and boxing, as it focuses mainly on using your legs.
Tae Kwon Do is also a more traditional martial art, one that focuses on discipline, respect, and self confidence.
For teenagers who need structure, this is a great option as students will learn forms, self-defense, and sparring experience.
Using your legs as self-defense weapons is something that few people in the world can do.
BJJ focuses on grappling using the entire body, boxing focuses on using strikes while only using hands, and TKD focuses on mainly using legs as strikes.
TKD similarly to boxing, is something that teenagers can practice by themselves, as well as vs sparring partners.
In order to begin practicing Tae Kwon Do, it will be a bit more costly than the other mentioned martial arts. Students will need a uniform, sparring gear, along with the different 'weapons' such as the Bahng Mahng Ee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Martial Art is Best For Teens?
The best martial arts for teens are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Tae Kwon Do. Each martial art offers something different, and in the end it comes down to preference. If you are fascinated by grappling, BJJ will interest you, and if you're interested in striking, the other two will interest you.
Is 15 Too Old to Start Martial Arts?
The age of 15 is not too old to start martial arts, in fact some of the most successful Mixed Martial Arts fighters such as Israel Adesanya didn't start training until he was 18 years old. The best time to start training is yesterday, and the second best time is today.
Is 16 a Good Age to Start Martial Arts?
The age of 16 is not too old to start martial arts, in fact some of the most successful Mixed Martial Arts fighters such as George St-Pierre didn't begin training Jiu Jitsu until he was 16 years old. The best time to start training is yesterday, and the second best time is today.
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