As parents, we all want to keep our kids safe from bullying and assault. Unfortunately, we can’t always stop violent incidents from happening, but we can give our kids the tools to defend themselves. This is especially true in the U.S. with the rising cases of racial, domestic, and dating violence among teens.
What if we told you we have the secret to combating violence and instilling strength? That’s why martial arts training is so important – it teaches young people real-world self-defense tactics, courage, confidence, and helps them build stronger relationships with their peers. In this blog, we bring awareness to teen dating violence and explain how martial arts can empower teens with self-defense.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
We observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) every February to raise awareness about the dangers facing today’s youth – in person, at school, and online. The CDC reports that nearly 1 in 11 females and 1 in 15 males have experienced physical dating violence. 1 in 9 female and 1 in 36 male students also have reported experiencing sexual dating violence. Verbal and cyber altercations also count as incidences of dating violence.
The stats are jarring, but why is nobody talking about it or taking action? That is because 81% of parents refuse to accept or admit that teen dating violence is an issue. It can be very problematic.
Not only does the issue go unattended, but it can also affect students adversely in the long term. Victims can sustain physical injuries and disturbed mental health and may also be hesitant and afraid of forming relationships in the future.
Therefore, we MUST take action and educate young people about healthy relationships, the warning signs of dating violence, and how to get help and protect themselves. TDVAM encourages parents, educators, and young people to work together to prevent dating violence and promote healthy relationships. As the local martial arts dojo in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove, it’s our goal to make a positive impact on kids in our community and improve their personal safety!
Common Signs of Teen Dating Violence
While it can be challenging to identify teen dating violence as it often occurs in private, there are signs you can look out for in teenagers around you.
- Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or scratches. Or wearing clothing that covers up bruises.
- Emotional Signs: Changes in behavior, mood swings, unexplained crying, or sudden outbursts of anger or frustration.
- Isolation: The victim may suddenly stop spending time with friends or family or participating in activities they once enjoyed.
- Control: The victim’s partner may try to control their behavior or make decisions, such as what they wear, who they talk to, or where they go.
- Jealousy: A partner may show extreme jealousy, becoming upset if their partner talks to other people or accuses them of cheating.
- Intimidation: Partners may use threatening and abusive behavior, such as yelling or hitting walls, to scare their partner into compliance.
- Monitoring: The partner constantly checks up on their partner or demands to know where they are, who they are with, and what they are doing.
Combat Violence by Using Martial Arts Techniques to Empower Teens
Martial arts training offers MANY benefits for teenagers, including building self-confidence, promoting physical strength and coordination, and developing the ability to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Here are a few key ways martial arts classes can help teenagers defend themselves and their friends from violence…
Self-Defense Skills
One of the primary benefits of martial arts training is the development of self-defense skills. By learning techniques for protecting themselves, teenagers can feel more confident and empowered when faced with a potentially dangerous situation.
Increased Awareness
Martial arts help teenagers develop an awareness of their surroundings. It can help them identify potential threats and take appropriate action to protect themselves or their friends.
A Supportive Community
Martial arts training often occurs in a community setting, where students can form close bonds with their peers and instructors. This community can provide support and encouragement, making it easier for teenagers to speak up and seek help if they are experiencing dating violence.
Improved Physical Fitness
Martial arts training is strenuous and requires great strength. While training, students improve their physical fitness and become stronger. It also boosts their self-confidence.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
As students progress through the various levels of training, they feel more accomplished, and recognition through the colored belts gives them greater self-esteem. They also learn how to set goals and achieve them through hard work and dedication, helping them improve. It can make them more confident in their ability to stand up for themselves and assert their boundaries.
Better Mental Health
A strong mind is a healthy and happy one. Like all forms of physical exercise, martial arts help combat mental illnesses, helping students fight depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. With stronger minds, students are better equipped to deal with everyday challenges.
Equip Your Teen to Protect Themselves with Junior Martial Arts at Total Impact!
It’s important to note that martial arts training alone cannot prevent or solve the problem of dating violence. However, it can be a valuable tool in empowering teenagers to protect themselves and seek help if they need it. It’s also essential for teenagers to have access to resources and support, such as counseling or domestic violence hotlines, in case they or their friends are experiencing any kind of abuse or violence.
At Total Impact, we believe people of all ages should be able to defend themselves against any type of bullying, aggression, or violence. Hence, we offer a range of self-defense programs for all age groups: children, teens, and adults. For teens specifically, we offer Junior MMA & Kickboxing classes! Our Junior MMA classes are designed for ages 12-17 years old, perfect for middle school and high school students.
As parents, we worry about our kids all the time – no matter how old they may be. The best way you can protect your teen is by setting them up for success with lifelong skills learned in our dojo.
Click below to watch our teens in ACTION!
Hear from one of our Total Impact parents about their child’s awesome experience at our dojo:
“My son tried 3 different martial arts places. He did not feel comfortable in any of them. Then we found “Total Impact” and he really enjoys it. He’s been there for about 4 years now. The instructors are great and really focus on each student and their performance. I highly recommend this place. In my personal opinion, Total Impact will have a positive “Impact” whether you are young or old. Our goal is to make it to a black belt.”
Click here to read more 5-star reviews on Google!
Is your child being bullied? Were they cut from the school sports team? Or maybe they struggle with self-worth. Whatever your family’s specific challenge may be, our professional instructors are ready to help every student THRIVE.
Empower your teen with confidence, self-esteem, and perseverance by enrolling them in classes at Total Impact Martial Arts!
Call (224) 248-8692 or send us an email today.
Total Impact Martial Arts offers karate, kickboxing, self-defense, and MMA programs to individuals of all ages throughout Chicagoland including Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Wheeling, and surrounding areas.
Teen Self-Defense Classes
Empower your kids to stand up for themselves with self-defense at Total Impact!
