The Benefits — and Unknown Potential — of Martial Arts Over Other Activities

Over the years, I’ve had parents pull their children from our martial arts program for all kinds of reasons.
Some wanted to try other activities. Some children became temporarily disinterested. Other parents simply treated martial arts as a seasonal activity, and when soccer season rolled around, they pulled them out.

I always try to share the benefits of keeping their kids in classes, even if it’s just once a week during those seasons. What many don’t realize is how martial arts doesn’t compete with other activities…it enhances them. It gives kids an edge on the field, on stage, in the classroom, and everywhere else.




​The Lost Potential We May Never See

Recently, one of our students left because their parent decided to pull them out. This student genuinely enjoyed martial arts and had so much untapped potential.

Now, will this child go on to live a good life without martial arts? Of course. They’ll probably be just fine.

But, what if?

What if the confidence and self-esteem they built here gave them the courage to audition for band, try out for dance, or apply to one of the top performing arts schools in the country? What if that led them to become a top graduate and the next award-winning choreographer behind a major production?

We can’t predict exactly what will happen for each child. But we know the potential, because we’ve seen it time and again.


I’m Living Proof of What’s Possible

I know firsthand the power of martial arts. I grew up on the rough streets of Detroit, where the odds were stacked against me. But martial arts gave me confidence, discipline, and resilience.

It helped me rise to become a senior enlisted leader in the U.S. Air Force, work for a Fortune 500 company, start my own business, and even appear on a major network docuseries. More importantly, it’s allowed me to mentor and inspire thousands of children and adults over the years through the incredible vehicle of martial arts.


How Other Sports Help — But differently

Make no mistake, I believe most sports and recreational activities offer tremendous value:

• Team sports build teamwork and social skills.
• Individual sports hone personal discipline and focus.
• Dance, cheer, gymnastics develop physical coordination and artistic expression.
• Strength training and running build grit and endurance.

All of these are excellent, but they each focus on a slice of growth.


Why Martial Arts is Different — and More Complete

I’m admittedly biased toward martial arts, but only because I’ve seen, and personally lived the difference.

There’s simply no other activity that provides the same complete package of internal and external development.

Martial arts builds:

• Unshakeable confidence that spills into every area of life
• Emotional control and humility learned under real pressure
• Respect, courtesy, and responsibility as daily expectations
• Physical fitness, balance, coordination, and life-saving self-defense skills
• A powerful posture and presence that deters bullies and attracts opportunities

It’s not just another sport. It’s a character development journey.


A Final Thought — And An Invitation

If you’re a parent reading this, think about the long-term impact martial arts could have on your child, even alongside their other activities.

And if you’re local to us, know that our academy isn’t some strip-mall franchise chasing attendance numbers. We’re a private academy that specializes in personal development, teaching leadership, confidence, and resilience through martial arts.

If you want more for your child, more than just sports skills, more than just recreation, we’d be honored to help unlock their full potential.

Kinchen Martial Arts Academy
10308 Bailey Rd, Unit 420
Cornelius, NC 28031
wwwkinchenmartialarts.com

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