Martial arts can be a great physical outlet for a teen who isn’t interested in popular team sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer. Starting martial arts doesn’t require any prior experience or a specific skill set. Further, students advance at their own pace and can enjoy the benefits of an individual sport and the camaraderie of group training.

• Conditioning. The martial arts are a great way to tone and strengthen your muscles. Throwing punches, kicking, and jumping are a fun way to stay fit.
• Flexibility and agility. Practicing martial arts increases flexibility and agility, thereby improving coordination skills.
• Posture. Good posture is beneficial for health and can make an individual look and feel better. Learning forms (poomsae) improves both posture and balance. 
• Weight. By burning calories and toning muscles, martial arts help teens maintain a healthy body weight. 
• Stamina. Since martial arts provide a full-body workout, training increases overall stamina and endurance.
• Mental health. In addition to improving physical fitness, martial arts can improve mental and emotional health. As teens learn self-defense moves, martial arts boost self-confidence, reduce stress, and help with concentration and focus.
• Set and Achieve Goals. The study of martial arts requires students to pursue goals on a regular basis. Each belt earned, represents goals achieved.
• Respect. Students treat their instructors and fellow students with respect at all times.
• Belonging. Because of the benefits of learning listed above, students may find it easier to meet people and make friends. Martial arts gives teenagers a place where they belong, building camaraderie and lasting friendships.