Fewer, Bigger Kids?!

There are two interesting trends in America right now. First there is a significant increase in interest in the Martial Arts and Eastern philosophy. This increase is a boon for the industry and looks to be a sustainable trend. This is great news! So what is the second trend you are asking? Well I’ve given you the good news so you guessed it, the second trend is bad news. Since 1996 the number of kids eating deep-fried, fast food has more then doubled. Not only has the number of kids eating poorly increased but the frequency they eat poorly has increased as well. The overall body mass index (BMI) was not significantly different for boys who did eat out compared to those who did not, however, this is not conclusive as weight gain patterns often accumulate over time. America has an obesity problem so it is not shocking to see the problem exhibited in our children. What is surprising is the rate at which the problem behavior is increasing. Children who eat poorly suffer from a myriad of problems that only increase as they age. So what does this have to do with the Martial Arts?!

Set an example. Talk about nutrition in your classes, send information home with their parents. Learning the Martial Arts means adopting a way of life, those teachings extend well beyond the Dojo and training exercises. The Martial Arts is about respect, we cannot respect others if we don’t respect ourselves first. So talk to your students, adults and kids alike. With the same discipline they apply in the Dojo they can learn to eat and live a healthier life. Get just one student to make this change and you have created a roll-model for others too! Let the snowball effect have a positive effect for a change, make the change and begin nurturing the body you train so hard!
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