Kicks Screens Aside and Put Energy on Your Side

Screens are everywhere; they help us connect, learn, and stay entertained. At First Choice Martial Arts, we’re not anti-technology, but we are focused on something even more important: our students' development.

When kids spend too much time on devices, they miss out on two essential habits we like to call social and physical hygiene. These are just as important as brushing their teeth or taking a shower, and without them, kids can start to feel disconnected, unmotivated, and anxious.

Here’s why these habits matter, and how karate can help fill that gap. Kids thrive when they spend time face-to-face with others, learning to communicate, co-operate, and build confidence. In class, you might witness children engaging in healthy competition through partner drills or team exercises that build camaraderie. These challenges are designed to bring out the best in kids and help them push past their mental and physical limits, allowing them to succeed in things they may not have thought possible.

These shared moments of excitement release oxytocin, the brain’s bonding chemical, which helps kids feel more connected and supported. Think of it as giving your child a “social shower” that washes away anxiousness and strengthens their sense of belonging.

The other part of the equation is enhanced when endorphins enter the picture — the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemical. Kids leave class happier, calmer, and more confident than when they first arrived. Every rep is like brushing stress and anxiety away, making consistent attendance a crucial part of building confidence and mental well-being.

While screens will always be part of modern life, karate gives kids the balance they need: a place where they can unplug, move their bodies, build friendships, and grow confidence. These habits last far longer than a single lesson.

And remember if you are feeling down, you can always Kick Screens Aside and Put Energy on your Side!

Sensei Chris