Will Martial Arts Help My Child? Kids Martial Arts Benefits

Martial arts can help children in some ways, but results vary from study to study. In a 2022 trial of 240 children aged 7 to 11, an 11-week taekwondo course led to better teacher-rated attentional control and fewer conduct problems, while several other measures showed no effect. Like other physical activity, martial arts also counts toward the CDC's goal of 60 minutes of activity a day for children.

What does research say about martial arts for kids?

2022 trial, United Kingdom (taekwondo, 240 children aged 7 to 11, 11 weeks). Teachers rated children in the taekwondo group as having fewer conduct problems and better attentional control, and they did better on a flanker attention task. No effect was found for teacher-rated inhibitory control, impulsivity or prosocial behavior, or for tests of response inhibition, working memory and switching.
2026 trial, China (taekwondo, 40 children aged 7 to 8, 8 weeks). Compared with regular physical education, the program improved attention stability and attention shifting, but not attentional breadth.
2011 review in Science. The authors list martial arts among several activities shown to improve children's executive functions, along with aerobics, yoga, mindfulness and others.
2026 review on aggression. Across 11 studies, the evidence did not show a consistent effect of martial arts programs on aggressive behavior.

These studies were on taekwondo or several martial arts together, not Kumdo, so the results may not carry over.

What does the CDC say about activity for kids?

Children and teens aged 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
At least 3 days a week should include vigorous activity.
One session of moderate-to-vigorous activity brings an immediate benefit of improved thinking for children aged 6 to 13.

What does Kumdo add for children?

Clear goals: under the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, children under 12 start at 9th geup and can earn junior dan ranks from age 9.
Courtesy: the association's etiquette guide says Kumdo begins and ends with courtesy, and its first stated purpose of Kumdo is courtesy.
Protective gear: sparring is done in hogu armor that covers the head and face, wrists, chest and body, and waist.

FAQ

Is martial arts good for kids with anger issues?

A 2026 review of 11 studies did not find a consistent effect of martial arts programs on aggressive behavior.

What age can my child start Kumdo?

At US Hwa Rang Kwan, classes are for students 7 years and older. See When Should a Child Start Martial Arts?

Kumdo for kids near Washington, DC

US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo teaches kids, teens and adults (ages 7 and up) in Chantilly, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland. New students at the Chantilly, VA dojang can start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99. For Ellicott City, please contact us before you visit.