I WAS introduced to martial arts at an early age. As a seven year old, I remember being granted my first ever red belt. Unsurprisingly I was over the moon. From that first grading I stuck to training every week without fail, learning new moves, sparring techniques and going through intense workouts. I knew that when it was time for my next grading, I would be at my best to aim for my new belt. The important point being, I did my best to achieve goals I had set myself, a skill that has stood me the test of time in every aspect of my life. Fast forward to the present day and I am coaching Muay Thai to the next generation at Everyday Athlete Gym, passing down my own experiences and helping the kids create their own – a job which I love.

The grading systems practised by martial arts are great as they help set goals for each child to one day achieve. They also teach them that discipline and patience are just as important, if not more, than the end target. Showing the kids what can be achieved by hard work is a great start to not only encouraging them to work towards their goals, but keeping that drive for the rest of their life. Being able to set a goal, and stick to it, takes time and effort. They are able to learn from a very young age that achievements don’t just happen overnight and that it takes hard graft, sweat and time. This is a transferable skill that children will carry with them into adulthood.

I understand the importance that martial arts play in the enhancement of physical and mental development in children, and in an age dominated by the internet, this point has become increasing relevant. The sedentary lifestyle of today’s society is having a knock-on effect not only in a physical capacity but also in a mental capacity. A major aspect of this is our growing relationship with technology, specifically social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. The Royal Society for Public Health and Young Health Movement recently released a report claiming that “social media may be fuelling a mental health crisis” in young people. It noted that Instagram was rated one of the worst social media platforms when it comes to young people's mental health and wellbeing, driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. This is why sporting activities such as Muay Thai are so important in teaching our children how to work towards something over a period of time, thus boosting their self-esteem and awareness of not only their physical health but also their mental health. After all, respect, patience and hard work are essential parts of all martial arts training, not only Muay Thai.

Additionally, a key component of my Muay Thai class revolves around the development of the kids social skills. Activities that help boost your child’s socialisation skills with others who have common interests, will make it both easier for them to feel comfortable starting a new sport and making new friends at the same time. This not only improves their martial art skills but it encourages them to talk to each other to work together on new techniques. At Everyday Athlete Gym, I have been teaching kids from five years old up to 14 years. Even though there is a huge age gap, they have become the best of friends inside and outside the gym. They travel to support each other when they are competing around the country and celebrate each other's birthdays.

From my experience, the number one reason kids should take up a martial art is to get them active. Increased physical activity encourages deeper sleeps, a brighter and more even mood, increased focus and organisation, and an increase in endorphins. The ability to tolerate stress improves, making it easier for them to cope with the demands of life. You don’t have to be an athlete to take up a martial art like Muay Thai, all it takes is for a child to come to class and give it a shot. Still to this day I stick with the same techniques I was taught: train hard, listen and be respectful, things I teach to the kids in my classes every week. That’s what martial arts has been to me and that’s something that should be instilled in children from a young age.

Everyday Athlete gym is located in the heart of Glasgow and provides a unique, fun training environment geared towards helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. Unit 18B 100 Borron Street, Glasgow, G49XG; www.everydayathletegym.com