Parents in Forsyth say focus, control and self-defense training are helping their children grow
FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Many parents are turning to martial arts as an outlet to help their kids grow and develop. At OKS Martial Arts and Fitness, instructors say the impact reaches far beyond physical training.
Owner Michael Brewster says when many children first walk through the doors, they are shy and looking for ways to build confidence.
“Usually when they first come in, I’d say 80% of kids are definitely shyer, looking for more confidence, looking for more public speaking, eye contact, how to shake hands, that kind of thing,” he said. “And over time, I think of course the confidence that develops from board breaking, earning different belts, ranks, stripes and doing perseverance. We do all kinds of different things. Their confidence just blossoms, like every single kid.”
According to Brewster, the top three reasons parents enroll their children in classes are focus, control and self-defense. He says students are taught practical techniques that are age appropriate while still preparing them for real-world situations if they ever run into trouble.
One parent says he has seen that growth firsthand. Jeff Estrada says his son has been taking classes for a few years and the change has been noticeable.
“His confidence level, we’ve noticed like a quiet growth in him like I’ve never seen before,” he said. “And I’m really happy that locally we have a place like this, because I got to see his development inside out.”
Brewster says their overall mission is centered on strengthening both the mind and body through martial arts.
“So our mission is to improve lives through martial arts for the community, making people stronger and healthier and better and everything like that, so that’s not only mental health, but physical health as well,” he said.
OKS Martial Arts and Fitness has locations in Forsyth and Macon.
