Karate Video Games

What are some good video games that are active exercise?

I want some fun sports games that use real rackets, etc., that can teach sports skills and keep active 11 year old and 5 year old boys when they can't play outside. Tennis, Karate, Soccer, fishing, shooting, football, basketball--maybe even music and dancing for mom to get fit? Either plug into TV or what kind of gaming system?

The best two choices are either the PlayStation 2 or the Nintendo Wii.

The PS2 has the Eye Toy, witch is a camera that shows you on the screen and allows you to interact with the image and it has an exercise game called Kinetic. The PS2 also has the game Dance Dance Revolution which has a mat that you put on the floor and dance on by stepping on the arrows that are shown on the screen to the beat of the music.

The second choice and my favorite is the Wii. It comes packaged with the game Wii Sports and it has 5 games including:

Tennis
Boxing
Golf
Bowling
Baseball

You play them by using the Motion detecting controller. For example in baseball to bat you actually stand up and swing the controller like a bat (boxing is especially good for exercise). The other good part about the Wii is that early next year a game called Wii Fit is coming out which is probably exactly what you are looking for (you can read more about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Fit ).

The Wii is a much newer game system so it will cost a little more than the PS2. But unlike the PS2 the Wii comes packaged with pretty much every thing you need so ultimately the prices will be pretty close.

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Why Should I Choose Martial Arts For My Child?

Parents may choose to enroll their children in a martial arts program for a number of different reasons. Martial arts can provide a safe and healthy outlet for children. It offers them the opportunity for highly important physical exercise. In addition it teaches them skills and lessons that will prove valuable throughout their entire life.

Obesity in the United States has reached an all time high level. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007-2008 indicates that an estimated 17 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 are categorized as obese. This means that they have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, of 30 or higher.

The increasing popularity of video games, computer networking websites, and other electronic advancements has created a society which does not encourage physical fitness the same way that it once did. Playing outside with friends, running around, and engaging in sporting activities have been replaced with Nintendo, iPod, and laptops.

Enrolling a child in Taekwondo, Karate, or Kung Fu can provide them with the opportunity and desire to engage in physical activity which can lead to healthier bodies and minds. Parents may also choose to enroll their children in a martial arts program for the affect it can have on their child's sense of confidence and well being. Martial arts life skills that are taught, developed, and encouraged include many skills. These include things such as respect, self esteem, integrity, confidence, perseverance, loyalty, self control, courtesy, and confidence.

Kids are encouraged to set personal goals for themselves, both in and out of class, and are given the tools necessary to help them achieve those goals. Another reason to enroll a child in mixed martial arts is the sense of security instilled in the parents and child that comes with knowing that the child has been taught the basics of self defense. The world is an increasingly dangerous and predatory place and even the slightest level of self defense training can help a child escape from a potentially dangerous situation.

Self restraint is an important trait that is focused upon to ensure that children do not use their skills for the wrong reasons, but also to let them know how and when they should rely upon their training. Martial arts training can have a positive impact on all aspects of a child's life. In addition to helping them maintain physical fitness, they are also exposed to new social settings and given the opportunity to make new friends with people from varying backgrounds.

A healthy and confident child generally exhibits more positive behavior in school and at home than an unfit child lacking in confidence. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. An increase in attentiveness can help a child to succeed in school and excel later in life.

The rewards from enrollment in a martial arts program can be immense and long lasting. The physical well being, mental health and confidence learned while studying martial arts will likely stay with a child long after their classes stop.

About the Author

Richmond Traditional Martial Arts provides
Hanover VA Martial Arts
training that will not only strengthen the body but also enhance mental stamina and confidence. If you're in Hanover or Richmond VA and are interested in karate or ju jitsu give us a call.