In today’s fast-paced world, helping kids and teens develop a strong sense of self-worth is more important than ever. At Smith’s Martial Arts, we believe that self-respect is one of the most powerful skills a child can learn—and martial arts is the perfect place to build it.

Here’s how training on the mat leads to confidence, discipline, and lifelong self-respect.

In the world of martial arts, the term "forms" refers to structured sequences of movements that practitioners learn and practice. Often called “kata” in traditional disciplines like karate, or “hyung” in taekwondo, these forms are much more than mere routines. They are foundational elements that serve a variety of purposes, enhancing both the physical and mental aspects of martial arts training. Here’s why learning forms is vital for martial artists of all levels.