Across Southampton, parents are looking for after-school activities that do more than just keep their children busy. They want something that builds confidence, develops focus, and creates healthy habits for life. That’s why so many families are turning to martial arts in Southampton, and at AG Martial Arts, we see every week how kickboxing and martial arts can shape children’s futures.
And it’s not just Southampton. Families in Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Adelstone, Wembley, and even Wareham are discovering the same benefits through our local clubs. From city centres to smaller towns, martial arts is making a long-term difference for kids and families.
One of the most noticeable long-term benefits of martial arts is the growth in confidence. Children who may be shy or hesitant at school find their voice in the dojo. A 2017 study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that martial arts training significantly improved self-esteem and reduced social anxiety in children.
At AG Martial Arts, we watch students progress from their very first white belt to advanced levels, each milestone boosting their self-belief. This newfound confidence doesn’t disappear when class ends—it follows them into school, friendships, and later life.
With phones, tablets, and gaming consoles competing for children’s attention, many parents worry about screen time and concentration. Martial arts provides the perfect solution. Every class is structured around listening, following instructions, and practising techniques.
Research from Frontiers in Psychology (2019) shows that martial arts training improves executive functions like attention span and self-control. Parents in Portsmouth and Bournemouth often tell us that since starting martial arts, their children complete homework more easily and stay focused in class.
Childhood is the best time to establish healthy habits. Martial arts is a full-body workout, combining cardio, strength, balance, and coordination. Unlike some sports, it doesn’t matter if a child is the fastest or strongest—martial arts celebrates individual progress, making it inclusive for all.
A 2020 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlighted that children who develop exercise habits before age 12 are far more likely to stay active into adulthood. By enrolling in kickboxing in Southampton or one of our other locations, parents are setting their children up for long-term health.
AG Martial Arts is more than just a club—it’s a family. In Adelstone, Wembley, and Wareham, our classes bring together children and parents from different backgrounds, all sharing the same journey. Kids train with partners, encourage each other, and learn respect as a central value.
For many families, martial arts provides not just fitness and discipline, but also a social circle. Parents tell us their children have made lifelong friends through training, and many families enjoy attending events and gradings together.
While sports like football and dance are great, martial arts offers something unique: a balance of physical activity and personal development. In martial arts, children don’t just play a game—they set goals, track progress, and learn life lessons about respect, perseverance, and self-belief.
That’s why families across Southampton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth are choosing martial arts over traditional after-school clubs. It’s an investment not just in fitness, but in character.
One parent in Portsmouth shared how their son, once reluctant to try new things, now approaches challenges at school with excitement after just six months of martial arts. Another family in Bournemouth told us their daughter’s confidence improved so much that she volunteered for school assemblies—a huge step for her.
These success stories are common across all our locations, from Wembley to Wareham, proving that the benefits of martial arts are both immediate and long-lasting.
With clubs in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Adelstone, Wembley, and Wareham, AG Martial Arts is one of the UK’s leading family-focused martial arts organisations. Our classes are designed to nurture children in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
The lessons children learn in martial arts don’t just stay on the mats—they carry through to school, home, and life. Confidence, focus, discipline, and fitness are gifts that last a lifetime.
Book a free trial class at AG Martial Arts today in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Adelstone, Wembley, or Wareham. Give your child the chance to thrive—inside and outside the dojo.