As you may have heard, Kombat Arts will adding a new class to its schedule, taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6. It will be a Muay Thai class strictly for teens and pre-teens; the classes will be split into groups, one for ages 10-12 and another for ages 13-16. (Launch date for this class is forthcoming.) Why segregate the teens? Well, martial arts training has been shown to deliver a wide array of results -- there are the obvious physical benefits (weight loss, improved co-ordination, self-defense skills, etc.), but also mental benefits that are less tangible, and develop over time (increased confidence, lowered anxiety, discipline, etc.). Teens today face specific social, academic, and physical pressures that adults often forget about. A class devoted to these age groups means an even healthier environment for personal development through martial arts practice, and also helps foster an enjoyable, safe, and stable social atmosphere, rooted in respect and hard work, that students might not be experiencing at school. This week we'll spend some time looking at the specifics of training Muay Thai as a teen -- the mental and physical benefits and how they are linked, as well as the character-building aspects of martial practice that come from having qualified instructors and the right kind of training environment. First installment tomorrow.