Balancing Life, Stress, and Kung Fu for Teens
For many teenagers, balancing school, homework, and life can be a lot to handle. But for one of AAMA’s teenage instructors, Kung Fu for teens has been a constant source of strength, confidence, and stress relief throughout the years.
This young instructor started his Kung Fu journey at just three and a half years old, progressing from the Little Dragons program to earning a black sash in the adult class. Now, 16 years later, he’s a second-degree black sash, working toward his third-degree test.
Reflecting on how Kung Fu for teens shaped him, he shared, “I don’t remember much about who I was before Kung Fu, but I can imagine what I’d be like without it. It probably wouldn’t have been great. Kung Fu helped me grow into a much more respectful, confident person.”
Gaining Confidence Through Challenges
While he admitted to being shy at the start of his training, years of practice and teaching have helped him grow into a confident leader. “I used to be so quiet I could barely raise my voice,” he said. “Now I’m comfortable talking to people of all ages and handling different situations. Teaching has played a huge role in that.”
This is one of the many benefits of Kung Fu for teens—it’s not just about physical skills but also about building confidence and communication.
Kung Fu as Stress Relief
When life gets stressful—whether it’s school, homework, or something else—Kung Fu for teens provides a release. “It’s kind of a good way to lift the load off my shoulders,” he explained. “Punching a bag, sparring, even practicing stances—it all helps me relax.”
Advice for New Students
As a teacher, he emphasizes two key things for beginners:
- Try your hardest: Effort is more important than perfection.
- Ask questions: “As a teacher, I’ll never get mad at you for asking questions. The more you ask, the more you learn.”
He also encourages students to embrace the harder parts of training. “If you only do easy things, life will be hard. But if you’re willing to do hard things, life becomes easier. That’s the kind of mindset that makes a great student.”
Lessons Beyond the Mat
What makes Kung Fu for teens unique is its ability to teach lessons that extend far beyond self-defense. “Nearly everything you learn here applies to life,” he said. “Balance isn’t just physical—it’s metaphorical. The lessons we get in Kung Fu, like the message of the week, stick with you and can guide you wherever you go.”
His journey serves as a powerful reminder of how Kung Fu for teens can shape character, build confidence, and provide tools to handle whatever life throws your way.
If you’d like to help your teen find new ways to manage stress, get registered for a free week to see if it’s a good fit. Click here and fill in the blanks to get started.
