Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?
This is a question many parents ask when considering kids martial arts classes in Surrey, especially if their child already struggles with emotional regulation or frustration.
It’s a valid concern — but when martial arts is taught correctly, it usually has the opposite effect.
Aggression vs emotional control
Aggression in children often comes from:
• Frustration
• Low confidence
• Difficulty managing emotions
Martial arts doesn’t encourage aggression — it teaches control.
In our classes across Carshalton, Caterham, Ewell, North Cheam and Redhill, children are taught to:
• Pause before reacting
• Follow clear instructions
• Control their movements and emotions
These skills are practised repeatedly in a calm, structured setting.
Clear boundaries reduce aggressive behaviour
Martial arts classes have strong rules around behaviour.
Children quickly learn:
• There is no hitting out of anger
• Strength must be controlled
• Respect comes before technique
When boundaries are clear and consistently enforced, children feel safer and are less likely to act out.
Confidence creates calm
As children become more confident, they often feel less need to lash out.
Parents frequently notice that children who train in martial arts become:
• Calmer under pressure
• Better at handling disappointment
• More settled at home and school
Confidence and self-control tend to grow together.
Physical activity with purpose
Children need physical outlets — but not all physical activity teaches control.
Martial arts gives children:
• A structured way to release energy
• Clear rules about behaviour
• Guidance on when to move and when to stop
This balance helps children learn how to manage their energy positively.
The importance of the right environment
The culture of a martial arts school matters.
A healthy environment should feel:
• Supportive, not intimidating
• Calm, not chaotic
• Focused on personal growth
When those values are in place, martial arts becomes a tool for emotional development, not aggression.
So, will martial arts make my child more aggressive?
For most children, no.
For many families across Surrey, martial arts helps children become:
• More self-aware
• More confident
• Better at managing emotions
• More respectful toward others
If you’re unsure, observing a class can give you a clear sense of how behaviour is managed.