If you're looking for a way to get your kids and spouse off the couch and into a healthier lifestyle, you should consider looking for a good martial arts dojo. There are many aspects of martial arts training that will recommend it to a family seeking to have some fun together and to stay in shape.

First, there is a wide variety to choose from and no matter what your family is looking for, you can probably find one with a philosophy that will suit you! If you wouldn't mind the members of your family being more assertive, consider taking classes in a martial art that competes. Tae Kwon Do, the Korean martial art, competes at all ages, and you can instill a sense of pride and achievement in your children no matter how they do at the tournaments. For a more gentle experience, consider a class that has no contact. In these classes the student's only competitor is himself or herself. Aikido is one martial art that often has classes where contact is minimal and the object is to escape from or immobilize your opponent as opposed to damaging them.

It's always more fun to work together! While most martial arts classes separate the children and the adults, you'll have plenty to talk about as you'll be learning the same techniques, just with varying degrees of intensity. One of the exercises you can bring home is stretching, which is valuable whenever you do it. Some stretches require two people and this can be a great way to take a few minutes and talk about what's been going on in your lives. In addition, stretching is good whether you've been sitting in class or hunched over a computer all day; it can prevent injuries and repetitive stress.

Martial arts are a great way to get fit, as well. No matter what you're looking for, whether it's more flexibility or more muscle or better coordination, you can find a class tailored to your needs. If you're more interested in a hard workout, look for the more intensive, competition-oriented martial arts, where you're lucky if you have any breath to stand with afterwards. An example of this might be capoeira, the Brazilian martial art. It is in your best interests to do some research into the martial art in question before you start; does it concentrate on the parts of the body that you're looking to work? Tae kwon do encourages strong legs, while jujitsu will help build stronger arms.

Martial arts are also great ways to improve mental health. They encourage focus and rational reactions. You will never find a martial art that promotes rash or ill-considered actions. This can be an excellent way for a child who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder or is just plain antsy to learn to concentrate.

Find a martial art that suits you and jump in! You won't regret it; it's a wonderful gift to present to both your family and yourself.