10 Things You Must Know
Before Choosing A Martial Arts Program For Your Child
1.
Talk to parents who have their children enrolled in the program you are considering. Get their honest opinion on what they have experienced.
Talk to parents who have their children enrolled in the program you are considering. Get their honest opinion on what they have experienced.2.Watch a class. See for yourself how the instructor interacts with the children. Look for an environment of encouragement and inspiration. This is not the military. And kids will not flourish if they are talked down to.
Watch a class. See for yourself how the instructor interacts with the children. Look for an environment of encouragement and inspiration. This is not the military. And kids will not flourish if they are talked down to.3.Observe the instructor. He/she should be friendly, approachable and willing to answer your questions ad address your concerns. WARNING: Some instructors have a “God complex” and think the universe revolves around them. The instructor is key to your child’s experience.
Observe the instructor. He/she should be friendly, approachable and willing to answer your questions ad address your concerns. WARNING: Some instructors have a “God complex” and think the universe revolves around them. The instructor is key to your child’s experience.4.Does the school have a solid character development curriculum? Many schools talk about how “martial arts builds character”, but how exactly do you do that?
Does the school have a solid character development curriculum? Many schools talk about how “martial arts builds character”, but how exactly do you do that?A structured, systematic, proven character development program that is age specific is essential.
5.Try before you buy. A quality martial arts academy will require a commitment on your part. To be sure you are making the right choice for your child, you should experience the program before you make your choice.
Try before you buy. A quality martial arts academy will require a commitment on your part. To be sure you are making the right choice for your child, you should experience the program before you make your choice.6. Look for hidden costs. There are schools out there that charge competitive monthly rates, then "nickel and dime" you to death with all sorts of hidden “mandatory” fees- special uniforms with each rank earned, equipment, association fees, etc. Find out in advance all other expenses that are involved.
7. Know what is expected when it comes to attendance. Remember, this is a children’s program. Often parents realize that they are expected to attend classes 3, 4, even 5 days a week. Or they are required to attend mandatory tournaments, even out of state! A couple of days a week is average for a children’s program. You don’t want to have to “live” at the martial arts studio. You and your child will quickly get “burned out” under those conditions.
8. Be aware of the “belt factory” mindset. These are the schools that rush their students through levels too quickly so that they can charge more test fees and sell new uniforms, required equipment, etc. The average time to test for each level should be 3-4 months. The average time it takes to earn a Black Belt should be 3-4 years. Anything less than that would make me question the quality of the rank earned (or, if it was “earned” at all). Remember, this is not a race.
9. Convenient Location. Location is important because you will be making the trip to classes a couple of times per week. The school should be accessible even during busy traffic times. I must add here, that it would be worth the time and effort to travel a little farther if you find the academy that is just right for your child.
10. Make sure your child is learning real self defense skills. A quality martial arts program is not just learning yelling, punching, and kicking. You don’t want your child to have a false sense of ability. By the time your child reaches intermediate and advanced levels, they should have a real ability, both mentally and physically, to handle themselves if the need arises.
