Question you may have
Why shouldn't my child just play football or rugby?
Because not every child enjoys team sports, for starters, and because martial arts teach much more than self-defence. Whereas sports such as football and netball concentrate on physical skills, martial arts emphasise mental skills such as concentration, self-awareness and memory. The mind-body discipline of studying martial arts addresses the short attention spans of today's children, even those diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.
How do I choose the right school and instructor?
It boils down to one question: Do you feel comfortable entrusting your child with the instructors? A good kids' instructor needs to have plenty of patience and should be both entertaining and in control of the group. Try talking to other parents of students about their experiences and--most important--visit the potential schools and watch classes at each one before enrolling your child. If the instructors won't let you watch, it's definitely the wrong school for children.
How old should my child be before I enrol them in a class?
While many martial arts schools have programs for children as young as four, for most it's probably best to wait until they are at least seven before enrolling them into their first class. If a younger child wants to try a martial art, fine but what you'll probably end up with is an expensive pair of pyjamas. In the end classes for under sevens are just glorified baby sitting which is not what the Lionhearts are all about. At this young age (4-6yrs) their attention span simply isn't long enough. Ask yourself can your child even stand on one foot for 5 second unaided? If not, he or she isn't ready.
What is the reason for you to enrol your child in a martial arts class?
When a parent is considering enrolling their child or children into a martial arts school, they have to consider both their motivation and the motivations of their child. In order for a child to learn to love and stick with martial arts training over a long period of time, they have to share common goals with their parents, and most of all, the parents and child all have to enjoy it. If a parent's goals aren't being met, then they may feel they aren't getting their money's worth. If a child's goals are not being met, then they will feel like they are being forced to train, and will never give 100%. The following are some of the most common reasons given for joining a children's martial arts class. Consider why you want your child to train, and have a talk with your child about whether they really are interested in classes, and what they hope to learn or do in class.
Physical Fitness
Just like with adults, one of the most common reasons for enrolling a child into a martial arts class is fitness. Childhood obesity rates are climbing, and more and more children are spending a lot more time in front of the television, playing video games and using a computer. However, even among more active children, martial arts is still attractive since it is seen as a very good source of exercise that also teaches skills. Martial arts can help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and overall energy levels.
Life Skills
Another popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop "life skills". These skills include discipline, self control, patience, confidence, courage etc. The idea with these classes and this motivation is to reinforce what is already being taught at home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to really drive home the points you make at home in a very real way.
Self Defence
Self defence is the most obvious reason that should come to mind when considering enrolling a child in the martial arts. The focus of a good children's martial arts class, while still teaching self defence movements, should be on conflict resolution, personal responsibility and avoidance. In that respect, attending a good martial arts class would benefit both the bully by teaching to respect others as well as your own power, and the bullied, by teaching how to calm a situation or defend oneself if need be.
Behaviour Issues
Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children are acting out in school and at home. This is tied in to the life skills reason, but is very specific in what the desired outcome is,. These parents are looking for help improving attention span, respect, demeanour and self control. The structure of many martial arts classes can greatly aid in these areas, however results will really vary and depend on the relationship that is built between the child and the instructor. If the instructor has a good method of communicating with the child, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, is very consistent, then the child can really get a lot of out martial arts training.
Safe, after school activity
Many parents are just seeking a safe, wholesome, useful activity for their child to occupy some of their free time. These parents don't want their child to sit at home all evening, or to play outside at all hours maybe mixing with the wrong crowd. They may want them to get involved in something that makes them set and follow through on goals all while having fun in a safe environment. Martial arts training will certainly help in that respect. A good martial arts school can become a second home for many children. The relationships built between classmates and with an instructor can last a lifetime and have a huge positive impact on a child's life
Whatever reasons you have for enrolling your child in a martial arts class, be sure to discuss your goals with your child, and come to an understanding that will make both of you happy. A one sided arrangement in something with such a large investment of time, energy and money really will not work out to anyone's benefit.