| In this continuing series, let's address more issues and | | | | teach more of one technique such as: punching, |
| frequently asked questions that concern parents who | | | | kicking, joint locks, sweeps, and throws. |
| seek to enroll their child in a martial arts program. The | | | | At our wellness center in North Providence, Rhode |
| first question in this part is possibly the most | | | | Island, we teach all of those aspects, and we also |
| important one of all. | | | | teach self-defense through communication. For |
| How do I find the right martial arts teacher for my | | | | example: Wouldn't it be better to prevent a physical |
| kids? | | | | conflict by talking it out? If a child is fully capable of |
| You will know when you have a face-to-face | | | | defending himself or herself, why should he or she |
| meeting and observe him or her teach a martial arts | | | | pursue a physical fight? |
| class. The chemistry between a prospective martial | | | | As adults, we know that the diplomatic approach to |
| arts teacher and you should be good. | | | | a physical conflict will not always work, but it is worth |
| After all, your child is supposed to learn courtesy, | | | | a try. Our children need to look at social skills, |
| respect, self-discipline, goal setting, and many more | | | | awareness, and courtesy as survival tools. Whether |
| life skills from his or her martial arts instructor. If the | | | | they are walking down a street, or entering the |
| martial arts teacher you are considering displays none | | | | workplace, these skills are extremely important. |
| of the above-mentioned qualities, please continue to | | | | Know your goals and your child's needs. Please make |
| shop around. | | | | sure your reasons for enrolling your son or daughter |
| It makes no difference if your child is learning Karate, | | | | in martial arts classes are sound. Martial arts for your |
| Jujitsu, Aikido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, or Kung Fu, when | | | | child, is his or her personal endeavor. You can share in |
| the teacher is not a good role model. You don't need | | | | the feeling of accomplishment by being supportive |
| to expose your children to hazards or questionable | | | | and watch them grow to be successful. Success is |
| characters in order for them to learn martial arts. The | | | | one of the most important gifts we can give to our |
| martial arts school philosophy, and the instructors, | | | | children. |
| should meet your standard - never settle for less. | | | | The ideal martial arts instructor should have |
| Are you looking for discipline, academic improvement, | | | | knowledge of sports medicine and CPR training. This |
| life skills, tournament competition, self-defense, or a | | | | may be one of the reasons why serious injuries are |
| positive activity? Martial arts studios are not created | | | | rare. Make sure that the safety of each child is a |
| equally. A life skills school may not meet the needs of | | | | priority with the martial arts school you choose. |
| a competitive parent or child. A "tournament school" | | | | Some parents may feel I play it too safe within a |
| that teaches Sport Karate, Sport Jujitsu, or enters | | | | karate class, but they have not seen a child knocked |
| many competitions, may be lacking in life skills and so | | | | unconscious, a broken nose, or loss of blood, in my |
| forth. | | | | school. When I was a Sport Karate coach, referee, |
| This is not meant to take away the value of any | | | | and judge, I saw all of those things in tournaments, |
| aspect in martial arts training, but to make you, as a | | | | and children were all wearing protective equipment. |
| parent, aware that the emphasis will be different | | | | Therefore, safety precautions are a very important |
| from one type of school to another. Also, the | | | | factor, when deciding which martial arts school you |
| self-defense aspect will be taught differently within | | | | should choose for your child. |
| each martial arts school. Some martial arts schools | | | | |