| There are many myths about martial arts training, | | | | should be some kind of matted floor available. Many |
| and the general public accepts some as fact. In the | | | | of the state-of-the-art martial arts schools have a |
| following article, I have outlined general guidelines, and | | | | floor surface specifically designed for martial arts. It |
| precautions, for parents who are considering enrolling | | | | makes no sense to have anyone throw a classmate |
| their child, or children, into martial arts. | | | | on a hard floor, with the type of flooring available, as |
| Below, I have listed some common issues and | | | | this can result in long-term injuries. |
| questions that parents often ask about martial arts | | | | Can parents watch Karate classes? |
| for their children. Also, you will be much more | | | | Let's put it this way, if you cannot watch your child |
| informed about the benefits of martial arts, the | | | | practice karate, or any other martial art, you should |
| structure with a martial arts school, and know what | | | | find another school. I can appreciate the fact that |
| to realistically expect. | | | | some martial arts instructors don't want to deal with |
| What should I be looking for in a martial arts school? | | | | interfering parents. This is the reason for rules and |
| Safety comes as a first priority for parents who | | | | signs. |
| seek martial arts instruction for their children. Here | | | | Remember the "hockey dad" incident? There are a |
| are a number of key factors to consider: | | | | few people who, through their own conduct, create |
| Is safety equipment used when children are | | | | rules for the rest of us. However, you are the parent |
| performing exercises and drills that require contact? | | | | and are entitled to see your child train in karate or |
| This is especially important when children are sparring | | | | any martial arts class. |
| in martial arts. In many martial arts schools, sparring | | | | Fire exits, fire extinguishers, and someone who |
| equipment is required, or the child cannot spar. The | | | | monitors visitors, as they enter a karate studio full of |
| number of injuries resulting from sparring in Karate, | | | | children, should be standard features. We have three |
| Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do is surprisingly low in | | | | fire exits and one main entrance, in our studio, but |
| comparison to many league sports. | | | | only one door is used for an entrance. Kids |
| Never the less, I once had a father pull his son out of | | | | understand security because they see the same |
| our martial arts school because he found a karate | | | | precautions in elementary school. |
| studio that would let his son "fight" without | | | | Also, watch out for poles in the middle of the room. |
| protective equipment. In our school, it is mandatory | | | | Adults will spot them, but an excited child in a karate |
| to wear martial arts equipment for the safety of the | | | | class may forget and end up crashing into one. Make |
| students. Sparring equipment has come a long way, | | | | sure that you feel secure about the studio, |
| so why not use it? | | | | surroundings, rules, and the staff before you make a |
| The flooring surface should match the martial art. If | | | | decision to have your child take martial arts classes. |
| take downs, sweeps, and throws are required, there | | | | |