| *Please note: While this piece was written directed at | | | | not offer the protection where needed. As children |
| parents of youth members, adult students should | | | | advance in martial arts, the foot and hand gear will |
| keep all of the relevant safety points in mind. | | | | usually wear out before it can be outgrown. If the |
| Remember: Safety and vigilance are not 'things' to do. | | | | foot gear is a little large, consider wearing padded |
| They are constant states of mind.Occasionally, a | | | | insteps for a better fit. Be certain the fingers fit in |
| staff member or I will have a parent come to us | | | | the hand gears' finger tabs.Periodically check the |
| with something like: "This past year, my daughter | | | | equipment at all flex or stress points for wear; this is |
| grew six inches and gained 50 pounds. As a result, I | | | | any place the gear bends, flexes or has an air hole. If |
| had to buy protective gear twice. It's so expensive | | | | you have any questions about fit or wear, ask your |
| and she is heading for another growth spurt. Is all this | | | | child's instructor.Also, take advantage of the |
| martial arts safety equipment necessary?"The | | | | academy's sales and let friends and relatives know |
| answer, honestly, is Yes! You see, a lot more is | | | | during gift-giving holidays like birthdays and Christmas, |
| changing with your child than just height and weight. | | | | etc. if there is something they can order from the |
| We as parents and teachers easily notice the | | | | school that your son or daughter might need.It not |
| emotional and physical changes in children as they | | | | only helps you to keep your child's gear in top-notch |
| grow older, however, the mental and skeletal | | | | shape, but also shows your child that other members |
| changes we can't see are just as important and | | | | of the family, like grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. |
| unpredictable. During growth spurts, the bones are | | | | are just as involved and supportive of the training as |
| growing quicker than the muscles and tendons.Even | | | | you are.Also, to assist in preventing bone and muscle |
| as they reach their full height, their skeletal and | | | | injuries during growth spurts, be certain your child |
| muscular systems are not fully developed making | | | | warms-up and then stretches before any physical |
| them vulnerable to injury - not just in martial arts | | | | activity. Have them stop if stabbing pain occurs |
| training, but in many other sports and activities as | | | | (aching and burning is natural as the muscles are |
| well. During the growth spurts, your child will probably | | | | taken to greater ranges).Stabbing pain is not normal |
| be less coordinated until he or she adjusts to the | | | | and can cause serious injury. Train your child to avoid |
| physical change. This is normal, but can cause injuries | | | | continuous repetitious motions that can affect |
| if protective gear does not fit properly.Are you | | | | growth development. Call your health care provider |
| considering buying a larger size so it lasts | | | | with any questions or concerns you may have.Above |
| longer?Please keep in mind that mouth guards are | | | | all, be mindfully aware of safety and the steps |
| relatively inexpensive, especially considering the | | | | needed to protect your most precious assets - the |
| protection they offer. Make sure they fit properly | | | | lives of yourself and those you love!Read more |
| and replace them with new ones as needed. Head | | | | articles like this by subscribing to the author's |
| gear should always fit properly. Tight head gear may | | | | newsletter at: Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and |
| cause headaches, but loose head gear my slip and | | | | master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. |
| blind a child momentarily from an oncoming punch or | | | | |