Karate Kids- Children in the Martial Arts
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As a martial arts school owner in Pensacola, Florida I see first hand the wonderful changes that the study of Ryukyu Kempo Karate brings to our youngest students; as a matter of fact, I consider it one of my greatest blessings.
I meet the parents of prospective students literally every day (we are located in a high-traffic mall location) and the only real troubling question I get every so often is, “Will the martial arts make my child aggressive or dangerous?”
I’d like to respond with a simple and resounding “NO” but that might be an untruth.
You see, it is possible to train a child to be overly aggressive; I see it all the time, especially in the schools which value competition and winning tournaments above all else. You’ve seen these facilities; they amass trophies in the window and adorn their studios with pictures of children engaged in combative sports where overcoming your opponent is of the utmost importance. Ultimately, to lose is to fail here and the negative consequences of misplaced values and poor martial arts teaching appear very quickly.
Do you honestly believe that this is the right atmosphere for your child? Hopefully not.
Instead, quality martial arts instruction focuses on the values which are most desirable in our children: respect, self control, discipline, fitness and self confidence. Concerned instructors teach children in a manner that helps reinforce the efforts of parents and school teachers and will often involve them in the process of martial arts instruction. The product of this careful approach is a child who is more likely to stay out of trouble is focused on striving to reach his or her peak personal potential.
The most effective programs available today offer an innovative, age-specific children’s curriculum rather than lumping them in with the “adult class.” Experience has proven that by further breaking down kid’s classes into three individual age categories, trained instructors can more effectively address each age group’s very specific learning and developmental needs thus ensuring the absolute finest instruction available for your child.
This is the type of Karate class where your child will acquire the skills and character needed to become men and women of the highest caliber and integrity.
When searching for a quality school of martial arts, ask the head instructor the following questions:
“Do you offer age specific classes?”
“What ages are included in each class?”
“Do you have an established program developed specifically to teach children of differing age groups?”
“Can I watch a children’s class before signing up?”
“Do you train for tournaments during regularly scheduled classes?”
“Will my child be required to compete in tournaments or demonstrations for rank promotion?”
“Will I have to sign a contract? Why?” (Your child should be there because you approve of the instruction being offered not because you are financially obligated to be there.)
Then listen to your own intuition and remember that a martial arts studio is a place where a child should find peace, work hard and smile!
L. Scott Harrell, along with master instructor Doug Davis, owns Seikou Martial Arts Academy in Pensacola, Florida. “Success through Martial Arts” is more than a trademark; it is the foundation upon which we have developed our age-specific karate programs meeting the unique needs of children and adults. http://www.SeikouMartialArts.com
Scott is also a frequent contributor to the Parent Stress blog- a parent resource with articles, quotes, humor and expert advice important to raising your child today. http://www.ParentStress.com
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