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