| Parents all over the country are becoming more | | | | character, and discipline. Not all programs are |
| and more interested in the benefits of enrolling | | | | created equal. Determine what your objective is, |
| their children in a high quality martial arts program. | | | | and then find the school that can help you get |
| Character development and physical fitness are | | | | there. |
| becoming more important now than ever before. | | | | Martial arts is not all about fighting. Some of the |
| This is especially true in the cities of | | | | true benefits of a good children's martial arts |
| Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania in | | | | program are: |
| Virginia. Before just running out and signing your | | | | Increased Confidence |
| child up for lessons there's a couple things you | | | | Greater Self Esteem |
| should know. If you follow the steps I've outlined | | | | Improved Motor Function |
| below; you'll save time, money, and a lot of | | | | Better Balance |
| frustration. | | | | Excellent Social Skills |
| First, not all martial arts programs are the same. | | | | Good Discipline |
| Look for a reputable program in your area and | | | | Improved Work Ethic |
| ask if you can bring your child in to observe a | | | | Learning Goal Setting |
| class. Most places won't mind. While you're | | | | Better Focus at school |
| watching the class, carefully observe the higher | | | | There are also many other benefits to training in |
| ranking students in the program. Are they acting | | | | the martial arts. Martial arts will make you more |
| the way you want your child to act? Do they | | | | flexible, stronger; you'll improve your coordination, |
| show respect for the teacher and other | | | | and build your cardiovascular system among other |
| students? How does the teacher interact with the | | | | things. Most importantly, your child will have a |
| students? These are all very important things. | | | | great time learning the actual art itself. |
| The higher ranking children should exemplify the | | | | What about style? There is no right or wrong |
| way you want your child to act. | | | | style. It's what you believe is important. If you're |
| Second, most martial arts schools offer a low risk | | | | looking for sport or self defense then style could |
| or free trial for new students to come | | | | be an important part of your selection process. If |
| experience the program before joining. This is a | | | | you're looking to give your 8 year old more |
| great way to get a "feel" for the school, the | | | | confidence, or getting them to stand up to the |
| instructor, and program before making any long | | | | school bully than I would focus less on the kicking |
| term commitments. | | | | and punching and more on the mental skills. There |
| Third, determine what you want out of the | | | | are so many different styles, systems, and |
| program. A parent looking for an activity between | | | | schools that you should have no problem finding a |
| football and soccer will need something different | | | | good one in your area. |
| than a parent really looking to develop confidence, | | | | |