Learning martial arts such as karate, taekwondo can have both physical and mental benefits for your child, but it’s also important to have some considerations to ensure that your child will learn and develop from martial arts training. If you’re thinking of enrolling your child in a kid’ martial arts, here are five things to consider as you look for a martial arts school that’s right for your child.
1. Know your goals in enrolling your kid in martial arts lessons.
Before you enroll your kid in karate lessons, ask yourself what you want them to accomplish and get from the karate class. Whether you want your child to learn self-defense, develop self-confidence, or instill in them a sense of discipline, your purpose and intention in enrolling them in an academy of martial arts will affect which type of martial arts is the best fit for them.
Traditional martial arts may require patience and endurance when learning various stances, which means that these can be challenging for young children. Mixed martial arts classes involving grappling and wrestling, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay-Thai, will develop their agility, flexibility, and strength.
2. The martial arts instructor is more important than the martial arts style.
It’s difficult to choose which style of martial arts to sign up for when you’re not familiar with various martial arts styles. Rather than picking a style without a reliable basis for that choice, look for a martial arts academy with experienced coaches and instructors.
An instructor who was trained and competed in various styles of martial arts and mixed martial arts can bring in new perspectives and insights from their experiences that will help your child get more out of their martial arts classes, no matter which style they choose. If you want your kid to immerse in karate training, it’s best to receive martial arts instruction from a sensei or teacher with a karate black belt, or similar distinctions for other martial arts.
3. Choose your martial arts academy carefully.
Aside from the instructors, make sure to evaluate the martial arts academy itself. The facilities as well as their peers will have an impact on their learning experience, so make sure to choose martial arts schools that can provide a safe learning environment for your child.
Take advantage of opportunities to observe kids’ classes to see how the students interact with the instructors and with their peers. Your priority should always be to find a place where your child is comfortable to learn so that they’ll be looking forward to their classes in the martial arts academy.
4. Instilling discipline and perseverance takes time.
One of the benefits of enrolling your kid in a martial arts class is that it promotes self-control and discipline. However, don’t expect to get results right away! It takes time to instill discipline and build confidence, but with every class, your child will learn the value of persevering and self-discipline.
As they follow instructions and learn various stances, maneuvers, and techniques from their instructors, it will improve your child’s focus. Gaining the experience to put these skills to use during sparring or practice sessions will also develop a positive attitude that’ll help them push through and persevere. The best thing you can do as a parent is to support them in their endeavors as they learn more about martial arts.
5. Give them time to practice at home.
Lastly, be ready to practice with them at home! Just like with any other sport, your kid needs practice if they want to improve their skills. Give them time to practice at least once or twice a week at home, and be willing to spar and practice with them if they want. Not only will this help them stay healthy and improve their physical fitness, but it will also allow you to spend time with your child while doing something that they love.
Enroll with us at Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy!
Whether you want to develop your child’s athletic skills, teach them self-defense, or instill a sense of discipline, our competitive training center at Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy can cater to your needs. Our school offers martial arts classes for all ages, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, wrestling, kickboxing, and even private one-to-one sessions. Contact us and start your kid’s martial arts journey today!