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When a parent is considering enrolling their child or children into a martial arts school, they have to consider both their motivation and the motivations of their child. In order for a child to learn to love and stick with martial arts training over a long period of time, they have to share common goals with their parents, and most of all,the parents and child all have to enjoy it. If a parent's goals aren't being met, then they may feel they aren't getting their money's worth.
If a child's goals are not being met, then they will feel like they are being forced to train, and will never give 100%. The following are some
of the most common reasons given for joining a children's martial arts class. Consider why you want your child to train, and have a talk with
your child about whether they really are interested in classes, and what they hope to learn or do in class.
Physical Fitness
Just like with adults, one of the most common reasons for enrolling a child into a martial arts class is fitness. Childhood obesity rates are climbing, and more and more
children are spending a lot more time in front of the television,
playing video games and using a computer. However, even among more
active children, martial arts is still attractive since it is seen as a
very good source of exercise that also teaches skills. Martial arts can
help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength
and overall energy levels.
Life Skills
Another popular reason for enrolling children in the martial
arts is to develop "life skills". These skills include discipline, self
control, patience, confidence, courage etc. The idea with these classes
and this motivation is to reinforce what is already being taught at
home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to really
drive home the points you make at home in a very real way.
Self Defense
Self defense is the most obvious reason that should come to mind
when considering enrolling a child in the martial arts. The focus of a
good children's martial arts class, while still teaching self defense
movements, should be on conflict resolution, personal responsibility
and avoidance. In that respect, attending a good martial arts class
would benefit both the bully by teaching to respect others as well as
your own power, and the bullied, by teaching how to calm a situation or
defend oneself if need be.
Behavior Issues
Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children are
acting out in school and at home. This is tied in to the life skills
reason, but is very specific in what the desired outcome is,. These
parents are looking for help improving attention span, respect,
demeanor and self control. The structure of many martial arts classes
can greatly aid in these areas, however results will really vary and
depend on the relationship that is built between the child and the
instructor. If the instructor has a good method of communicating with
the child, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, is very
consistent, then the child can really get a lot of out martial arts
training.
Safe, after school activity
Many parents are just seeking a safe, wholesome, useful activity
for their child to occupy some of their free time. These parents don't
want their child to sit at home all evening, or want them to get
involved in something that makes them set and follow through on goals.
Martial arts training will certainly help in that respect. A good
martial arts school can become a second home for many children. The
relationships built between classmates and with an instructor can last
a lifetime and have a huge positive impact on a child's life
Whatever reasons you have for enrolling your child in a martial
arts class, be sure to discuss your goals with your child, and come to
an understanding that will make both of you happy. A one sided
arrangement in something with such a large investment of time, energy
and money really will not work out to anyone's benefit.
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