Five Tips to help your child in Martial Arts new
1) The 1 in 2 Rule: You should sit and watch a class approximately once every two weeks. First off, it will allow you to “see” progress since the last time you watched them. By watching them in class, it gives you information on their behavior and performance so you can aid them by correcting and reinforcing the lessons at home. Secondly, it’s actually good for you to NOT be there some. Children are often distracted. When there are multiple authority figures in the room (instructors and parents), it can detract from the lessons that are being taught.
2) Make them practice at home: It is necessary to practice at home. Class time is predominantly for instruction, correction, partner drills, and basic drill repetition. Students should facilitate those lessons by drilling the techniques at home and working on conditioning/flexibility. Carefully nudge them into 1 to 3 simple 30 minute training sessions at home per week.
3) Make it a habit not a hobby: Reinforce to your child that self defense and fitness is a necessity. If you focus on the sport or hobby aspects of martial arts, it is easy to fade. You MUST realize that this isn’t your typical “kid’s game.” Yes it is recreational. Yes it is for enjoyment. But unlike your standard sports/activities, it is improving the body AND imparting technical knowledge (and that takes time) that can be lifesaving.
4) Supplement their training to prevent burnout: Some people like the same thing over and over. For others, variety is the spice of life. At our gym, we offer Traditional Martial Arts, Sport Karate, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Mixed Martial Arts (currently all for one price). So if your child seems to be losing focus in one discipline, let them try another to spice up their training. You can also supplement their training by getting them involved in tournaments/competition or maybe join the demonstration team as they advance to higher rank. In addition, we offer private and semi-private training that may be more affordable than you may think.
5) Train with them: Years ago a child was about to test for his yellow belt. The father had been working with him at home. The child could not break the board. The dad went and asked the instructor what the child was doing wrong. The reply, “he’s not doing anything wrong. You’re holding the board wrong.” The dad then decided to sign up and take it with the child so he could appropriately help him. That child was me. Thirty years later, until his death, me and my father still did martial arts together. It was a memorable 30 years.
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