Choosing
The Right Martial Arts Instructor
Teacher For Your Kids
The most
common mistake that parents make when enrolling their kids into martial
arts classes is choosing the wrong instructor. You can select an
inappropriate style for your child (for example, karate versus aikido)
and make a change later. But, the wrong trainer can stifle the
excitement a young person feels for learning the martial arts. What's
worse, a bad teacher can unwittingly discourage their participation. It
is not enough that a teacher has a black belt; proficiency in the
various styles does not suggest competence in training children.
In this article, we'll discuss four factors that every parent should
consider before choosing a martial arts instructor for their kids. Each
factor requires asking questions and observing classes. You'll need to
uncover the trainer's philosophy as well as their style of training and
the regimen they follow. You should also consider your child's comfort
level with the trainer and their approach to safety issues.
Philosophy
Every dojo has a guiding philosophy and they vary by facility. Some
academies emphasize self-defense and may teach an aggressive response
to hostile situations. Other schools stress personal
growth, physical
and mental discipline, and cultivating respect for others. The school
that you choose for your children should encourage principles that are
consistent with the values you want them to learn. While most teachers
will conduct their classes under the dojo's philosophy, you should ask
in order to be certain.
Training Style
Every martial arts instructor will have their own style of training
kids. Some styles may be inappropriate. For example, a trainer might be
verbally abusive if a child makes mistakes or otherwise fails to
perform. Some instructors will merely explain moves rather than
demonstrating them. Still others will overcompensate for their
students' age and speak in a manner that is more appropriate for
smaller children.
The problem is that a child's appetite to learn the martial arts must
be nurtured in the right way. If an instructor's training style fails
to do so, that child can often become discouraged. Eventually, they'll
lose interest.
Level
Of Comfort
Allowing your son or daughter to meet the teacher before enrolling them
into martial arts classes is critical. The dojo's trainer might be
proficient and use an encouraging training style, but your child can
still feel uncomfortable in his company. Eventually, that lack of
comfort will affect how much they get out of the classes. Visit the
dojo with your son or daughter and encourage them to ask the instructor
questions about the training. That exposure will help them gain
familiarity with the teacher.
Safety
Of course, ensuring your child's safety is the most important factor
when choosing a martial arts instructor. You might be surprised by the
differences between trainers. Some teach children to break wooden
boards with their limbs. Keep in mind that young people's bones are
still growing; board-breaking might pose a problem. Other teachers
routinely encourage their students to "shake it off" in the event
they're injured. While that might be appropriate in circumstances where
a child simply wants attention, the teacher must be able to identify
when a real emergency exists.
You'll need to observe a few classes in order to truly understand a
teacher's approach to safety issues. Take note of how they treat
children who claim to be injured. They should use a balanced approach
that is neither too dismissive nor overly protective.
Long-Term
Instruction
Philosophy, training style, level of comfort, and approach to safety...
each factor is critical to ensuring that your child gets as much out of
his or her martial arts classes as possible. These factors play an
enormous role in kids' physical and mental development during training.
The teacher who provides the right balance often establishes a bond
with students that becomes an integral component of their progress.
One of the challenges of finding a great instructor is knowing that
they'll teach at the dojo long-term. Smaller academies typically offer
trainers who have been there for years; some are even owners. Larger
schools may experience higher turnover. Keep that in mind while you're
visiting different studios with your child.
Kids martial arts
classes often serve as the springboard for a lifelong
pursuit. The instructor that you choose in the beginning can play an
important part in encouraging that pursuit.
About
the Author
The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient art of Wado-Ryu Karate with
modern teaching methods in a convenient Denver
dojo. More information can be found at http://www.thedojoofkarate.com
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