SENSEI SAYS ... How to Select a Martial Arts School for Your Kid In many circles, I am known as “Sensei” and karate master. I have taught martial arts to hundreds of police and civilians. I frequently get questions from others who know of my background asking me how to choose their child’s first dojo since mine are closed. Beyond my personal experience, studies on stress and anxiety disorders agree that martial arts can “increase the sense of security and confidence, develop the ability to control anger, self-control, self-discipline, or self-defense” and have a significant impact on psychological and physical well-being. I mentioned in our front page article that social media can make people feel farther apart, even if they’re nearby. The same is true between your child and your karate instructor. A karate school can have an amazing social media page, but that can really only tell you half the story. After decades of experience, from police academies to dojos, I think I can say there’s no better testament to your trust in an instructor than watching your child’s introductory lesson at three different locations at minimum. I believe the dynamics and positive interaction observed between your child and their instructor is telling. I’ll tell you a story. One time, a child and his mother were rushing into the dojo — his Gi (uniform) was a bit jacked up, and his belt wasn’t tied properly during the hurry. So, he gets in position and starts practicing with the class. In the middle of an exercise, his belt falls off. He looks at me, eye wide and terrified.
There’s another thing to keep in mind. Be wary of the schools in the business of “selling belts” and promotions all for the sake of money. Also be careful about a Sensei in their 20s or even 30s claiming to have a high degree or calling themselves “Master” when they have not been on the planet long enough to have earned such a rank and title. You want a school with a real black belt instructor who has a proven track record and is a leader of people. You want to choose a school wherein you or your child “earn” a promotion rather than them having an expectation of phony advancement just because they pay money. There is so much more I could add to this (and I will in future issues). I wish you best of luck on your child’s journey into martial arts! Tell us all about it the next time you’re in the office or shoot me an email. Remember the importance of earning a belt and the lifelong lesson that goes with it. At my dojos, those few who were promoted to black belt earned it. That was our culture. Even then, when I presented them with their degree black belt, imagine their confusion when I would say “Congratulations, you are now in first grade; you have only proven that you have the ability to learn, and now your real journey begins.” The path up the mountain is steep. If it is not steep, it is not a mountain. Now think about that and how it applies to life!
I gave him a typical Sensei scowl at first. Then, I relaxed, laughed, and said it’s okay.
Kids should feel motivated to learn and get better. They shouldn’t be villainized by their instructors.
Brain WORK!
HAVE YOU HEARD the Good News? Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
BUNNY DAISY EARTH EASTER
EGGS FOOL GARDEN PASSOVER POLLEN PRANK RAMADAN TAXES
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