5 Things Parents Should Know about Kids taking Martial Arts
As an owner and founder of Legendary Black Belt Academy here in Richardson, Texas we often get asked by parents of kids from ages 4 and up about how our program will help their child. From an outsiders view martial arts often looks like a potentially violent activity that would be dangerous for a child to be involved in. It can also appear overwhelming at first. Here are 5 things parents should know about their kids taking martial arts before they enroll.
1) Martial arts, although based in systems used for combat, has evolved over the years and is a safe physical activity for kids and families of all ages. Many academies focus on families and building a community of respect and safety. At Legendary Black Belt Academy, we do not create fighters but rather instill skills in kids that will prevent them from ever having to fight. We teach the kids to be confident and aware of their surroundings often preventing any violence to ever be needed. We focus on helping them communicate more clearly and what to do if they do encounter a dangerous situation.
2) Consistency is key. With any new skill there is often a learning curve. Martial arts is no different. The martial arts academy lessons are designed to give challenges to your child in new ways each time. Usually, repetition is hidden in different variations of training to help your child develop motor skills needed to not only progress but to make them more athletic in general. A membership agreement is another tool used to help motivate families to stay consistent in their training. One thing we know is coming consistently 1-2 times per week for several years is better than coming 4 days a week for a couple months. Progress is at the student’s pace, so there is no pressure to keep up with anyone else.
3) It is a process, not an overnight success. Several times over the years we have had parents that are focused solely on either the rank of their child or expect their child’s behaviors to change suddenly and rapidly because of the many promises made by many programs in the martial arts industry. The truth is any changes in your child’s abilities or behavior will take time to “stick”. However, with support from parents and the family at home students do become more confident, focused, disciplined, and respectful. We practice it in our facility every day!
4) Every child will have days the “don’t feel like it” or “don’t like it anymore”. Depending on the style or system of martial arts it takes consistent and long-term training to earn a black belt or other achievement in the programs. Many parents want their children to LOVE each class and always be raring to go to classes. They will want to come to most classes. When they say they don’t want to, dig deeper and ask questions. Why? What are they doing before classes they don’t want to leave? Is there something that can be done to motivate them to go? Often times, they just need a little nudge and once they get back in class, they love it again.
5) They will make life-long memories. I started training when I was 6 years old with my father. I am now 39, and those classes and moments together are some of the best memories I have of him looking back. Your child will succeed and fail, they will make friends, and have experiences that are hard to find in any other sport or activity. Enjoy it with them. Yes, they will be long days at tournaments or testing, but in the end your child will be a better version of themselves.
Considering martial arts for your child? Save your spot in our 2-week taekwondo trial today. Classes are for all ages 4 and up!