Martial arts classes for children can be incredibly valuable for a child’s physical and mental development. While the benefits are significant, some kids may find their first martial arts class very intimidating. The first step in preparing your child for their first martial class is to take your time to find the right school and instructors for your son and/or daughter. Of course, we really like American Family Martial Arts!
Find Great Instructors & Schools
Looking for a good martial arts school with excellent instructors may be the hardest part of this process. Visiting each school is crucial and speaking to the master and the potential instructors can reveal a lot, as can watching a class. Most schools will offer trial classes; utilize this chance to see how the instructor teaches the class. And YES, American Family Martial Arts offers two complimentary classes to see how much you like it plus they often run trials and specials.
Review if they teach in an age appropriate manner. Do they lump all beginners together no matter the age? Are 6 year olds in the same class as 14 year olds? American Family Martial Arts knows that different ages need different methods of teaching due to their level of development. Learn more about there Age Specific Martial Arts here.
With all of the significant character-building benefits of martial arts, an instructor that capitalizes on opportunities to teach life lessons and the martial arts tenets is optimal. A children’s class instructor should also be great with kids, firm and assertive while being kind and respectful. As you won’t always find the perfect fit on the first try, don’t be afraid to attend trial classes at multiple schools, before you make your decision on a membership.
But What If My Child has never done martial arts before?
This is a common misconception. American Family Martial Arts knows that beginners are just that, beginners! Our belt ranking system sets up an easy identification system by using white belts to show that they are indeed beginners. In addition, classes are not only divided by age groups but also by experience: beginners, intermediate and advanced.
But What If My Child HAS done martial arts before?
Not to worry. American Family Martial Arts (AFMA) accepts students from other styles and disciplines. The common concern is that the school will make the student start over at white belt. This is very rare. Typically, the instructor will place them in an age appropriate class, then observe them to judge if that is the correct placement within the age group. Since AFMA is one of the few schools in the Baton Rouge and Prairieville areas teaching the SKILLZ program, a student from a different style will spend time learning AFMA material and integrating. The goal is for the new student to keep progressing but not be overwhelmed by new material.
Preparing for Class
Kids who go to school and participate in extracurricular activities can lead hectic lives. Ensuring they get enough sleep and rest is key, especially if they’re involved in other physical activities in addition to martial arts. Eating between an hour to three hours before their class can help them feel energized, without feeling too full. Their last meal or snack before class should be high in protein (think nuts & cheese & a piece of fruit for quick energy). As well, always pack a water bottle so they can stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months.
Once you discover a good fit, set up a pre-class routine for your child, so they go into each class ready to learn and move. Watching classes can also reveal what you can work on, especially when your child is nearing a belt promotion. When class is over, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to chat, helping your child reinforce what they’ve learned that day.
Setting an intention together with your child can help frame their minds to learn as much as possible. If your child has a skill or area that they need to work on, setting this as their intention can increase their focus. A new intention should be set ahead of each class. If your child is feeling down, setting a plan to have fun in class can help keep their motivation up. Meditation can also clear their minds before class and it can be an activity you practice together. Once you and your child know what works well, setting up a pre-class routine can help them get set for class, the same time, and every time.
If you child often says, “I don’t want to go” but then has a GREAT time in class, take a look at what they are doing before you leave the house. If they are doing a fun activity like playing with friends or video games, they probably don’t want to stop. At American Family Martial Arts, we recommend that 30-45 min before class, have them come inside, do a chore and then get ready for karate class.
Post-Class Chat
While watching every class may not be possible, catching some of them can help you see what your child likes, what they dislike, as well as where there is room for improvement. This is extra helpful for the child, when they’re nearing their belt test. {RELATED: TESTING IS NOTHING TO FEAR} Chatting to your child to see how they felt about class and what they learned can help you understand their training better, while reinforcing the key learning points. This can also reveal how they could practice at home, with or without your assistance. And or course, you can also become a student as well.
But be wary of “coaching from the bench. ” It’s actually not very helpful for the child and can be distracting. Think of it this way, when you yell from the bench “FOCUS ON THE INSTRUCTOR” the child then swivels their head to look at you and LOSES focus on the instructor. Read about how coaching from the sidelines is retroactive to your child’s development.
Give your child tips and encouragement before class or competition. Things along the lines of:
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- do your best today
- leave today’s worries in your shoes & just focus on class
- focus on the instructor
- have fun!
You may also consider having them keep a class log of their activities, so they always remember what they’ve worked on, while allowing you a better idea of just how they are interpreting each class. Finally, talk to your child’s instructor on a semi-regular basis, to find out what they can work on and to see their general progress.
If you are interested in your child joining American Family Martial Arts and learning not just punching and kicking but life skills, give American Family Martial Arts a call at 225.272.5425