Saturday, November 29, 2014

How to Choose a Martial Arts School for Your Child

Some parents choose ballet classes for their children.  Others opt for self defense classes.  I am not sure if it is the skill and the knowledge that they are after or getting a snap shot of their little ones in cute outfits.  But regardless of the reason, finding the best martial arts school or ballet school is important.  Since I am more of a martial arts dad than a ballet one, let’s focus on finding the right martial arts club or school.

Instructor competence

At the top of the checklist to find the best martial arts school is finding a competent self defense instructor.  He or she should be knowledgeable and skillful.  In addition he or she must have the necessary licenses and certifications. Without these you are putting your child in danger. Likewise you have to check the martial arts instructors’ ability to deal with children.  Teaching adults and children require two different styles.  Lastly, apart from his or her knowledge and skills in the fighting styles, it is important that first aid is part of the competence.

Exemplary facilities

Another important area of scrutiny is the martial arts school facilities.  It is not enough that there is an area for martial arts lessons and practice.  There should be ample equipment to ensure safety, security and comfort.  So checks for paddings in the main area.  Also, look for proper ventilation.  In addition, inspect the changing rooms.  Furthermore, it is important that there is first aid equipment and trained individuals who can administer first aid.  I particularly ask for emergency protocols that everyone follows in case something bad happens.

Reasonable fees

Enrolling your child in martial arts lessons will entail cost.  But the amount you will dish out will vary greatly.  Mostly, the difference can be seen based on the available facilities and even the experience of the instructor.  So it would be prudent to work on a budget that you are willing to pay.  Based on this amount you can determine the best for your money.

Awesome club or school staff

When you enroll your child in a school, it is essential that you get to talk with the staff.  After all they are the ones whom you will depend on to keep your child safe.  The best martial arts school has competent and courteous staff.  Furthermore, having common sense especially in emergency situation is a huge plus.  So take your time to talk to school staff and get a feel for them before signing in your child.

Proximity

Finding the best martial arts school for your child includes proximity.  The closer it is the better.  This way, you can easily drop off and pick up your child.  If you will wait for your child’s class to finish, that would be awesome.  If the child travels far going to the martial arts classes, it would be a bit tiring for him or her.  This is where proximity makes a huge difference.

Other students

Lastly, it is a wise move to scope out the other students (and their parents).  You have to get an idea of the type of students that are there.  Of course personalities vary and use your best judgment whether the students and their parents can create a positive influence on your child.


Having been exposed to martial arts at an early age I have an understanding what works and what does not.  Coupled with my degree in child development, I have a good inkling what suits children better.  Martial arts training is demanding both physically and mentally.  However, when we deal with children, the stakes gets higher.  In addition, the school has to be equipped with all the necessities to ensure safety and security so that parents and children will have peace of mind – it’s actually a lot more for the parents who is letting their kid get trained in a deadly art.  In your endeavor to find the best martial arts school for your child, it pays to be very inquisitive and scope as many places as possible.  This will give you the opportunity to weigh all the pros and cons so you can choose properly.


If you have a related or similar link on martial arts or self defense, share it here.


image by PublicDomainPctures CC-0 via Pxabay

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