Kid's Martial Arts; They're not all the same!

"My son and daughter want to take karate, who is the best and where should I go?" 

Parents are always looking for the "best" for their kids. But what does that mean? With all the movies and TV shows that feature martial arts, plus all the schools in any particular town, it's hard to know what is good and what is not so good. 

Let's start by saying that Martial Arts are great for kids. The correct program will teach your child to be a leader, help them with conflict resolution, as well as training them to punch and kick. Now it's just a matter of figuring out what you want for your child and what your child is interested in learning. Are you looking for an after-school activity, something to help them with self-defense, or a sport to harness their competitive spirit? It could also be a combination of these things.

When looking for a school there are a couple of things to watch for:

1. The Instructor ... Are they knowledgeable? Are they too strict? Do the kids like them or are the kids scared? While experience matters, the instructor doesn't have to be a 10th degree Black Belt. The most important thing is that there is a good connection with the kids.

2. An Age-Specific Program ... Are all students lumped into the same class or are they separated by age? A 4-year-old shouldn't be working out with a teenager, just as a 9-year-old shouldn't be training with an adult. Kids learn differently at varying ages. You also don't want someone getting hurt because of the difference in physical maturity.

3. Trial Class ... Is your child allowed to try a class or two before making a decision to join the school? This way they can interact with the instructor and the other students to make sure it's a good fit for them on all levels. This way you can also make sure the instructor is teaching what it is that you are looking for, whether it's self-defense, sport, or an activity.

4. Long Term Contracts ... Do you have to sign up for a year? 6 months? Is there a cancellation fee? Kids jump from activity to activity. That's why there are seasons in sports. Not so in the martial arts. You don't want to sign up for a long-term contract only to have your child decide they no longer enjoy the training. Also watch out for the hidden "processing fees," large "equipment and uniform fees," and hefty "belt testing fees." 

5. Make sure the class is FUN ... While learning and knowledge are great for your child, you want to make sure they are having fun. If it's not fun, and they don't have a smile on their face, they won't want to continue with their training.

As a professional martial arts instructor, the biggest advice I can give you is to talk to friends, visit schools, and try out a few classes. If you feel it's not for you, go somewhere else.

Eric LaLone is head of TrainWarriors.com, the director of FearNOBully.org, and Chief Instructor of Empower Training Center; the headquarters of Sei Shin Jitsu. We have been in operation in Southern Colorado for over 25 years. LaLone is also an International Coach traveling with USA Kickboxing for both the World Championships and Pan Amercian Championships. You can reach him at 719.368.6434.