Consumer Awarness Guide on Children's Martial Arts Schools

Watch this Video on How to find the right kids Karate classes.

It seems that Martial Arts and Karate are subjects of much confusion. In fact, people have

so many misconceptions about Martial Arts and/or Karate that we decided to offer this

consumer education message so when you select a Martial Arts school, you can make an

informed, intelligent decision.

If you would like more info Victory Kids Martial Arts Schools

In just a moment I will share with you the six costly misconceptions about Martial Arts

schools. As a BONUS we'll also give you the seven KEY questions you must ask a Martial Arts school before

you make a commitment to enroll your family.

Now here's...

No, in fact quite the opposite is true. Although we do teach kicking and punching

we use it more as an avenue for teaching life skills. For example: increased

confidence, self-esteem, energy and spirit, academic success, avoiding peer

pressure, staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle, and yes all of this comes from

learning how to kick, punch and block.

Look at it this wayyour child's first & biggest challenge comes not from

fighting for his rights on the street or beating up the neighborhood bully. It comes

instead from, battling more sinister forces, his own fears & self doubt. The

question is, how do you get your child to fight these things? You know the

problem, your child has a tough time even telling you he's haunted by them.

Never mind how he might conquer them.

Well the good news is that a well run Martial Arts program will be able to teach

all these things I mentioned before plus how and when to hit and practical ways to

control his anger.

No, that's not true at all. There is no one style or art that could have everything

necessary to learn how to protect your child physically, intellectually, emotionally

and socially.

However, one Martial Arts school could have a little bit of all areas of training for

personal protection. For instance: stranger danger, bully safe, character

development, goal setting, stand up self-protection, on the ground self-protection,

verbal diffusion, wrist locks and joint holds) A professionally well run Martial

Arts school should be able to provide these benefits in the program. They are

essential.

That couldn't be further from the truth. It is true that some do but not all. Those

that do not teach the normally associated Eastern mysticism in their program

choose to teach the Martial Arts techniques as just physical techniques. Instead

they put a greater emphasis on strong morals & values such as honesty, integrity,

self discipline, gratitude, family values, friendships and much more.

While it is true that in any physical sport or discipline there always exists the

possibility of an injury, a well run martial arts studio will have very few. This is

especially true today with new and better safety equipment being developed on an

ongoing basis. However, safety goes well beyond special equipment and here is

where school policy and the instructors training and knowledge are vital.

In the arts where sparring (practice or simulated fighting) used, it is imperative

that the student be ready for this type activity. Too many times, I have seen

parents come into one my studio looking to purchase sparring gear. And after

some discussion, I have found that their child is on lesson five or six (in another

school or local "YMCA" program) and that the "Instructor" told them to go out

and buy sparring equipment for the next class.

How absurd is that! How can a child spar after such a short period of time? They

don't know how to block (defend). They have not developed control of their kicks

and punches. This is where choosing the right school is critical.

Martial Arts training, if conducted properly, is very safe. Over the years, we have

seen many more of our students injured in outside activities (baseball, football,

soccer, gymnastics, etc.) than at the studio.

Now, I won't go into specific prices here due to the vast differences in various

parts of the country. However, you should find out the prices for each of the

schools you visit. Use them as a guide, but not necessarily a major criteria for

your choice.

Finding the right school for your child is the number one priority. If the better

school costs a few dollars a month more, it's well worth it.

While for many of us martial arts training is a lifetime study, the average child in

a well run program will participate for several years. In a poorly run school (ie:

lack of motivation, militaristic attitude, boring or unplanned classes, too difficult

or poorly graduated ranking system, etc., etc.) the average child may only stay for

a few months.

Many schools offer programs ranging from one month to several years in

duration. Providing your child has attended an introductory session(s) I would

recommend a course of 9 to 12 months initially. After completing 3 months to one

year of the initial program, you can now extend to a three or four year "Black Belt" program.

There are several reasons I do not recommend month to month programs. Let's

start with the premise that the instructor has a strong belief in the martial arts.

He/She knows how important it is for a child to reap the many character building

benefits a good martial arts program can give. He/She also knows that it takes

time for each child to grow, learn and prosper from these benefits.

Wouldn't it be a shame if we robbed the child of improved self esteem, self

confidence, self discipline, poise and concentration by enrolling them in a short

term course?

The reason is simple: most new students will quit during the first year if their

parents do not make a commitment for them to stay!

Here's why.....

a) The initial excitement and intrigue may wear off.

b) The student may realize that the training is more difficult than they thought it would

be.

c) They may hit a "sticky point" or plateau in their belt grade that they believe they can't

overcome.

But here is the key ! Most children stay with the martial arts a long time (again, in

a good program) if they get past the first year!

This is why they need both the commitment and support of their parents and

their instructor.

I firmly believe that if an instructor really believes in the benefits of the martial

arts, they will refuse to offer short term programs.

While that maybe true with some schools. A professionally well run Martial Arts

school will be able to teach with the authority of a marine general mixed with the

fun and love of a compassionate parent. Why are both important? Studies have

shown that children who are given specific boundaries along with consistent

consequences for overstepping those boundaries, plus consistent honest praise for

things done or healthy attitudes, develops the child's self-esteem into a confident sure

of him or herself adult.

Self-esteem is a major key to success in life. The development of a positive selfconcept

or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and

success of child. A good martial arts instructor can build the self-esteem of a

child realistically without using false praise or assumptions about his/her ability.

Be sure to listen to how the instructor is teaching the children and what tone of

voice he or she is using.

Wait!!! Your extra BONUS REPORT...
"Key Questions you must ask BEFORE you enroll in any Martial Arts School."

Be sure to ask these seven questions and listen carefully to the answers:

1. Ask if they have age specific programs that meets your child's age.

2. Ask if they have a FREE introductory program.

3. Ask if children ever fail a test during the first 6-12 months of training.

4. Ask about association or federation dues of fees that extra. (usually $20-$50 per

year)

5. Ask whether the school charges for belt rank testing, how much it is, and how

often do they test. Also find out if there is a charge for promotion certificates and

belts. (These are usually hidden costs, not mentioned until you are already signed

up)

6. Ask if the instructors work from a structured lesson plan and when you visit ask

to see it. (most MA instructors "wing it")

7. Ask how many full time instructors they have if any and if there is an ongoing

staff training program to educate their instructors on how to teach.

The last question is extremely important because if there is at least one full time

instructor and an ongoing staff training program you can bet that they do their

homework on how to teach and reach their students more effectively. Plus they

probably have a structured lesson plan and are not "winging it".

If you would like to give your child the self confidence he or she deserves as well as

the ability to protect him or herself then we invite you to give us a call at 524-1553.

Our trained service staff would be happy to answer any additional questions you may

have regarding martial arts lessons for your child.

Hi, My name is Dion Riccardo. I am a fellow parent, owner of the most

successful Martial Arts School in Cook County and the teacher of the
 
"Lunch time Karate Course" in our local schools. 

I would like the chance to meet you and say "Hi".

If you call nowI will be happy to give you FREE of

charge a Karate Introductory Course(valued at $79).

That's right, just for the opprotunitiy to meet your family!

Thank you for reading this consumer education message. Once again if you have any

further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Victory Martial Arts please visit our Schools Home page