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Parent Orientation for Junior Beginners

Posted on | June 1, 2010 | No Comments

In this post, I would like to share an outline with you that we use to help educate parents of our Junior students on how they can maximize the value of our program. You will see a lot of similarities between this one and the Little Dragon (4 to 6 year-olds) post.

The goal of our Junior Beginner Program is the basic martial arts principles in an enjoyable classroom atmosphere with emphasis on practical Life Skills. We also teach additional qualities such as conflict avoidance techniques, and personal safety strategies.

Here are some guidelines that will help your child to excel in martial arts:

  • Pick a set schedule and do your best to stick to it. Tip tests and belt promotions require at least a 60% attendance record.
  • There is a minimum of one black tip per belt for White and Gold. Keep in mind that everyone progresses at their own pace and it is not uncommon for someone to need an additional tip before testing. We try to teach our students not to compare themselves to others, but just to strive to be their best.
  • Practice. Don’t worry if your kids don’t want to practice yet. It isn’t necessary as long as they are coming to class twice a week. So it they do want to practice:
  1. Be consistent! Have specific practice time and do your best to stick with it. (Two to three times per week is enough.)
  2. Keep practices short! Five to ten minutes is usually plenty of time for beginners.
  3. Reward effort! Be as encouraging as possible.
  4. Try not to be too picky, that’s our job! Slowly but surely form will improve so don’t expect too much too soon.
  5. Make it fun! This is the single most important factor in long-term success. One time-tested suggestion is to have the student teach you, or someone else, what they learned in class.
  • Remember, it is natural if your child doesn’t want to come to class every now and then. Here are some tips to minimize this:
  1. Have a routine schedule and stay with it. Don’t ask “Do you want to go to Karate today?” Remember, kids are present focused, and if they are doing something fun they will answer “no”. Instead, say, “It is time to go in 15 minutes, so please start to get ready.” If resistance in coming to class persists, which it sometimes does, please let the instructor know. Often times a little instructor-student communication can do wonders.
Category: Industry Tips (Written)

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About Dave Kovar

Mr. Kovar has been teaching Martial Arts professionally since 1978. Dave is a multi-style Black Belt who has been committed to ever-improving his Martial Arts skills. He updates this blog to provide tips and insights to martial arts instructors around the country. To learn more, click here.

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