Children in Martial Arts

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Your Child in Martial Arts | To sign or not to sign |How old |Hidden Costs |Parental
involvement
It is finally the big day. The day she's been waiting for. Today, she'll take her first step
toward becoming a "real" Power Ranger ... Susie is going to join a local karate school.
Everyone is excited, but ...
Have Susie and her parents done their homework?
As visions of Power Rangers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dance in their heads, it's hard
to realize that real martial arts classes can be just plain old hard work and at times
incredibly boring. So the first step kids and parents should take is to investigate the options
available.
There are two avenues to explore before enrolling a child in a martial arts school. With the
work required, it really should be more than a spur of the moment whim. First, do some
research. There are books on the various martial arts in the library or at bookstores. (Books
such as Martial Arts for Dummies and Idiot's Guide to Martial Arts are excellent
introductions to a rich, varied and complex subject). And the Internet is a vast treasure
trove of fact, fiction, marketing and advertising. But knowledge can be gleaned there. Trust
the college and university sites, which generally have valuable information without the
hidden agenda of trying to recruit new, young students. Various martial arts organization
sites also can offer information on a particular style, as well as schools in the area that
teach it.
Martial arts come in many different 'flavors.' Would a soft style, such as Tai Chi, Wing Chun,
Aikido or similar arts, fit Susie's personality and physiology better than the harder styles of
karate, as seen in Shotokan karate, Tae Kwon Do (TKD) or Kenpo karate? Would a stricter,
more formal and codified system that emphasizes proper conduct and self-discipline be
better or would a far more athletic, gymnastic and graceful style (such as capoeria) better
suit your child? Or, would you as a parent be more comfortable with your child knowing a
wrestling and grappling art (such a judo, jujistsu, danzan ryu, chi na)? Not all martial arts
styles and schools teach the same thing, so before you go shopping you need to know what
you are in the market for.
After investigating the arts, it's time to get in the car and visit local schools. Schools should
be more than willing to let parents and potential students observe their classes. If they
discourage visitors and observation, bypass them quickly. You should also be wary of
schools that try to get you to sign up after watching only one class -- especially when longtermcontracts are involved. As a parent, you need to visit a potential school several times
before deciding to enroll you child. Watch how the classes are presented, especially
children's classes (if those are offered separately). Pay attention to how instructors interact
with students. What is being taught? And how is it taught? School instructors should be

more than willing to take a few minutes to discuss the style, the rules and their expectations
when asked. Prepare your questions in advance after you do your research on martial arts
styles.
You, Your Child: What Are Your Goals?
Seriously consider your children's goals? Does she just want to have fun? A tournamentoriented school may be the answer. Tournaments are fun since children win trophies or
medals for point sparring or kata performance. Tournament schools put an emphasis on
such competitions and generally channel their students into the safer ones. If you notice
one- and two-foot trophies adorning walls and trophy cases, you've probably walked into a
school that gears students for these competitions. Self-defense? See below.
And what are your goals for your child?
Self-defense? A competent martial arts instructor will be well aware of the zero tolerance
policies in force in most public and private schools. He or she will teach "playground safe"
tactics that allow the child to disengage and seek help from the adults in authority. Avoid
like the plague any school that shows a small child stepping into a "fighting stance" against
a mature adult. That's hype and so far from reality as to be laughable. Pay particular
attention to curricula that emphasize awareness and avoidance. A kid will never, pound for
pound, be able to fight off an adult. To believe so or allow a child to believe so is ridiculous.
Children don't need to be taught how to "fight" (except for points and the joys of tourneys);
they need to be taught to be aware of the surroundings, how to avoid or escape and where
to go for help. Self-defense is vastly different than fighting, and both are very different than
martial arts.
Discipline? That will happen in the course of any martial arts training. No good instructor
can afford to have 20 kids kicking and punching at the same time in one room without the
necessary discipline to keep children from being hurt. Discipline will range from the more
laid back, American methods of "it's there, but not taken to an extreme" with questions and
comments encouraged and welcomed; to the Asian traditional styles where discipline and
ceremony are hard and fast, the master is the god of the dojo (training hall) and there is
minimal interaction of students questioning the master's methods. The study of martial arts
must be disciplined in order to keep participants from hurting each other or themselves. The
degree of pomp and ceremony will vary among schools.(1)
Self-control? Yes. Again, it's vital to the safety of all students in the dojo. Watch the high
belts (blue and above, generally) and how they interact with others. The proof of the
pudding lies within the discipline, self-control and courtesy long-time students exhibit
toward their instructors, peers and new students. Look into the corners and see how
students behave off the matt. If a school claims to teach something it should be consistent
throughout and from top to bottom.
Focus? Again, good martial arts teachers will generally recognize and help young students
learn to sharpen their focus. In the 20-plus years we've taught traditional martial arts, there
has never been a class session without one or more students diagnosed as ADD and ADHD.

There are particular tricks of the trade we use to engage and keep the interest of these
students. And parents have attested, time and again, that the martial arts classes have
improved the attention span and focus of those students. Most experts on ADD/ADHD
encourage martial arts training for kids with the condition. Simply stated martial arts require
the physical and mental multi-tasking that ADDers are not only capable of, but are arguably
designed for(2).
Memorization? Check and see if the school teaches traditional kata (martial arts forms of
movements that must be made in a specific order; a choreographed one-person display of
the martial arts techniques being taught and put into a fluid display). Kata is wonderful for
memorization, as well as aerobic exercise, balance and coordination -- just as any sport is
valuable. In this, however, a student only competes against himself. Martial arts is an
individual endeavor, which many students prefer over the teamwork emphasized in other
organized sports. She will succeed or fail on her own merits and hard work.
Self-discipline? Yes. In most reputable schools students will not advance (move up in belt
colors) without the discipline of practice and more practice. This is where the hard work
comes in, plus the fact that outside the dojo students must practice religiously on their own
to gain any advancement. When we've had children enrolled by parents specifically because
those parents want the discipline of a martial arts school, we usually encourage them to
keep the kids enrolled until green belt. This way kids know there is a light at the end of the
tunnel, no need to slug it out for years to the coveted black belt rank. By green belt, they've
been required to focus, memorize, show courtesy and respect to fellow students and
teachers, and work hard to attain the belt. The self-discipline comes with each belt rank
they achieve.
Other aspects of martial arts that will be emphasized in a good school are courtesy,
integrity, perseverance and indomitable spirit, to name a few.
And it all boils down to some hard work on the part of the student, as well as the instructor.
Martial arts is not for everyone. And many will not want to offer the commitment required to
do them well. Others will take to martial arts training like fish to water; it simply suits them
and their needs. Return to top of page
To Sign or Not to Sign?
So after considering goals, doing the research and visiting area schools, you finally settle on
the one that seems to best fulfill your needs and goals. The next question: To sign or not to
sign?
Many commercial martial arts schools require parents to sign a contract for a specific length
of time their child will be enrolled to ensure payment each month. In a business, this is the
only way to guarantee a constant flow of income into the school. But contracts are a doubleedged sword. They ensure the income to keep the doors open. If too much emphasis is put
on contracts and students renewing contracts, however, there can be a decrease in quality
as standards are relaxed to keep parents signing those contracts.

So just because you'd be paying a lot of money doesn't mean your child would be getting
good training. In many commercial schools contracts have comehand-in-hand with regular
testing, accelerated rank advancement and lowering of standards. Martial arts have
traditionally been a life-long path. One of personal development and refinement. Those are
the goals we discussed in the previous section and they are life skills. But in contract driven
schools, achieving rank has eclipsed those goals. But rank isn't what you think it is. To begin
with, the ranking system was only developed in the last century, and only because of mass
instruction(3). But it has been interpreted as the goal by achievement oriented Westerners.
For many a black belt has become a cloth trophy rather than an indicator of skill and
understanding. This is where the double edged sword of contracts comes in. When you sell a
contract, people expect results. Figuring that they are paying fees, parents often pressure
MA schools to regularly test and advance their children. In turn, schools lower the standards
so the child will be automatically advanced every 1 to 6 months -- regardless of the child's
actual skill, performance level or amount of practice. Therefore many schools have become
what are known as "belt factories." (Also known as MacKarate, MacDojos and stripmall
dojos) These large -- and often franchised -- schools are in the business of selling black
belts. There are schools that will guarantee your child a black belt inside two years. That's
right "guarantee." Ranking from these schools are like a fake Rolex watch, they look like
something that impresses people who don't know any better. They are not however,
indicators of ability or understanding.
At this point, we will say emphatically that we do not believe in awarding black belts to
children. In our opinion, a person who wears a black belt is required to have a certain level
of maturity. And part of the black belt requirements are to teach. It is very hard from what
we've observed to leave children in authority over a class of other children of their own age
or older. Our students remain at red belt black stripe (we use the old TKD ranking system)
until they show the maturity, dedication and commitment we require of all black belts. Not
to be discouraging, but the last two students who made black belt in our system began with
us in middle school and were awarded black belts when they were in college. We don't
choose to use the martial arts as a path to immediate gratification. And it's not our day job.
We can afford to set and maintain a specific set of standards.
This and other reasons are why you need to seriously think before signing a contract with a
commercial school. Remember what you want your child to get out of martial arts training.
That, not a promise of a fast black belt, should determine where -- and if -- you sign your
child up. With this in mind, we'd also like to point out you are not only limited to commercial
schools. Community rec centers, local churches, YMCAs, cultural centers, colleges and
universities often have excellent martial arts programs and clubs and for much cheaper.
These programs do not normally require a contract and are on a month-by-month basis. So
if your child gets bored, you're not stuck in a contract.
It's simply a matter of visiting several schools and comparing the quality and actions of
"high" and black belts to help make a choice. It's also important to note if a school offers
"kiddy classes" specifically geared for young children. These can range from "fun" activities
that give children a smattering of martial arts knowledge (a glorified babysitting service) to

a logical beginning for a martial arts career that will culminate in a black belt and the role of
teacher in the future.
Most schools not only offer the chance for unlimited observation, but a free class. Take
advantage of this offer. Designed to draw new students, these classes generally involve the
child, one-on-one, with an instructor. The session will be fun-filled and the instructor
enthusiastic. Just be sure to carefully observe the other classes to get more of a taste as to
what will be taught and expected during regular sessions. Return to top of page
How Old?
How old should a child be?
Our standard answer to that query is at least 6. In our classes, we cordially invite parents to
bring their children and observe as many classes as they wish. We then offer them a class
free of charge so the child has some hands-on experience. That class is geared just as if the
child was a brand new white belt. There is no deviation from the standard schedule
curriculum. We don't want a child to sign up only to be disappointed by the work we require
a few weeks down the line. In our school, there is no difference in the curriculum we teach,
whether child or adult. We simply know children will take longer to test for rank and the
method of teaching will be different than an adult. We have had students with razor focus at
6 and who generally pay better attention than some adults. But this is rare. Students of all
ages tend to run the gamut, but we try to teach to the child, recognizing his needs and the
type of teaching geared especially to him
Other schools however take a different approach. Often these programs have radically
different curriculum from the adult programs. In fact, many of them are basic playground
activities overlaid with a thin veneer of martial arts. These programs allow for small children
to run, jump, yell and scream in a safe and organized setting (if a room full of 7 year olds
can ever be called "organized") under adult supervision. Quite frankly, these programs excel
at siphoning off excessive energy. Little kids love to jump, and these programs are filled
with lots of jumping and kicking. So your tiny tiger or little dragon is going to be plum
tuckered out when you get him or her home. While these programs provide extremely
useful services to the parents and are great exercise for the children, they really aren't
martial arts.
Furthermore, many commercial schools have "junior" programs for older children. Again
these programs tend to be martial arts lite. Simply stated a child does not have the physical
acuity of an adult. Childhood is the time that this develops. We will be the first to admit that
martial arts is a fabulous tool for developing kinesetic awareness and physical acuity. But we
must draw the line at the idea of "junior black belts." In contract driven schools it is not
unusual to see "black belts" as young as eight. While what these children are doing is
impressive for an eight year old it is lacking the sophistication, control and motor nerve
control of a 20 year old black belt. And it has nothing on what an adult who has studied the
martial arts for ten to fifteen years is doing. Even though they all "technically" hold the
same rank. Often the transition from a junior black belt into the school's full curriculum
proves to be too much and the child will drop out.

This is why you need to ask if a school has a specific kid's program instead of just kid's
classes. Because quite frankly if you want your children to achieve certain goals through the
martial arts, you need to be paying for martial arts lessons instead of a babysitting service.
Even though kids programs are commercial school's bread and butter, when it comes to
young children in the martial arts, it is really important to look into alternative instruction
(such as a recreation center, church or YMCA kid's program). these programs are usually
month-to-month. This is especially true for trying it out for the first time. If a child tires of
the class or decides martial arts is not his cup of tea, he simply leaves. There is no contract
left to be paid whether the child attends or not.
Another factor to consider when it comes to age is classes can range between forty five
minutes up to an hour-and-a-half. That's why there needs to be an emphasis on observing
and taking a class. Generally, longer classes are too rigid a requirement for a very young
child to pay attention for.
Return to top of page
Hidden Costs
Once enrolled, prepare to pay more than class fees.
In most commercial schools, a uniform will be required. Some schools offer this "free"
uniform with the first free class. Children, however, tend to grow, so it will be an ongoing
cost. Usually you will have to buy the school's uniform. If the school offers point sparring,
headgear, foot and hand pads, groin protection for boys and mouth guards will be
mandatory. And, again, as kids grow gear will have to be replaced.
Check the local used sporting goods store or if parents are allowed to put notices in the
school of uniforms and pads for sale their children have outgrown. If not that, e-bay is your
friend. There is an incredible mark up for martial arts equipment. Items that wholesale for
two to three dollars are routinely sold for eight to nine dollars. Therefore a "discount" of
seven isn't that much of a deal.
If children want to enter tournaments be prepared for fees and travel expenses, as well as
food and beverages.
In many schools the studying weapons can start as early as yellow belt. There is the added
cost of these weapons. In addition often at each belt level there is an additional weapon
that must be purchased. Along with the item itself there is carrying cases, gear bags.
And, of course, let us not forget all the super-cool, extra little "ninja" gadgets that kids so
love and are inconveniently on sale at the school -- even though they aren't part of the
curriculum. Return to top of page
Parental Involvement
Many times, I encourage at least one parent to join class with a child if possible. Since both
are studying the same system with the same requirements, it's great when Mom or Dad

master their set of requirements and spend time helping Jimmy attain his belt ranking.
Whether a parent joins or not, instructors should be willing, between classes, to go over
what has been taught and what should be practiced at home with interested parents.
All in all, martial arts is a fun and rewarding endeavor for kids, but there are certain things
of which the adults in their lives need to be aware. And kids should be aware you just don't
become a Power Ranger without some hard work.
That said, we close with the words we use to end every martial arts class: Comments?
Questions? Suggestions?
For further information or to ask a question, e-maildigordon@earthlink.net
Take a look at Commercial schools for an overview of what to look for in a martial art
school. Take a look atMartial Arts Business for a behind the scenes look at the business of
martial arts and why a Rec center or church group might be a better idea for martial arts
training.
Return to top

1) You should also know that the degree of pomp and ceremony in doesn't reflect the
quality of the school. In fact, many inferior schools hide the fact by over-emphasizing
exotic, but supposedly "traditional," protocols that are odd to the Western perspective.
Something you really need to look closely at is a white instructor insisting his students
conduct themselves according to oriental traditions and cultural standards. Many people, not
knowing much about oriental cultures themselves, are impressed when a martial arts
instructor starts talking about reaching generalized benefits (such as control, self-discipline
etc) through vague eastern teachings. In fact, this is often used as a cover for not doing
what they say they are doing. A good instructor should be able to explain to you how things
work in easy to understand nuts-and-bolts terms -- not in airy-fairy gobblygook. And, at a
glance you should be able to see that what the students are doing on the floor matches that
explanation. Return to text
2) Thom Hartmann in his book Attention Deficit Disorder: A different perception argues that
ADD is not a disorder so much as an evolutionary design. His contention is that people with
ADD are genetically designed "hunters." The attributes of ADD are what prehistoric hunters
would need. The combination of scattered attention (where your attention is constantly
bouncing to different aspects of your surroundings), intuitive and imaginative leaps and
hyper-focus (total concentration) are what are necessary when you are both the hunter and
the hunted. Hartmann's contention is that thesehunter's traits do not easily work within
current educational practices and job requirements. Simply stated, these protocols are more
"farmer" oriented and are not enough of a challenge for the ADDer. That's why they get

bored. Whereas martial arts, requires coordinating mental and physical aspects. For
someone designed to be a hunter martial arts is enough of a multi-tasking challenge to
make them want to focus. Return to Text
3) Until the end of the 20th century, the "black belt was not widespread in the martial arts.
In fact, it is only because of the public's misconceptions that it has become so popular.
While there have always been indicators of skill level among MA practitioners, the concept of
a "black belt" is a relatively recent invention, dating to the early 20th century. The black
belt's origin is not only purely Japanese, but specific to Judo -- NOT karate (which was
Okinawan in origin, but adopted by the Japanese pre-WWII). After Judo was approved by
the Japanese government for mass instruction, Jigoro Kano (Judo's founder) needed some
way to track the progression of large numbers of students. He came up with the belt
system. Although it quickly developed into a status symbol, the belt system was originally a
record-keeping system. At a glance, an instructor could tell where someone was in the
system's curriculum -- even if the instructor couldn't remember the student's name. In
time, the ranking system was adopted by other Japanese styles. When the martial arts were
brought to the West, market pressure from the public forced many non-Japanese systems to
adopt the belt system (or a sash variation). If people understood "black belt" as a symbol of
advanced rank, then you simply confirmed their belief by adopting a belt system and urging
them to achieve the coveted symbol of black. Return to text