1. Ask Them What Their Favorite Move or Position Is . . . and Then Never Stop.
Whether they express it or not, a child loves when a parent is genuinely interested in an activity that the child enjoys. Take comfort in the fact that you will be connecting with your child on a deep level while promoting enthusiasm for a healthy activity that the child enjoys. Also know that it doesn’t have to be the only question. Ask them anything about their martial art. Which brings me to number 2 . . .
2. Ask Them Why They Take The Classes . . . and Then Never Stop.
So what would be the appropriate answer? Well, its complicated. There’s more than one right answer. But, there’s also more than one wrong answer.
Examples of Wrong Answers
- “I want to beat people up.”
- “I want to have big muscles.”
- “I want to impress Tommy.”
- “I have to get revenge.”
Examples of Right Answers
- “I want to know what to do if I ever have to defend myself.”
- “It’s fun.”
- “I learn a lot.”
- “I want to protect someone.”
During classes, it will be regularly reminded to students that it is smart and expected for them to avoid all physical conflict unless their health or the health of someone else is in danger. We practice martial arts to hone our skills in case they are ever needed. I liken it to practicing to shoot a gun. We don’t ever want to have to use that skill unless we are hunting for food but if it came to it, we are more confident and technically trained to perform.
3. Practice Their Martial Art With Them Outside Of Class.
Probably the single-best way to help your child thrive inside class is to practice their Martial Art with them outside of class. Literally get down and drill techniques with them. Spar with them at an intensity that they can meet the resistance and successfully problem solve it. If they can’t make the correct decision, take that opportunity to work it out with them until they find success. If you don’t know the best answer, write down the scenario and ask for the Instructor’s input at the next class.
4. Review The Lesson With Them In The Car Ride Going Home From Class
When you leave the gym, before you turn on the radio or talk about anything else, go over the class with them. Start from the beginning and do a little interview. Ask them to try to verbally breakdown each move from beginning to end. If you were paying attention, try to help them work through the moves. We call these MENTAL REPS and when this protocol is performed consistently, the student’s skill development will flourish.
5. Expose Them To Various Disciplines Of Martial Arts At Home
Martial Arts have been developed all over the world. Give your child lessons of the history of martial arts or if they are old enough, ask them to research specific disciplines of martial arts and report interesting facts like the ruleset, technique breakdowns, and where it was originally created. The image below details how there is a vast spectrum of martial arts with striking arts on one end and grappling arts on the other, and everything else in between.
