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How to Choose a Martial Arts School for Your Child

Choosing the right martial arts school for your child can be a very tough decision. Most parents are very protective of their children and want to make sure they choose a nurturing environment which will be beneficial to their child's wellbeing. As a father and martial artist, I wanted to give a little bit of advice about this subject to help other parents in their quest for the perfect school.

The first thing to think about when determining the right martial arts school is what style you want your child to study. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, I only had one school for my parents to choose, which made the decision easy for them. But, for many of us, we have a large variety of different martial arts styles to choose from, which makes the decision slightly more complicated. The most popular styles that typically teach children are Taekwondo, Karate, and Kung Fu, but over the years, more and more styles are developing classes specifically for kids.

Taekwondo, sometimes spelled Tae Kwon Do, is perhaps the most popular children's martial art style. It is known for its fast action kicks and punches as well as its emphasis on flexibility and speed. Taekwondo is an excellent choice for parents who want to enroll their child in a fast paced, high energy class. Also, if you are interested in seeing your child compete in tournaments, Taekwondo may be the style for you.

Because many countries throughout the world (Japan, China, America, Korea) have developed their own systems, there are many styles of Karate to choose from. There are harder styles like Goju Ryu Karate and softer styles like Chinese Kempo Karate, so you may want to do some research on the different systems if you are considering enrolling your child into Karate. Karate is a great choice for parents looking for a structured environment where their child will learn practical real-life techniques as well as respect for authority.

Kung Fu is an incredible martial art known for its beautiful forms, quick defensive techniques, and incredible weapons demonstrations. It is a great style for parents who are looking to enroll their child in a very traditional and graceful martial art.

There are hundreds of martial arts styles to choose from, so you will want to do your research and try to find the style that works best with your child's temperament and personality. Every style and instructor is different, so your best bet would be to visit your local schools and let your child watch a class before actually enrolling them. Many schools offer a free lesson to give children a chance to see if they feel comfortable in their class.

Perhaps the most important aspect to look at when choosing a martial arts school is the instructors who will be teaching the classes. Some instructors are incredible martial artists, but don't have the patience to be teaching young children. Other instructors may be great with children, but not experienced enough at the martial art to provide your child with a proper education. Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the instructors before visiting the school, then watch closely during class to see how the instructor teaches. Pay close attention to the level of respect the children give the instructor as well as the enjoyment they are experiencing while learning the art.

If you ever have any questions about finding the right martial arts school for your child or would like to provide us with more information about this subject, please contact us. We love talking about martial arts!

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