Signing your kid up for Martial Arts can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for them . They learn discipline and self confidence while also having fun. That also means a few new variables to the family schedule. 😬
Here are the top things parents wish they knew before signing their kid up for Martial Arts!
Each martial art uniform varies in: Size, Color, Fit, and Fabric. Striking arts like Karate and Taekwondo use a thin breathable fabric as kids move around a lot during class. They don't have to worry about their uniform being grabbed or pulled. Grappling arts like Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu require a thick and durable uniform. Your kids will be continuously pulling, grabbing, and throwing throughout the class. Ensure you purchase the right type of uniform for your kid. Most martial arts gyms will have one available for you to purchase (or include one with your sign up) but these are usually priced at premium due to convenience. You can find affordable options online. Simple search for (insert martial art name) uniform or gi.
While most martial arts uniforms are white, different arts have different standards for uniform color. Do yourself and your washer a favor by getting the same color uniform for your kids. I'm sure they'll want a blue, black or green option - but just remember whose doing the laundry 🤣 Your chore list will thank you later!
Hopefully you downloaded our Gym Questionnaire worksheet(LP) and used it to vet the martial arts gym you just signed with. You would have done some math around how long it takes you to drive from home to the gym or from your kids' school to the gym. Taking this drive time into account when picking your kid up from school or daycare will help you plan accordingly since most gyms have classes right after school. This will help you and your family plan things like: dinner time, homework time, and after-school activities to ensure you arrive on-time for classes.
Competitions are an excellent way for kids to test and refine their the skills they learn. With that said, it's not for everyone. Most gyms will have in-house tournaments that provide kids a structure "competition" against their friends and teammates. These are usually at no cost and are a means for the kids to show their families what they've learned!
There are different types of tournaments that students can sin up for that have various rule sets. Tournaments like these usually occur over the course of a weekend and can be local or distant. This is usually dependent on the size of the event and/or the organization hosting the event. The tournaments are at an additional cost and usually require your child to spend time preparing. Some gyms will have specific classes for competitors to attend to ensure they are prepared for these events. Ensure you and your child also review all rules before signing up for these events so they align with your kids expectations.
Ask the gym if competing is a contributing factor to your child getting promoted or advancing. Depending on the martial art, competing is required in order to progress and get promoted. Some gyms simply look at time spent training or technical skill. Ensure you and your child understand these criteria and align with your advancement expectations or goals.
Each family is unique and each child's martial arts journey will be different. Use these tips to help guide your journey as a family and make the most of it!
I'm sure there's other things we didn't account for. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!