How
To Find a Safe Martial Arts Dojo
For Your Child
Martial arts training
has become increasingly popular with both parents and kids as evidence
of its benefits
continues to grow. While team sports can provide valuable opportunities
for physical and social development, they're limited by season and
often inhibit kids' personal accomplishment. By contrast,
classes
that teach children karate,
judo, and other styles blend physical fitness, emotional control, and a
philosophy built upon respect and discipline.
Once
you and your kids have decided that they would like to enroll in
martial arts classes, the next step is to find a suitable dojo.
That includes finding an instructor around whom your child feels
comfortable as well as investing time to observe classes. Safety is
paramount. And while most schools consider it a priority, it remains
the responsibility of the parent. Below, I'll describe the 4 steps to
finding a safe martial arts dojo for your kids.
#1
- Ask For Clarification
The
instructors who train young people in the martial arts understand that
parents are concerned about the safety precautions taken by the school.
As a result, they'll happily explain the steps they're taking in order
to ensure the training is safe. Of course, if you're unfamiliar with a
particular studio, you should invest the time to verify their claims.
And that means observing a few classes.
#2 - Observe A Few Classes
Few
things - if any - can take the place of personal observation. A
trustworthy dojo will accommodate your request to watch other students
during training sessions. By observing a class, you'll gain an
appreciation regarding the dynamic shared between students and
teachers. You'll be able to note whether the trainers are overly
antagonistic, prompting kids to be more aggressive than necessary.
You'll also get a glimpse of the safety gear used.
#3
- Watch For Safety Gear
The
floor on which children train should be matted. Even if sparring is not
included during classes, a heavy mat protects a child's body from falls
or while kneeling. If the dojo includes sparring, watch for mouth
guards, padded headgear, and protective pads for the shins. They should
also be wearing sparring gloves in order to reduce the impact of
strikes, intentional or accidental.
Keep in mind that grappling
is often a large part of sparring. Look at the floor to make sure that
the mat is large enough to sufficiently cover the area. Also, look
around the training room for protruding objects that might cause injury.
#4 - Note How Injuries Are Treated
While
it is always unfortunate when a child is injured during martial arts
classes, it's important to note how the instructor responds. The
trainer should be able to quickly assess whether an injury is serious
or superficial, and then act accordingly. Doing so effectively is more
difficult than it seems. A lot of children feign pain in order to
attract attention. On the other hand, if an injury is serious,
immediate medical attention may be required. An experienced dojo
instructor will be able to identify the severity of each injury and
address it properly.
Enrolling Your Kids In A Safe Dojo
Learning
martial arts is an adventure that often grows into a lifelong passion.
It's not uncommon for kids to develop an intense fondness for the
training over time. The more often they attend classes and participate,
the stronger their self-confidence grows. Plus, they learn the value of
emotional restraint, peer respect, and discipline. Use the 4 tips above
to find a safe martial arts dojo for your child. It takes time, but an
inviting school and an authoritative instructor can spark and keep your
child's interest.
About the Author
The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient art of Wado-Ryu Karate with
modern teaching methods in a convenient Denver
Dojo.
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