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Seven Lessons I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Martial Arts Instructor for Kids

May 28, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

Kids karate lessons

Kids learn martial arts in different ways. It is the instructors job to discover how best to reach a child.

I’ve spent the last two decades teaching martial arts to children. There have been many days when I got in my car after class, and said to myself, “I don’t think I reached anybody today”. Other days I drove home with a beaming smile on my face, knowing I made a big impact that day on the life of a child or two. Luckily those kind of days outnumber the others. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned about teaching martial arts to kids.

All kids learn at a different pace.

Some students pick up the technique the first time you show it to them. Other students might require you to explain it ten times before they understand. This does not make them stupid. People just differ in the way they process information. I am a slow learner, for example, but once it is in my “hard drive”, I very seldom forget it. Many fast learners I know are not able to retain information like I do. We all have our gifts.

All kids learn in a different way.

In a class of twenty children, most will learn visually. That is, by watching. You show them a move, they watch, and they learn best that way.

Another group, usually a smaller number, will hear instructions and pick it up that way. They are audio-inclined, and learn best by sound.

Still another group will have a difficult time with visual and audio instructions. They are tactile-oriented. If you lift their foot and place it in the proper position for a kick, and actually take them through the motion of the move, they will pick it up.

A good instructor will be sensitive to the different ways in which children learn. If you are having difficulty reaching a particular child, often times their mother or father can shed some light on the best way to reach them.

There are many ways of doing the same technique.

There is no wrong or right in many cases. For example, there are two ways of throwing an axe kick. It might be done straight up and down, which is the traditional way. It may come up in an arcing motion, like a crescent kick. The way in which the student feels the most natural is the correct way for them. There is no black or white in this area, unless the student is doing a move in an unsafe way.

If you are patient enough, every child will get it.

Never give up on your students. As we saw above, students learn at a different pace. You must encourage them until they understand the movements of any particular technique or kata. If you give up on them, it sends a message that it is okay to give up. You must walk the walk if your students are to follow your example.

If a child is late to class, it is probably not their fault.

Children don’t drive cars. They have little control over when they get to class. I have heard stories about instructors making kids do push-ups for being late. That is just plain wrong. Just let them bow in and join the class. If you are doing something with fast moves, like high kicks or sparring, they should warm up first. Also please read my post on exercise as punishment.

Recognition and praise is the best motivator.

I have learned that praise and recognition is the most effective way to get results. Kids and adults respond best to recognition. Gifts or other material objects only produce very short-term results, and send the wrong message in many cases. We should strive to do what is right, not what will result in our obtaining a reward.

The sensei sets the tone for the entire club.

By treating people with kindness and respect, you will create a club that attracts people who value those qualities. By the same token, if you show no tolerance for lack of respect amongst your students, you will repel disrespectful people. I am okay with that.

What lessons have you learned about martial arts for kids?

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

A Karate Class Challenges Itself

May 13, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

karate kids rising to the challenge

Set the bar high for your karate students. They will always rise to the occasion.

The power of a challenge

In karate class this week I said “Today we are going to learn how to throw a combination with 16 hand strikes in it, and we are going to do it with speed and power”. I saw the looks of “no way” and “unbelievable” on their faces, and heard the sighs of disbelief as I explained how this drill could greatly improve their hand speed. I asked them “how many of you can do it?” A few hands came up. I told them all to put up their hands, because “you will all be able to do it, I challenge you to do it”.

First, I showed them four different combinations and we drilled them over and over. Many of the students had trouble with it, but with patience and determination, we were able to get the combinations down pat.

We then strung two combinations together for a total of seven strikes. We had difficulty at first, but overcame it with practice. Again, many of the students were unable to do it, but we forged ahead, adding three more strikes for a total of ten. I could hear the sighs growing louder and the groans of exasperation by now, but we were on a mission.

Set your sights high

As we completed the ten-strike combination, I noticed a funny thing. The students who earlier had trouble with the 7-strike combination were doing it easily, now that it was the first part of the 10-strike combination. The “impossibility” of the 10-strike combination made the 7-strike combination seem easy.

By the time I announced to the class that we were now going to attempt a 16-strike combination, I could swear I was starting to get dirty looks from the parents, who were watching from the side, and the class seemed to all but give up, save for a few determined individuals.

The 16-strike combination concluded with a 6-punch boxing combination we had practiced earlier. It was now just a matter of tacking it on to the ten-strike combo. The students struggled and many were not able to get it, but I could see the determination on their faces. We kept practicing. As we progressed, just about everyone had mastered the 10-strike combination, and most had done pretty well on the 16-strike combination. We finished, pumping with energy, and bowed out with a feeling of great accomplishment–a truly special karate class.

Expect greatness from your students

The moral of the story: set high standards for your students, keep raising the bar, and expect them to be able to do it. They will rise to the occasion. Challenge yourself and challenge your students.

How old were the students, you ask? Get ready for this—6 to 10 year olds.

A Karate Class Challenges Itself is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein

Filed Under: For the Martial Arts Instructor, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Martial Arts for Kids: How to Retain Students

March 28, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

fun and safe martial arts for kids

Martial arts classes for kids should be fun, safe, and interesting. Parents and children should feel welcome.

Retaining your students is one of the most important things you need to do as an owner of a martial arts school. Advertising is not cheap. It is much more expensive to recruit new students than to retain your existing ones. Word of mouth advertising is your most powerful weapon, and your existing students and their parents will tell all their friends about your school. Our schools have done exceptionally well in our retention efforts, keeping some 80-90 percent of our students. How do we do it? I am going to share a few of our secrets here.

Make your students feel welcome.

The TV show Cheers showed how important it is to give people a place to go “where everyone knows your name and everyone is glad you came”. Smile as your students walk in, say hello, and try to remember their names when possible. Ask them how they are doing. Thank their parents for their business and their hard-earned money. Make everyone associated with your business feel valuable, but especially your students.

Create excitement and energy in your martial arts classes.

Make every class as memorable as the first one. The classes should be fun and interesting. Although reviewing our required techniques is essential, each class should include something different from the week before. Do a fun game near the end of class to leave the children pumped when they leave. They won’t be able to wait for the next class.

Be enthusiastic, your students will feed off your energy. Ask questions often during the classes to get your students involved and to keep their interest. Ask for volunteers to “model” techniques before the whole class. This really keeps the kids motivated.

Keep the classes moving. Don’t bore children with long-winded, detailed explanations. Let them learn by doing.

Engage with and listen to your students.

Get to know your students. Watch closely for signs of disinterest or lack of enthusiasm. Talk to them and find out why. It could be that the student is discouraged because they are not getting a technique or kata. Offer them extra help. Or they might not be getting enough of your attention. Try to find something they are doing well and praise them for it. Let them know you think they are important.

Create a non-intimidating atmosphere.

Ensure the classes are friendly and safe. Do not let children spar until they are ready. Make sure proper protective equipment is used and watch the student’s control, especially with the less experienced students.

With new students, be especially supportive. Most are feeling clumsy and awkward, so give them plenty of praise and recognition to get through this stage. They will gain confidence quickly.

Do the right thing.

Put yourself in your student’s place. I initially thought a little girl was putting little effort into her classes, and was about to talk to her about it. But when I observed her playing a game in class it occurred to me she had a physical problem that prevented her from running fast or coordinating her little body. Her mom confirmed she had a severe muscle tone problem. I put myself in the little girl’s place and cut her some slack.

Put yourself in their parent’s place. Treat your students like you as a father or mother would like your own children treated. If you make a mistake, sincerely apologise to the parent and child publicly. People will respect you for it.

If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you tell a student you will grade them Tuesday of next week, be ready with the certificate and belt when the day comes. Failure to do what you say will cause your students to lose respect for you.

Treat all students and parents with courtesy and respect. There is no such thing as a “dumb” question or comment. All questions deserve a prompt, polite answer.

Ask students why they are quitting.

Many students will quit for reasons beyond your control. Students move, they sometimes cannot afford to pay the class fees, the classes clash with school or a school-related activity, or they simply lose interest. When students quit, ask them the reason if possible. This might help you discover problems that you were not aware of. Use this as a learning tool to make your classes better.

Although is article is directed towards martial arts for kids, it will work for any age group. Implementing just a few of these suggestions will see your retention rates skyrocket. Instructors or assistant instructors, do you have any ideas to help retain your students?

Filed Under: For the Martial Arts Instructor, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Kids Karate Sparring: How Not to Do It

March 13, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

kids having fun sparring

Sparring is fun, as long as it's closely supervised and safety rules are enforced.

My First Sparring Experience

Twack!!! I gasped as his foot landed squarely in my stomach. As I stumbled backward I tried to catch my breath, but the wind was knocked out of me in one painful instant. Regaining my breath I threw myself straight at the tall, lanky green belt. In football we were taught to take on our attackers head-on and plant them on their backside. He didn’t play by my rules and it was clear I was no match for his skill and footwork. He sidestepped me and caught me with a ridgehand strike to my right eye, sending me to the mat. I had enough.

It was not supposed to be like this. Sparring had just started two minutes earlier, when the sensei said “I’m just going to duck out for a cup of coffee, you boys be careful and go light”. So much for his advice. As a white belt with five blue belts and two green belts, I was the seal in a pool full of sharks. At 19, I just learned my first lesson in how not to run a karate school. Never allow students to spar without supervision, and never allow untrained students to spar unless they are ready. Sparring between strangers can be especially dangerous as no one knows what to expect, and therefore everyone goes out hard.

Fortunately for me at the time, I was still in the 30-day trial period, so needless to say, I never went back to that school. The sensei’s carelessness cost him the $50 per month I was getting ready to pay for six months in advance. That was a lot of money back in 1979 and I’m certain I was not the only one that walked out during the trial period from that school in Sacramento.

Other Mistakes This School Made

Later on I would learn of other mistakes this school made. No protective equipment was used by any of the students that day. The head gear, gloves, shin guards, mouthguards, and groin protectors that are required by reputable schools of today were not used by this school. The idea was that everyone would “control their techniques”, but no one did, especially in the absence of the sensei.

How To Run a Kids Karate Sparring Class Properly

Sparring is about trust. Trust in your partner to control his or her techniques, and trust in the sensei to pull up students who lack control. The following rules should always be enforced, especially when kids are sparring:

  1. No striking (kicks or punches) in the face.
  2. No striking below the belt.
  3. No striking in the back.
  4. No striking the head with full contact.
  5. Hitting the front torso is okay, provided it is with light contact. For the head, the contact should be very light, or no contact, and should only be to the area protected by the head gear.
  6. Sparring is allowed only in the presence of an instructor.
  7. Students who show excessive contact consistently or do not follow the rules are to be removed from sparring until they are able to do it safely.
  8. Students should never be forced to spar with anyone. They should be allowed to refuse to spar anyone who is training without proper control or care for others.

Sparring is about building self defence skills in children, and improving their confidence. It is extremely important to introduce them gently into it. Sparring can be very scary for a child, especially the first few times. After this, kids will realize how much fun it can be, provided it is done safely. What are your experiences with sparring?

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Kids Karate Parties: Why I Don’t Do Them

March 6, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

kids birthday parties are for fun

Kids birthday parties are meant to be fun. Karate is meant to be serious.

Providing kids karate at a birthday party

Years ago when I started my kids karate business, I provided the “entertainment” at a birthday party for a student of mine, whose mother requested it. I use the word entertainment, because that is exactly what it is, nothing more and nothing less. I did my best to keep the kids’ attention as we went through the blocks, strikes, kicks, and karate games. It was mass chaos. Kids were running through the “class”, throwing things, jumping the queues, and mucking around in general. What do you do at a birthday party if the kids won’t listen, won’t behave, and don’t care? Do you sit them down? It is not appropriate at a birthday party, as they are there to have fun. Just the same, what if some child got hurt because of the horseplay?

Karate is serious

Karate is not entertainment. It is serious business. Although we make our classes fun and exciting, we try to impart to the students how important it is to be serious about their training. As I tell my students in our classes when they need a bit of a “settling down”, what they learn in karate class may someday save their lives. It is next to impossible to convey this to a bunch of kids at a birthday party.

Why provide this service?

Some martial arts organisations use birthday parties as a revenue raiser, and also as a way to build business through the referrals of children at the venue. The theory is that the kids will see what fun it is, and join the regular classes. I tried it again at a later party, in the hopes that the first experience was an anomaly. It was not. Same experience the second time around. I think we gained one student from each party. After that, I told myself I would never do it again, and many years later, have never regretted it.

I am aware that many of my competitors in the business provide this service. For me, I am happy to put my time and energy into my students who are serious about the martial arts and are in it for more than just “entertainment”.

What is your experience with kids karate parties?

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Childrens Martial Arts and Strength Training

February 14, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

boy strength training for martial arts

Strength training can help your child perform better in the martial arts, if done safely and with proper form.

Can children improve their performance in martial arts through strength-training?

Most definitely! The martial arts require powerful, explosive movements. Strength-training exercises can be very effective in developing this explosiveness. Sprinters, football players, basketball players, baseball players, and many other elite sports people now use strength-training as an important part of their preparation.

My experience with weight training

Gridiron (American football), like martial arts, is an explosive game. As my high school coach fondly put it “It’s all about five yards (meters) and a cloud of dust”. You need to explode off the mark, hit the line hard–BOOM!, and drive. Power, strength, and speed is everything in this collision sport. We were encouraged to lift weights from 9th grade (13-14 years) onward. I am not sure if it was the result of natural growth or the weight training, but the gains we made in strength, speed, and power were astonishing. And the increase in our self-confidence was just as dramatic, as we got bigger and stronger.

Is it safe for kids to lift weights?

For years, many so-called experts said weight training and other strength-training exercises were not safe for children. “It will stunt Jimmy’s growth”, they said. I believed this myself for a long time. Today, top research authorities say that is not the case. Many reputable medical and sports organisations, including the Mayo Clinic, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics now support strength-training exercises for children, if performed safely. They also list many benefits.

What are the benefits of children doing strength-training exercises?

    Increased muscle strength and endurance.

    Sports performance improvement.

    Better cardio respiratory function.

    Helps to protect the child’s muscles and joints from injury associated with other activities.

    Stronger bones.

    Boost your child’s metabolism.

    Help your child maintain a healthy weight.

    Lowered cholesterol levels.

    An exercise habit which lasts a lifetime.

    The concept of goal setting.

    Self-confidence.

    Better nutritional habits.

    Strength-training is just as if not more important for young females, as females are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Strength-training increases bone mass, which prevents osteoporosis.

Girl lifting weights

It is even more important for females to start strength training as it builds stronger bones.

How do we make sure it is safe and effective?

As early as 8 years old, children can benefit from a strength-training program, provided they are mature enough to follow directions and perform the exercises with proper form. It is wise to check with the child’s doctor to make sure there are no health problems that would prevent them from participating in the activity safely. Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or seizure disorders are examples.

For kids, light resistance and controlled movements are the key, with emphasis on proper technique and safety. Your child can start with exercises using his or her own body weight, like lunges, push-ups or pull-ups, and work slowly into light weights. One to two sets of 12-15 repetitions is ideal for children. The number of sets and the amount of weight lifted can be gradually increased as the child gets older and has mastered proper lifting technique.

Lifting heavy weights like power-lifters and bodybuilders is not advisable for children. This can put too much strain on tendons, muscles, and growth plates—especially when performing the lift without proper form. Lifting to muscle failure is also not recommended. Bulking up is not advised until after puberty. If the child cannot lift the weight at least 10 times, the weight is too heavy.

Find a coach or trainer that is knowledgeable about youth strength-training. They will be able to design a program based on your child’s size, age, and sport-specific requirements. Child-sized weights and equipment are good if they can be found. Adult supervision is an absolute necessity when children are lifting weights.

Warm up properly before any weight-training session to prevent injury. Lifting the bar without weights on it is a very good way to warm up.

Make sure your child rests at least one full day between workouts. Two to three days a week is enough for a child’s strength-training program. Keep it fun and interesting by varying the program, or your child will get bored.

Results take time. Set realistic goals with your child and encourage him with praise and rewards. If you push him it will soon become a job and he will quickly lose interest. The decision to begin and continue a strength-training program should rest solely with the child—not with an overzealous parent or martial arts coach.

With a properly designed and supervised strength-training program, your child can build strength, confidence, and perform better in sports. It might be the edge they need, not only in the martial arts, but also in life.

Childrens Martial Arts and Strength Training is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein

Filed Under: Martial Arts Resources for Parents, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

How the Martial Arts Build Leadership Skills in Children

February 6, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

kids in martial arts class putting their hands up to answer a question

A good children's martial arts program develops self-confident, assertive leaders. Kids are encouraged to put their hands up.

The Qualities of Great Leaders

Every child has the potential to become a leader. I have seen many children in my organisation over the years become excellent leaders—many were shy and withdrawn when they started the martial arts. Their leadership qualities were built slowly over time. Here are the most important qualities of great leaders and how the martial arts can develop each one.

They are self confident and assertive.

Great leaders believe in themselves and resist peer pressure. They are not afraid to ask for what they want. The praise and recognition children receive in a good martial arts program will help build this self-confidence. The small steps children take in their progression mean a lot to them—they are celebrated. Children learn to ask the sensei when they need help–this builds their assertiveness skills.

They are positive thinkers.

Nobody follows a leader with a negative attitude. We all gravitate toward positive thinkers. The martial arts develop a can-do attitude among its students. Negative thinking has no place in the training hall, and this rubs off on the kids.

They can communicate.

In a good martial arts program, children learn to put their hands up to explain something to a large group. Sometimes they get flustered—that’s ok, because each time they put their hand up it gets a little easier. Shy, withdrawn students come out of their shells and get comfortable explaining things in front of the class. They also learn how to take their turn and listen while the other children are speaking. Listening well is another mark of a great leader, as this exhibits tolerance toward others’ opinions and an open mind.

They show mental toughness.

A great leader might have to make decisions that are unpopular, but are for the good of the organisation. A child can learn to handle the pressure of a martial arts grading, where 100 people might be present. This will carry over into other areas of their lives, like resisting peer pressure and worrying about how others view them. Going along with this quality is persistence, which all great leaders possess in abundance. They simply do not give up.

They have good organizational skills.

All great leaders need organizational skills. By creating checklists, or working their way through lists of techniques needed for their next grading, children learn to manage their limited time. They learn to prioritise by spending more time on their weaknesses, while balancing this with school or family responsibilities, building their organizational skills.

They take the initiative.

A great leader takes the ownership view and is always thinking about how they can benefit the organization. During or after class some of my students will come up and ask if I need help putting away kick bags or cones. That is the first step toward becoming a leader.

They are able to focus.

Getting past all the clutter and seeing the big picture is an important quality of great leaders. The martial arts are legendary for their ability to develop concentration and laser-like focus on the task at hand.

They have self-discipline.

Being able to motivate yourself and work on your own is something martial artists excel at. It is not a team sport, and in most cases there is not a coach to constantly be after you to practice. You learn to work outside of class on your own to achieve your goals. The student also learns to sacrifice their time while friends are doing other fun activities. This builds self-discipline.

They have a sense of justice and fair play.

A great leader must do what is right. Children learn the value of taking turns and playing by the rules in martial arts activities. They learn that if everyone feels like they are treated fairly, the entire class is happy.

They have their own good role models.

Every great leader had someone to follow at one time or another. In a martial arts school, the sensei is a great role model to follow as he or she is likely to be a superb leader.

Building leadership skills in our children is one of the best things we can do to ensure they have a bright future. Why not give them a head start by enrolling them in a good martial arts program?

How the Martial Arts Build Leadership Skills in Children is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein

Filed Under: Martial Arts Resources for Parents, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Why I Love Teaching Kids Karate

January 24, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

Sensei Matt Klein teaching kids karate

Sensei Matt Klein "Teaching kids karate is the best job in the world".

The Kids Karate Sensei is Grateful

I recently sat down and thought, how lucky am I to have a career I love. I sat down and wrote out all the reasons I am grateful. It is a great exercise; I recommend it highly. I am truly blessed, and grateful. Here’s why.

Surrounded by people we like

I like kids. From the very first moment I put on my gi and started helping kids with their karate, I knew I found my calling. The little ones followed me around, asking questions, showing me their moves “that they made up”, while laughing and smiling the whole time. Kids are fun. How could you not like them?

I like the social aspects. I like the sense of community that we have in the karate world. The black belts, who started as kids, and who are now instructors; the parents who have been there supporting their kids and our program for years; the many friendships that have been built in the karate dojo; the jokes, laughs, and “inside information” we all share; this is what builds a great community.

Keeps me fit and young

Keeps me fit. As any mother or father can attest, trying to keep up with the kids can take some serious energy. Let’s face it. We all like to eat, and we all like to relax. I like my food–did anyone say “chocolate”? I enjoy surfing the net and reading other people’s blogs—while sitting down. Without this job to get me up and about, who knows how unfit I would be.

Keeps me young. Kids have a different way of looking at things. The way they talk, the positive way they think (some day they are going to be Superman!), the way they don’t really care how they look when learning new things. How they just start playing a game and everyone is invited, the more the merrier. The wonder of the world around them. Just being around it keeps a person young at heart. I get to play games, have fun, and sometimes act like a kid too.

I am motivated by the martial arts

I like to challenge myself to be better. When I see one of my students perform a kata brilliantly, it inspires me to be better. When I go to a karate tournament and see a guy ten years older than me doing something amazing, it makes me want to do better. I like how everyone around me is constantly lifting their game, which makes me want to do the same.

I am passionate about martial arts. Since the day I walked into my first karate class, I knew I was in it; hook, line, and sinker. Writing down all the moves so I would not forget them, practising almost every day, jumping into the tournament scene, even dreaming about martial arts; I could not get enough. This has not changed one bit, even after half a lifetime.

I am jazzed about what I do and look forward to each day. Those that know me well are aware that I am a bit of a “night bird”, but when I get up in the morning I am fired up and ready to tackle the day ahead. I cannot wait to “get at it”.

I feel like I’ve accomplished something at the end of the day. When I get in my car at the end of the day, I smile knowing that we did something truly amazing. We built up the confidence and self-esteem of youngsters, and helped them to build better lives for themselves. For me, it is the best job in the world.

Why I Love Teaching Kids Karate is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Let Kids Teach You Something Today

December 26, 2010 By Sensei Matt Klein

boxing gloves for kids

Problem: Four boxing gloves, three kids.

Funny how kids are attracted to boxing gloves. We had a big problem. Only two pairs of gloves and three kids, and nobody wants to sit out, because it’s boring. We immediately went to work putting on our thinking caps. Bingo! I put on one pair and the other two kids (my brother Joe and one of my best childhood friends, Mike) put on one glove each. I had to run between them as they tried to hit me, all the while throwing punches in return. We played this game for hours, laughing, pummelling each other, trying to avoid the furniture, and screaming the whole time like wild animals. I think back on these times fondly, even though I think I lost most of the exchanges. My poor parents. Secretly I think they were happy though, because it kept us occupied and out of trouble for a long time.

We figured out how to walk like ducks, mimicking their quacks, and then used it in real life—to make fun of our poor sister, Kim. Looking back on it, we laugh, even Kim.

We spent hours building tracks in the dirt and then flew around them on our sting ray bikes, sliding into the turns, jumping over the humps; inevitably crashing, necessitating a crying session in mom’s arms for pity.

If you watch kids long enough, you’ll see how they use their creativity to solve their biggest problem—how to have fun. When it comes to play, when there is a will, there is a way. We adults can learn a thing or two from them.

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Motivating Children in Martial Arts

November 21, 2010 By Sensei Matt Klein

championship martial arts team

Motivation is the key to helping young martial artists become their best.

Our tournament competition team, Kenpo Freestyle Sydney, is one of the best in the history of martial arts competition in Australia. Winning the top-ranked team in ISKA (International Sports Karate Association) for six years straight is a record-setting achievement that will stand for some time. People sometimes ask me how we did it. At the risk of giving our secrets away, I am going to tell you how to motivate kids to be their best. A team of motivated individuals produces championships.

Recognition is the key to motivating people, especially in front of their peers. We all have a need to be recognised for our hard work and effort. I recognise all tournament competitors, regardless of whether they won a trophy or not. I point out in front of the other kids that this boy or girl must have been courageous enough to go into a competition. This is a real confidence-booster for a child that might have missed out on a trophy. A student who attends two tournaments a year gets a special badge, regardless of their perfomance in competition. The kids are very proud of these badges.

Don’t let them dwell on mistakes. I asked a girl to come up front and demonstrate a kata because she had a pretty good one. She tried it three or four times and kept making mistakes—the pressure of performing it in front of the class got to her. She started to cry. So I took her aside later and said, “Listen, the reason I had you come up front was you had the best kata in the class, and I wanted to show the others how it should be done. Despite your mistakes, your stances were superb and I am sure the class now knows how do do them. Well done”. She walked away with a smile on her face and a look of pride. The lesson here—find something a child does well, and focus on that.

Disguise repetition. Repetition is the key to skill, but mix it up enough to achieve the same result by doing different drills and exercises. This will ensure that your students stay motivated enough to attend regularly. When you can, make a game out of any activity. Kids love games. We play games that leave the kids huffing and puffing, just like running wind sprints, but they don’t feel it, because it’s so much fun.

Emphasise that hard work wins the race. Point out that some students will naturally be more gifted than others, but there is no substitute for hard work. There are plenty of examples in every club of students who, although originally lacking the athleticism, made up for it by sheer hard work and became champions. Use these examples to motivate students with less ability.

Use positive coaching to those who did their best but came up short. If a child performs below par at a tournament, I might say “That was a pretty good kata, especially for your first tournament. Let me show you how to do it better next time. Before I walk away I say, “You know, you are very brave to even come out here in front of all these people and perform. Good job.” False praise, on the other hand, is counterproductive. Saying that they “were great” when they were obviously not is dishonest and the student will surely know his efforts did not warrant the praise.

Make sure each student’s goals are achievable. Getting a first place in a child’s first tournament is not a reasonable goal, and he will get discouraged if he doesn’t “meet your standards”. If the goal is reachable, the student will be highly motivated to achieve it.

Fear or threats do not work. Having a child do push-ups or any other type of punishment for failing to perform at his expected level has no place in sports. In addition, it does not work, as the child will get discouraged and will lose interest in the activity.

Provide a training hall where everyone is made to feel welcome. We all thrive in environments where we feel safe and are accepted for who we are. Your example is followed by everyone in the organisation, so make it one worth following.

Be passionate about what you are coaching. It will most definitely rub off on your students. They will respond accordingly.

Coaches, parents, and students out there, I welcome your own examples of ways to motivate children in martial arts.

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

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New Term Starts 16th October

September 24, 2020
Hey Kenpo Freestylers! The first week of classes for next term starts Friday, 16th October, through Thursday, 22nd October. The last week of term will end on Thursday, 17th December. It is a nine week term. Please mark your calendars! Times and dates are also posted on our website at http://www.karate-kids.com.au/locations/.

We are a COVID safe business!

July 24, 2020
All of our head instructors and a good many of our assistants have completed the MAIA course for qualification as a COVID safe business. Please be assured that we take your child’s health and safety as our highest priority. Our classes will be run safely in a clean environment. Please talk to your head instructor […]

Regular Classes Starting Soon!

July 18, 2020
Our regular classes are starting this Friday, the 24th of July through Thursday week the 30th of July. It will be a nine-week term and will continue through Thursday, 24th September. Please see our Locations page for times and dates. Welcome back returning students and we look forward to meeting all new students. Sensei Matt

Great Deals Online Kids Karate!

May 11, 2020
Great Deals Online Kids Karate! Welcome back Kenpo Freestylers! We now have pre pay options available on iKarate for our loyal students and families – with something extra… Our way of saying thank you We have been so touched by the overwhelming support for you all for our beloved Karate Club. The emails & facebook […]

Online Kids Martial Arts Starting New Term

May 3, 2020
We are pleased to announce that a new term of online kids martial arts classes is starting this week. We had an excellent turnout at the end of last term and through the school holidays and hundreds of our students were able to successfully grade to keep progressing on their martial arts journey. This has […]

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Testimonials

Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
Yogendra Joshi, father of Mihir JoshiImage
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Tyvian Macfarlane

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Tyvian's story.
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane, father of Tyvian Macfarlane
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Adam Loader

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Adam's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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