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After School Activities for Kids: Do Children Do Too Much?

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after school activities like karate can help kids

After school activities like karate can help kids make friends, build confidence, and improve fitness. As long as a balance is kept with their free time.

After school activities promote social skills, education, or physical fitness. They are usually great for kids. A sense of personal accomplishment can be achieved when a child masters a skill such as making it to the next belt level in karate. It is far better than having your kids go home and sit in front of a TV or playing video games. But how much is too much?

Every day in my karate schools I see it; the rush and hustle of parents and their kids trying to get from one actitity to another as they have booked martial arts and soccer practice (or some other sport) on the same day. I see the short tempers, frayed nerves, and sometimes lack of focus among the kids. Are your kids trying to do too much? How do you know? What can you do to prevent it?

At the extreme I have read stories about children starting sport as soon as they were old enough. They practised and played hard all the way through high school, where sport became very serious. For some, by high school they had already burned out their arms or knees as well as any chance of going professional or even getting a scholarship. Or they may be mentally burned out and have no desire to ever play the game again.

How do you know if your child is trying to do too many after school activities?

Their grades begin to suffer. You notice they have very little time for homework. Their teacher comments that they seem tired in class and are unable to get their work done. This is especially true for older kids, as the homework levels increase as kids enter high school.

Your child is not enjoying the activity anymore. It is becoming too much like a “job” or “chore”. They just seem uninterested and have no desire to practice. They do not look forward to their classes.

They are always tired. When they get home from the after-school activity, they just plop down on the couch and sleep. They are too tired for homework or even video games. They may become short-tempered from lack of rest.

After school activities become the kids playtime and their only friends are their team mates. They have no time for a social life. This is a sign that they are lacking free time.

The child seems very stressed out. Some children become ill. Others may become withdrawn and nervous while others show anger and demand attention. Adults are not the only ones who become stressed. Watch for the signs.

You find yourself very stressed out at the end of each week trying to play assistant coach, chauffeur, and chief motivator, especially if you have multiple children in different activities.

However, each child’s personality and situation differ. There are some children that need to stay active. One of my student’s mothers told me “My son is very highly strung and needs to be doing something most of the time to stay out of trouble”. We all know a few kids that need something to do rather than just watch TV or hang out at malls. But be careful you are not signing your kids up for activities just to keep them entertained.

If they are taking on too much, what can you do about it?

Make sure they have a couple of free days each week. Some of the parents that come to our karate classes have told me they limit the number of activities their children do in any given school term. One or two after-school activities is a good rule of thumb. They set this limit and they stick to it. This will give their children more time to relax and catch up on any homework. It seems like a reasonable approach.

Others have set aside one evening a week where no one can plan anything — that is their family night where they play games together or watch a movie. Others make sure that their family eats together at least four or five nights a week. This is a great time for kids and parents to bond.

Let your children pick their own after school activity. They will be more likely to enjoy it and stick with it. Making your child participate in an activity they don’t want to do, or don’t have the talent for is not right. Watch, listen and talk to your kids and they’ll tell you what they want and what they like. You’ll know if your child is athletic or more interested in arts or music. Don’t be afraid to let your children experience things and learn what they like.

It’s okay to tell your children that once they sign up for the activity, they are committed to participate to the end of the class or season. This teaches kids to follow through and encourages both parents and kids to be especially selective when choosing an activity.

Help them set their priorities. Your children need your help to understand how to prioritize their activities. Explain that if they spend a certain amount of time on one activity it means less time for doing things that they also think are important. Some kids may feel that you are punishing them by limiting their after-school activities. You will need to explain the benefits of having less stress and more free time. Kids should be enjoying life rather than being in a constant state of activity.

Balance is the key

Structured activities are important, but if kids are over-scheduled they lose out on the unstructured free play that they need to develop problem solving and learn social interaction. Kids need a chance to breathe, be themselves, daydream, and play. They need to learn to entertain themselves and enjoy their own company. Parents need to strike a balance that includes both. Remember the big picture–they’ll be grown-ups soon enough.

What are your experiences with after school activities for kids? Do you feel your children do too much?

Bullying: A Parents Guide to Prevention

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Kids learning confidence in martial arts

Martial arts classes teach confidence, deter bullies, and build friendships.

Bullying is once again in the spotlight, both here and in the US. An incident in Western Sydney involving a bullied child who fought back and body-slammed his attacker to the ground made worldwide headlines. Most people who commented on forums and blogs were in support of his reaction. In the US, President Obama and the First Lady came out strongly in a special press meeting about the need for action on this issue. This meeting is posted on John Zimmer’s My Self Defense Blog. John’s blog post is an interesting read and inspired me to write this article.

How to determine if your child is being bullied

Watch for signs of bullying such as fear of going to school, lack of friends, missing belongings, torn clothing, sleep disturbances or nightmares, increased fearfulness and anxiety. Look especially close if the child complains of vague illnesses, such as stomach problems or headache on school days. The child may fear retaliation and keep the bullying secret for this reason. In Australia there is a fear of being labelled a “dobber” for bringing the problem to the school’s attention. Dobbing, ratting or snitching are negative labels used by the harasser to discourage children from reporting. It takes courage to report. Reporting is done to help keep someone safe. Let the child know the bullying is unlikely to stop unless you report it and get help together.

Ask your child if there are any bullies at school. This is a good way of finding out about any existing or potential problems without asking them outright. A good place to start these conversations is in the car or other place where you have little eye-to-eye contact.

Be aware of what is happening in your child’s life. Take the time to listen to them to acknowledge their concerns. Let them know it is okay to discuss anything with you, and that you will support them fully if they have any trouble at school, including bullying. Ask your child what they think is the best course of action if there is a problem. This helps them to feel like they have some control over the issue. Consult your child with any action or decision you take, as it will affect them directly. Make it clear it is not your child’s fault.

If bullying is happening at school

Engage with the school. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and the principal of the school. If they know you, it is easier to discuss potential problems with them.

Have a chat with other parents that have children attending your school and ask them if any of their children are being bullied? Another parent will often tell you about an instance of bullying at school simply because no parent wants to think of their child being bullied.

Do not be afraid to speak up. It is difficult to catch a bully in the act in many instances, but if enough people speak up, a pattern will be noticed and something can be done. Give the school a reasonable amount of time to do something about the problem.

Provide the school with something in writing. If the school has a written record of bullying, they are more likely to do something. The school will need evidence to discipline a bully. If there is any evidence of the bullying such as witnesses, bruises, etc. include it, as well as times and locations of the incidents.

The vast majority of teachers and administration at schools take this issue seriously and will do what it takes to try and combat bullying. However, there are a few that have the attitude that “Kids will be kids”, and look the other way. If the teacher fails to accept responsibility, it is especially important that the parent get involved. It is also necessary to find another person at the school that has the power to do something about the problem.

Try to control your anger over the incident. If you approach the school in a respectful, but concerned manner, you will have a greater chance of getting their cooperation.

At home

Set a good example for your kids by treating everyone in your life with respect and dignity. Do not allow bullying to occur in your home or workplace. The few times I have had to suspend students from martial arts training were usually related to their inability to keep their hands to themselves. Encourage your children to take a stand whenever they see bullying.

Practice role-playing. Encourage your child to react calmly and confidently to taunting. Help your child understand that responding with physical aggression or insults will usually make the problem worse. For example, have your child practice saying “Leave me alone” in a loud commanding voice and then walking away.

Teach your child how to show confidence rather than shyness and vulnerability. Children can learn to look people in the eye and speak up when they talk.

Get your child into a martial arts program. There is truth in the saying “We learn to fight in the martial arts so we do not have to”. A martial artist walks with confidence, but rarely has to use their skills. Any bully can sense it. A lack of confidence plays a big factor in who the bully selects to intimidate. Another big benefit of martial arts is the friendship that is promoted in classes, and this will also help your child.

Bullying is not something we have to accept. It should not be considered a “normal part of growing up”. It is damaging to the child’s psyche and can have life-long consequences. It leads to absenteeism at school and poor academic performance. Bullying has even contributed to youth suicide. Children should not be afraid to go to school or play outdoors. They all have a right to feel safe.

Do you have any other ideas that will help parents deal with the problem of bullying?

Childrens Martial Arts and Strength Training

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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

How the Martial Arts Build Leadership Skills in Children

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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

Kids Martial Arts Classes: Your Child’s First Day

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kids smiling in a martial arts class

The kids will be nervous in their first martial arts class, but will soon be smiling, as they discover how much fun it is.

Welcome to your child’s first martial arts class. As the sensei, or teacher, it is my job to make you and your child feel welcome. Our purpose is to pass on our knowledge and passion for the art we teach. Relax and have fun. Here are some of the things to expect and how to prepare for it.

What to Do When You Arrive

Please be there to support your child. This is really important as most children will be very nervous in their first class. It is completely natural to be a bit scared—everyone is on their first day, but you’ll soon see there is nothing to be afraid of. The sensei will see to it that your child is made to feel welcome, and will do everything in his or her power to make sure your child has a positive experience on their first day. The sensei will introduce himself or herself to you and your child upon arrival.

Try to get there early and find a seat. Most good schools will allow parents to watch the classes. Locate the nearest toilet so you can find it when you need it. Try to have your child use it before class, so they don’t miss anything important in class. Make sure your child checks with the sensei if they have to leave class. Bathroom emergencies are the exception.

When you arrive, if the other children are running around and playing, let your child join in, unless there is a class in session. This is how children relax and make friends.

A professionally-run school will have information for you to read about their program. Ask the person at the front desk for a copy.

What to Bring to Martial Arts Classes

Have your child wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Uniforms (gi’s) will be available for sale, but try a few classes first to see if this martial arts school is right for you. Once you have purchased a gi, learn how to tie your child’s belt—it is not the sensei’s responsibility to tie the students belts.

Bring a water bottle as there will be drink breaks. Most schools do not allow food and drink in the training hall, except for water.

Bring a small towel—A good class will get you sweating a little and you will be expected to clean up your own mess if you make one.

What Happens in the First Martial Arts Class?

Bowing in and what it means will be talked about. Included in this discussion will be the importance of respect for others, when to use martial arts, and some of the history of their organisation. There might be some discussion of the rules of the training hall; such as no talking during class, hands to yourself, and listening when the sensei is talking. These rules are for the benefit of everyone.

Warm-up. Your child will learn the stretches that are done at the start of classes. The stretches are very important as they will prepare your child’s body for the fast, snappy moves of martial arts. This prevents injury and ensures that the student is flexible enough to perform the movements.

Stances. Your child will learn the basic stances, such as the horse stance and sparring stance. The names of the stances might vary from school to school. The stances are the building blocks of martial arts, and are very important, as a proper stance ensures good balance, power, and mobility.

Moves. You can expect some blocking moves or a limited amount of punches or kicks to be taught on the first day. Some schools will break up the class and take the beginners into a smaller group where they can work at their own pace. If the whole class is a beginner’s class, they will probably all stay together.

Sparring. There should be no contact between students at this stage. Beginners should not be sparring (or pretend fighting), as they lack the control and technique of the more advanced students. Sparring, in a well-controlled and safe environment , will be done at a later time.

What Happens After Class?

This is the best time to ask the sensei any questions you or your child might have about the class or program. Don’t be afraid. A good sensei is there to help you and your child achieve success in the martial arts.

If your child is excited about the class and wants to return, you have found the right school. If not, you may want to look around a bit more. Read this post I have written on how to find a good martial arts school for your kids.

Try to practice the techniques shown in the first class before the next class. This will help your child improve faster and will make them more confident in later classes.

Do not worry if the moves seemed a bit difficult on the first day. Everyone, black belts included, were once white belts. We all felt uncoordinated, awkward, and uncomfortable when we first started. The sensei is patient and will offer encouragement to your child. In a very short time, your child will gain the confidence to achieve their first belt on this marvellous journey.

Does anyone out there remember their first day of training in the martial arts? Your comments are always appreciated.

Karate for Kids: Is it Safe?

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a good kids karate instructor cares about safety

A good karate instructor that cares about kids will see that they are safe.

Are you concerned for your son’s safety but too scared to allow him to try karate because you fear he will be injured? Do you resist your daughter’s attempts to join her friends in the local martial arts classes because you think her face will be permanently disfigured by a kick or punch?

Relax, karate and most other martial arts are relatively safe, especially for kids. Statistics http://www.nyssf.org/statistics1998.html show that martial arts are safer than most other sports, especially in the younger age brackets. Young children have less power, and are therefore less able to hurt each other than adults. As you can see from the above link, martial arts are safer than baseball and basketball, and far safer than football (gridiron) or rugby. In addition, the nature of injuries are usually far less severe in martial arts, with the typical injury a sprain, strain, or bruise, as this article shows. These are minor compared to the brain and spinal cord injuries that happen in more dangerous sports. Nevertheless, injuries do occur. Luckily, there are things you can do as a parent that will tip the odds in favour of your child’s safety.

First, schools that specialise in children are your best bet because they usually make sure the classes are kid-friendly, meaning non-intimidating and safe. Remember, they are teaching kids, not prison guards or army combat types, where the outcome is life or death.

Always insist on watching your child’s classes. Good martial arts schools will allow and even encourage you to watch the classes. It is the parent’s right to see what is going on. It is also the parent’s right to question something that does not look safe.

Are the classes usually preceded by a warm-up session? Flexibility training is the key to injury prevention. Kids are usually far more limber than adults so the warm-up session does not need to be as long as in the adults classes.

Sparring and contact is the most critical area as this is where the potential for injury is greatest. Sparring is not for beginners, especially when they are kids. The student needs to develop not only correct technique, but also the control that goes along with it before he or she steps into the sparring ring.

Does the school require students to wear protective gear, including head gear, gloves, mouthguards, shin/foot pads? Is the sparring overseen by black belts, with the sensei always present?

Are there clear-cut rules for which areas of the body are off-limits as targets? Some contact is not necessarily a bad thing, as it teaches children the importance of covering up and using footwork to evade their attacker. But allowing children to punch each other in the face or neck is a big mistake, as is kicking below the belt or in the back.

Full-contact sparring should be for students 16 years and older, not for young children. Are students that show a lack of control cautioned, or is the instructor creating an aggro environment, where the kids are encouraged to be aggressive? Technique and control should be emphasised in sparring, not brute power. These are all important areas to consider when viewing a sparring class.

Weapons can be dangerous, especially ones that are difficult to control like the kamas or nunchucks. It is advisable to require students to be a certain level, preferably black belt, before they can begin learning them.

Overall, get a feel for the instructors, as their attitudes will be reflected in their students. If they are caring and respectful, they will produce caring and respectful students in a safe, friendly environment, where learning is fun and everyone is welcome.

When is a Child Ready for Martial Arts?

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little children having fun in karate class

Kids learn about respect, balance and coordination, and have fun in a martial arts class.

“How old does a child have to be to start martial arts?” This is a question I get asked all the time. In China, kids start Wushu as young as three. Many martial arts instructors in all styles start their own kids as soon as they can walk, usually in their twos. To me, three is the absolute minimum. But the real answer is–it varies. Yes, it depends on a few factors. Let’s look at them.

Experience with other Structured Activities

Has your child been involved in any structured group activities, like pre-school or other sports? Was he or she able to function without your help? Were they content to stay in the class or did they keep running in and out of it, when it suited them?

If you have any doubts here, go to a martial arts class or two and watch it with your child. Are they able to see how the kids function in a proper class and what is expected of them?

Ability to Focus and Follow Directions

Is your child able to follow simple instructions? Are they able to stand still and stay focused for at least a few minutes at a time? Although a good instructor will vary activities during the class, your child must at least be able to focus on each drill or game. At the pre-school age, children learn primarily by copying, so it is important they be able to do this.

Ability to Accept Discipline

Is your child able to accept discipline without throwing a tantrum? Do they understand that they cannot always have their way? Are they able to wait for their turn? A child who insists on always being the center of attention takes too much time away from the others. Children having difficulty in this area will almost always be asked by the sensei to return when they are older.

Your Expectations

What are your expectations? Martial arts for a four or five year-old should be about fun, focus, and developing coordination and balance. You should not be worrying about creating the next Bruce Lee at that age. If you put children in high-pressure situations, they will lose interest in the activity.

The Program

This is probably the most important, though overlooked factor. Is the program set up with small children in mind? Does the class separate children by age and experience? If a class includes 3 to 7 year olds of all different levels, it is going to be extremely difficult for the three year-olds. We have special Tiny Tiger programs at selected locations, for three and four year-olds. For the three and four year-olds, it is enough to get them used to moving around, getting organised into circles, lines, etc., following directions, simple blocks and evasions, and most important, having fun. Older children, usually five and above, start to learn the more practical self-defence aspects of the martial arts as they can better understand when it is appropriate to use it.

Get Started as Soon as Possible

Getting your children started as soon as they are ready gives them an edge. Life skills such as coordination, balance, concentration, socialization, respect, and self-discipline will be promoted in a good program. Seek out the best martial arts school for your child and good luck!

When is a Child Ready for Martial Arts? is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.

Can Martial Arts Help Children in School?

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Kids doing martial arts kata, which helps focus and memorization

Skills like focus and memorization are learned in martial arts, helping kids in their studies..

I am a firm believer in education. There is no doubt education prepares children for success in life. Reading the Saturday paper to scan the employment ads; writing a thank you letter to someone who interviewed you for a position; creating a good resume; making the correct change from a fifty; these are essential skills in today’s competitive job market. Skills we hope our children have as they approach the age of adulthood. Can the martial arts help kids do better at school? Definitely yes.

Discipline. Martial arts promote self-discipline in a way that few other after-school activities can match. The high standards, focus on the achievement of goals, emphasis of individual self-reliance over group, and need to attend class regularly (even when they don’t feel like it), will carry over into their school life.

Ability to memorize. The ability to memorize is taught in the forms or kata in the martial arts. These forms or sequences of martial arts movements can be fairly complex and can really test ones ability to remember them. This stimulation of the brain helps children remember their studies better.

Ability to focus. Students must watch, listen, and engage all other senses to learn the techniques, at the same time tuning out distractions. Parents of children with attention deficit problems have told me how the martial arts have helped their children focus at school. By the time these children reach black belt, they have a laser-like focus.

Respect for self and others. Respect is something that will make or break a child’s efforts at school. Martial arts highly stress the value of respect and children will be at a big advantage at school and in later life if they treat others with respect. Respect for self means they will be able to resist peer pressure to get involved with activities that will get them into trouble at school.

Accountability. The martial arts build accountability from day one. If you master a series of techniques, you earn your stripe or belt. If you don’t do your best, the disappointment you feel at not getting your belt will teach you to be accountable to yourself and try much harder next time. Being accountable to oneself is necessary for success in school, and also in life.

Give your children the edge in school, get them in a martial arts program. You won’t regret it.

There are other benefits of martial arts for children on this link.

Can Martial Arts Help Children in School? is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.

Martial Arts Classes: 79 Reasons Why Kids Love Them

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Kids love martial arts classes

Kids love martial arts classes because they learn how to protect themselves.

Children love martial arts classes. There is no debate about this. But why? The reasons might surprise you–there are as many reasons as there are children in the martial arts. I decided to pose this question to some of my kids classes, and we came up with some interesting answers. I told the children there is no such thing as a wrong or bad answer, and that they should say the first thing that crossed their minds. I did not judge any answers as we went along. I never knew how much fun “kid brainstorming” can be. We had lots of laughs. But I was very impressed with the maturity of the children and their willingness to put their hands up and comment. Please add your own reasons why you love martial arts in your comments section below. Your feedback is valued and appreciated.

Why Kids Love Martial Arts

1. “It’s fun”. This is the most popular answer by the way.

2. “It can save your life”.

3. “For self defence”.

4. “In case someone is trying to hurt you”.

5. “We learn new things in the classes”.

6. “When we play the games”.

7. “Because we get to spar”.

8. “It is good practice for fighting”. Not sure I wanted to hear this.

9. “Every week we learn something new”.

10. “We play”.

11. “We make new friends”. A popular answer.

12. “We try our best”.

13. “We learn how to do karate”.

14. “It’s fun and we learn something at the same time”. Mature child here.

15. “We play fun games”.

16. “We can teach others”.

17. “We can avoid the punch or kick from the bully”.

18. “Karate is just cool”.

19. “All of my friends think I’m cool because I do karate classes”. Hope there are other reasons too.

20. “We learn good techniques”.

21. “I’m going to be a karate master”.

22. “Good for self-esteem”.

23. “We learn katas and lots of different moves”.

24. “Somebody’s going to get scared if they’re attacking me”. This one had the whole class laughing.

25. “It controls me” (It allows me to control myself).

26. “I learn to talk to the class”.

27. “I learn things from the games”.

28. “Gives me confidence”.

29. “We learn self defence”.

30. “We play games that can help us”.

31. “Defence against strangers”.

32. “We keep our balance”.

33. “We help people if they are sick”. Wish everyone was this kind.

34. “We practice stretching”.

35. “It is good for making friends”.

36. “We get taught self defence and how to get out of fights”.

37. “Because you get to block the soft things” (drills with padded blockers).

38. “It is interesting and fun”.

39. “It makes you feel refreshed and strong”.

40. “It is great for self defense”.

41. “It is fun and active.

42. “If someone tries to hurt you, you can protect yourself”.

43. “We learn new skills”.

44. “We learn the katas for every belt”.

45. “Can beat up people that are picking on you”. Ah-oh!

46. “We learn a new sport that gives us safety”.

47. “The exercise”.

48. “I learn to protect myself as a girl”.

49. “I learn karate because it’s better to block”.

50. “We learn lots of things”.

51. “We learn blocking and kicking”.

52. “We learn punching”.

53. “Because we get our badges”.

54. “Because we get our belts when we do something good”.

55. “We learn how to do all the stretches”.

56. “We get fit”.

58. “Makes us strong and powerful”.

Kids having fun and making friends in a martial arts class

In a martial arts class kids love to have fun and make friends.


59. “If someone attacks, we put our hands up”.

60. “We try our best”.

61. “It is educational”.

62. “We learn how to bow in”.

63. “We do front and back kicks”.

64. “We know how to block the bully’s punches”.

65. “We know how to kick behind us”.

66. “We learn to teach others”. This was another popular reason.

67. “If you can’t do it you keep trying”.

68. “I forgot”. Another popular reason.

69. “We get belts and suits”.

70. “We practice hard”.

71. “You can do karate with all your friends”.

72. “You get to move up a belt”.

73. “We have a good time”.

74. “It makes you healthy”.

75. “If someone tries to attack, use karate”.

76. “The games and warm-ups are fun”.

77. “We can help people if they are getting hurt”.

78. “We get medals”.

79. “If they are attacking, you have to kick the lot of em”. Funny answer.

Martial Arts Classes: 79 Reasons Why Kids Love Them is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.

Check out our related page about the benefits of kids martial arts instruction.

Kids Karate Grading: How to Pass

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Kids karate grading sparring

Get yourself ready for the grading by sparring as many rounds as possible--this will get you fit.

Kids–how do you pass your upcoming karate grading? Follow the dozen steps below and you will be on your way to your next rank.

Before the Kids Karate Grading

Ask the Sensei what will be on the grading. Many instructors will give you a handout that includes all the techniques on the actual grading–just ask for it. Some instructors will even let your parents video or photograph the techniques required.

Take the list home and mark the techniques in which you are not 100% sure; next class ask the sensei how to do them.

Once you have all the techniques down, have someone call them out one after the other. Now try to do it faster. Then do it in random order. By doing this, you are preparing yourself for the stress of the actual test, and you will know each technique by sound.

The forms or kata will take the most practice since they are the most difficult. Do them facing all directions and then do them with your eyes closed. Pay particular attention to the stances as that is what the sensei will look for. Do each form with intensity (imagine attackers coming at you), even while practicing.

Go to class early (or stay late) and ask one of the black belts to take you through a practice grading. Most will be willing to do this. The sensei will notice your initiative.

If your kids karate grading involves sparring, get yourself fit for it. Run, bicycle, hit the bags, anything to build up your heart and lungs. Do as many rounds of sparring as possible, even if it is only against a moving kick bag.

During the Grading

Get there early to warm up and stretch. This will help you get those kicks up and prevent injury. You do not want to pull a muscle on grading day. Even though most kids are naturally flexible, don’t take a chance.

Perform your techniques with full power. It is amazing how many people do not do this.

Spirit is really important. Yell your kiai each time you do a technique. Pop back into position so you are ready for the next move.

Do not let your classmates throw you off with their mistakes. Keep a razor-sharp focus on your imaginary opponent, right in front of you. Other kids may try to talk to you during the grading. Ignore them.

You will make mistakes, it is human nature and no one is perfect. Do not let it get you down. Improve on the remainder of the test and you will still have a good shot.

After the Grading

Pass or not, always ask the sensei how you can improve. This will help you next time you grade. It also shows the sensei that you care enough to ask.

Kids Karate Grading: How to Pass is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney link.

Note: After this article was written, an excellent post at My Journey to Black Belt was written. In it Sue referred to many of the principles in this post. Thank you Sue.