Choosing A Self Defense / Martial Arts School

By Eric Gehler & Jim Johnson

CHOOSING A SELF DEFENSE / MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL: A PARENTS GUIDE

"Daddy, I want to take Karate!" "Mommy, Jimmy on the bus hit meagain today"

There are many reasons why parents want to sign their childrenup for Self Defense or Martial Arts classes. Once you have madethe decision, now you are faced with many different options andquestions. What style? How much does it cost? Is my child toyoung?

Martial Arts and Self Defense Styles

There are as many different styles of Martial Arts as there arereligions in the world. You have probably heard of Karate, TaeKwon Do, Jujitsu, and even Aikido, but there are still numerousstyles and offshoots of the Major styles.

So what Style is the Best and what style should I choose?

In reality, it is this author's opinion that the style ofMartial Arts your child will learn is not that important. Whatis important is the method of teaching and training that yourchild will undergo. With Martial Arts training your child shouldlearn self-discipline, self-respect, and self-esteem, along withthe confidence and ability to defend themselves.

The Instructor, (or Sensei) is the key. I suggest that allparents visit several locations with there children to observethe Instructor at work. Make sure you visit a beginner's classas well as an upper level class. The beginner's class is whereyour child will start.

Does the instructor's personality and philosophy match yourmorals and ideals? Does the class participate in any "EasternReligious" practice that doesn't match your faith? Do you wantyour child viewing this instructor as a role model? Mostchildren will look up to their Martial Arts & Self DefenseInstructors as role models and will be in awe of their skillsand abilities. Make sure that this person who will be dealingwith your children matches your values.

It is also important to view an upper level class. The beginnerclasses are usually very tame, and the teaching philosophy istailored to a



younger audience. However, the older the studentis, the "real" teaching and training methods are put intoeffect. You may feel comfortable with how the instructor"teaches" the younger beginning students, but may not becomfortable with how they handle the older students.

Cost The majority of Martial Arts & Self Defense Locations (orDojo's) run their business on a membership basis. Customers mustsign contracts, where they are obligated to pay for a certaintime period to participate. The locations are run like a gymmembership, you pay for a certain length of time and mayparticipate as often as you desire.

Unfortunately, rarely are the "hidden costs" discussed whensigning up for a class or membership. What are the hidden costs?The most over looked cost is the "testing fee". In Martial Artsthere are numerous skill levels that are equated to a belt rank.After a certain period of time and training, the student isready to advance to a new level or belt in their martial artsstyle, and a "belt test" will be performed. This "belt test"almost always required the student to pay a "belt-testing fee".I have seen fees from $50 up to $500 depending on the belt rank.Parents, make sure you inquire about these fees and arecomfortable with them before you sign any contract.

Another hidden cost is required items to purchase. Somelocations require that you purchase a uniform with the schoolslogo. The average cost of these uniforms range from $30-$50. Asthe child advances in rank, protective sparring gear isrequired. Now this is normally mandatory for the child'sprotection and safety, but can be expensive. Normal safety gearfor Martial Arts consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head Gear,Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest. Depending on thestyle and sizes all this gear together cost about $150 retail orhigher.

So Parents, factor in the total cost of classes, testing fees,and required equipment when making your decisions.

Age At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or SelfDefense? Now this is an often-debated issue. I have seenchildren as young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts orSelf Defense training. Some have been successful while others itwas just to young. The age of which a child should start MartialArts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an individualbasis and be determined by the parents. Some key points toconsider. Does the child have a good attention span? Has thechild participated and flourished in other group activities? Isthe child comfortable in larger group settings?

If the child is currently enrolled in grade school and has noproblem adapting to those settings or conditions then theyshould be considered old enough to participate and benefit fromMartial Arts or Self Defense instruction.

Article written by Eric J Gehler & Jim Johnson. www.aimusainc.comPermission is granted to publish all or any portion of thisarticle. Author's name and website must appear with anypublication.

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About the author:Eric & Jim have been in the Martial Arts business for 15 years.

www.Blackbeltdomain.com