Your child has marched into the kitchen and announced his or her need to become a master of the self defense skills. Presuming this is more than a momentary wish given flight by a TV program, it s time to start looking out for an appropriate dojo. The task isn t simple. There are many dojos and each is unique in the level of instruction they offer, their approach with children, and the type of atmosphere they cultivate. Unfortunately, many moms and dads only become mindful of problems after they enroll their kids into classes.
Below, I should supply a fast blueprint for selecting the right martial arts dojo and classes for your youg man or girl. We ll take a better look at the different styles frequently taught, the training involved, and the approach taken by the trainer.
Know Your Types
The most popular styles taught in martial artls classes are karate, kung fu, aikido, taekwondo, hapkido, and judo. Karate focuses on striking and blocking, with little to no grappling. Kung fu is a well rounded approach that includes strikes, kicks, blocks, and throws. The stress is on style, fluidity, and timing. Aikido shifts the focus from strikes to blocks and throws. The style emphasizes using opponents power and momentum against them.
Taekwondo underlines kicking and blocking, though striking is also taught. The stress is on rendering opponents harmless. Hapkido mixes lots of the elements found in karate and judo. Strikes and throws are stressed, and are sometimes used together to disable opponents. Finally, judo uses an approach that includes strikes, throws, joint locks, and grappling. Like aikido, the emphasis is on using opponents energy against them.
What Happens During Training?
The only way to know if the self defense skills classes at a specific studio are appropriate for your boy or girl is to watch them. Most instructors won t mind, particularly if they know you have an interest in enrolling your youngster.
Take note regarding whether time is spent warming up and doing exercises, for example stretches, crunches, and sit ups. Also, are weapons used? Are kids compelled to spar with one another? How is the protection of the students ensured? You should also note the class size and whether it spans a large range of ages. Older skids should not be training with young children. And most significantly, are the other children in the karate classes having fun? If they appear stressed or anxious, that will suggest a problem with the training regimen.
Watch The Master
The instructors at a dojo plays aheavy role in the development of your child s martial arts abilities. Do not be stunned by the black belts they are wearing. Simply because a trainer is skillful in karate, kung fu, taekwondo, or any other style doesn t mean that tutor is equally effective as an instructor.
Watch the way in which they engage with the youngsters. Some are too gruff while others are too forgiving. Some demonstrate by example while others simply explain methods and expect students to perform them. Also, take note of the way in which they offer feedback when a student fails to perform a move correctly. Are they curt perfectionists or are they willing to offer your son or daughter helpful advice? Each of these contributors contribute to whether your kid enjoys the experience.
Making a Final Decision
Even though you re the one paying for the martial arts classes, get your kid concerned in the decision making process. Provide exposure to a few different styles and allow your child or daughter to make a choice from among them. Encourage him or her to interact with the instructor and participate in a practice session so they can gain an amount of comfort. The environment must be welcoming to be fun. And your youngster must have a great time to remain galvanized enough to pursue coaching. Provide the required support and access to options, and let your boy or daughter make the ultimate decision.
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Author Resource:
The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient practice of Karate with innovative teaching techniques in a conveniently located http://thedojoofkarate.com/ .
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