One of my students drew me a card complete with a picture of me doing a side kick, with a smile, and wearing my signature pony tail. It said “I love karte.”Yes, “karate” was spelled wrong, but it didn’t matter; everything that he was trying to say was just right. His message was clear. He enjoys class. He has fun. He learns. And, he likes his instructor.
Kids don’t just learn martial art skills when they come to class. They establish actions and thoughts that can only be formed by martial arts training. Unlike any other sport, martial arts are much more than a series of skills to be practiced. Martial arts also teach how to believe in others, what friendship means, how to focus, how to be confident, and that routine is important. Here’s a few of the lessons that often go unnoticed:
1. Trust
In martial art classes, kids learn how to trust, and what trust means. I’m an instructor because I have a desire to help kids achieve, excel, and learn to defend themselves. I want them to grow and be healthy, just like my own children. The children I teach trust me because I show a willingness to help them understand skills, I answer their questions, and I show compassion and a true interest in what they are doing.
They need someone who will wipe tears while at the same time push them toward the next part of class. In order for an instructor/student relationship to flourish, trust must evolve. Parents can sit and watch class if they choose; therefore, trust does not mean that kids need to be distanced from their parents; rather, they should know that they are safe and protected by both their parents and their instructor. Learning trust is easy, but keeping it is another story. My behavior gives the students an idea of whether or not they should believe in me. The more consistent I am, the more likely the student will trust me. Because I truly find joy in teaching children, trust naturally follows. When trust is established, kids learn better.
2. Camaraderie
Where else can kids run and yell and kick and punch with their friends and peers, or make brand new friends? Children naturally have a lot of energy and they genuinely get excited about their accomplishments and that of their classmates, in class. Because individual achievement and goals are encouraged, even shy children will step forward to showcase their talents in class. I often remind students to show their appreciation for each other when they demonstrate skills. They are allowed to support each other by clapping and cheering if some informal warm ups or games are being played.
Students need to make friendships. I try to allow small bits of time where they can talk with each other for a moment, or compare what they have learned. If they need to pair up for any partner work or drills, I always make sure each gets a partner. This is a new friendship in the making; a friendship worth making.
3. Better Focus
Standing in attention is a moment of focus and reflection. The beginning of class starts this way and throughout class this command is used to help pause the rhythm of the class. I may use the attention command as a transition method or as a way to control the flow and behavior of a group of kids. When the children hear the attention word beckoned, they stop and take the attention stance, eyes straight ahead, and fists held out in front of the body.
They are learning how to calm their minds. By slowing down they can move ahead. When kids apply moments of attention to their daily lives, especially when they are feeling nervous or upset, it enables them to handle stressful situations better, too.
4. Values & Virtues
Many programs have a mantra or saying that is exclusive to that school; words that generally convey a positive message about respect and responsibility, or courage and commitment. Our program includes a “mat minute” where anything from junk food to setting goals to appreciation is discussed. It is a good opportunity in the middle of class to refresh with a quick drink of water and a tidbit of good advice or an interesting story for the young ones.
During the mat minute, kids often raise their hands to share what is on their minds. Often they express how they have helped a friend feel better, what they love about their parents, or why they like to give gifts. These moments are precious and by listening we are teaching them how to be patient, take turns, and listen to others. A few words in a few minutes can help them learn about goodness, friendship, sharing, and treating others with respect.
5. Routine
Kids thrive on routine. If you are a parent you know that when routine is broken, nap time is skipped, or a new environment is introduced, well, things can get a little crazy! Even adults, when removed from normal routines, find it difficult to cope in some situations. Routine is comforting.
Children who attend classes regularly develop good habits. Eventually they crave the routine of coming to class, meeting up with friends, and having fun. Students tend to keep coming to class when they are happy about what they are doing; but, the most important part of routine is that it provides a strong life-long pattern of learning. My goal is to help kids create a love for martial arts so that it becomes an integral part of their lives. Hopefully, these habits will stay with them and keep them going in a good and positive direction for the rest of their lives.
“Karte” may not be the right way to spell karate, but I don’t think it matters. If a child loves class enough to draw a picture of his teacher smiling while doing a side kick, then I think it’s probably spelled exactly right.
Andrea
I think parents should join too, in that way parents will know.
Great point!
Hi Andrea! I like your blog. I will show this to my daughter when she gets home and hope she likes It. Good day!
Shannon, welcome! I am so glad you found my blog and I hope it continues to inspire you.
All great points that my wife and I saw come to fruition when our son started taekwondo training at age 7. He rose to the rank of 2nd-dan, plus 1st-dan in hapkido when he trained in Seoul during his senior year in high school. Inspired both of us to begin our own martial arts journeys, which have now reached 1st-dan.
What is your philosophy about kids and black belts? In taekwondo we allowed kids as young as 12 to test for “poom” (junior black belt) but they had to be 15 to test for chodan. In isshin-ryu karate, in which my wife and I train now, kids as young as 9 or 10 can become black belts. All things considered, I prefer the taekwondo approach. Becoming a black belt is much more than just learning techniques and kata. It’s about beginning to understand what it means to be a black belt, on and off the mat.
Let’s see…my daughter (12) and my son (15) both achieved black belt last year. Recently, another 12 year old and a 17 year old also did. Here’s my philosophy. It is not just about practice or attendance. There has to be some “above and beyond” behaviors for that achievement at those ages. For example, my daughter and my son are part of many aspects of our program and took classes for five and a half years before they tested. In addition to just attending class, they were part of the responsibilities. My son has to set up for class, including getting the bags set up and unloading equipment (most of our equipment is portable because we teach at a Y). He has to copy the newsletters. He has to dry the tears, motivate and inspire the younger students. My daughter has to hand out stickers to the young ones. She has to answer questions. She helps kids put on their gear and brings them to the water fountain. Both were required to teach as assistants from early on and today still actively teach all 4 classes, except the teen/adult class in which they participate. The other 2 students have been with our program for years. One recently moved and still travels 1.5 hours to attend his weekly class. He arrives early to help and stays late to clean up. This, on top of what they need to know for their requirements and rank. While we don’t refer to them as “junior black belts,” it is common sense that a 12 year old black belt and a 20 year old black belt are not the same. I think achievement-wise and work-wise, they have done the work that it takes to earn the black belt. Purely my opinions and subject to criticism on many levels, but you asked, and that is my answer.
Good habits to live by
I don’t have children but I see what an impact martial arts has made on my friend’s kids. I encourage any mother to allow her child to try M.A. out if they are interested by assuring them that my school is not “tough” at all, and in fact, several of the instructors have degrees in child psychology. They know exactly what it takes to train children and I can see from your examples that our dojos are very similar in technique.
They encourage friendships to flourish and in fact, our Master refers to us as “family”. We frequently do things outside the dojo together that helps us bond-as families, as women or adult groups or just the kids. They also use a method to lock down the kids when things get loud and unruly without ever needing to raise their voices in anger. It has been an extremely successful model for our school and it continues to expand through the years as a result.
Yes, each school and program has a different philosophy. For me, kids need to find trust and fun at their school.
Ossu! Great thoughts – and I will try to see these things in my own dojo, which consists of mostly kids and teens. I’m curious – how long are your classes and do you teach kids and adults/teens separately? How many times per week are your kids classes? It just seems like you have more time than we do – or maybe you’re super efficient or both 🙂
I teach five classes a week. 2 classes are pre-skills (ages 4-6); 2 classes are school aged kids (ages 7 and up); and 1 class is teens/adults. The twice per week classes are 50 minutes; the once a week class is an hour. I don’t have a lot of time, I just squeeze a lot into each day! 🙂
I would be really interested in knowing what “pre skills” are. I have a village of young kids that parents want to start karate but even some six year olds are not ready for classes.
I sent you an e-mail about pre-skills 🙂
To teach kid’s. Takes a very special person..You become everything to that child..You are there teacher. Your a father or mother figure. A counselor..roll model. Friend.. They watch everything you do..I have had parent’s come to me an say..what have you done to my kid…he cleans his room..takes out the garbage..has good grades..We as Martial Arts Teacher’s can make a difference in a child’s life..
Very true. Parents do notice the changes in their kids. We can make a difference, as you said…yes!
This is really helpful information. I hope that a lot of parents get to see it. As an instructor I understand it but I don’t know that parent really understand all of the benefits that their children get from the training.
No, the parents do not always recognize all of the benefits. This is a good article for a parent newsletter or information packet!