The most common mistake that parents make when enrolling their kids into martial arts classes is choosing the wrong instructor. You can select an inappropriate style for your child (for example, karate versus aikido) and make a change later. But, the wrong trainer can stifle the excitement a young person feels for learning the martial arts. What’s worse, a bad teacher can unwittingly discourage their participation. It is not enough that a teacher has a black belt; proficiency in the various styles does not suggest competence in training children.

In this article, we’ll discuss four factors that every parent should consider before choosing a martial arts instructor for their kids. Each factor requires asking questions and observing classes. You’ll need to uncover the trainer’s philosophy as well as their style of training and the regimen they follow. You should also consider your child’s comfort level with the trainer and their approach to safety issues.

Philosophy

Every dojo has a guiding philosophy and they vary by facility. Some academies emphasize self-defense and may teach an aggressive response to hostile situations. Other schools stress personal growth, physical and mental discipline, and cultivating respect for others. The school that you choose for your children should encourage principles that are consistent with the values you want them to learn. While most teachers will conduct their classes under the dojo’s philosophy, you should ask in order to be certain.

Training Style

Every martial arts instructor will have their own style of training kids. Some styles may be inappropriate. For example, a trainer might be verbally abusive if a child makes mistakes or otherwise fails to perform. Some instructors will merely explain moves rather than demonstrating them. Still others will overcompensate for their students’ age and speak in a manner that is more appropriate for smaller children.

The problem is that a child’s appetite to learn the martial arts must be nurtured in the right way. If an instructor’s training style fails to do so, that child can often become discouraged. Eventually, they’ll lose interest.

Level Of Comfort

Allowing your son or daughter to meet the teacher before enrolling them into martial arts classes is critical. The dojo’s trainer might be proficient and use an encouraging training style, but your child can still feel uncomfortable in his company. Eventually, that lack of comfort will affect how much they get out of the classes. Visit the dojo with your son or daughter and encourage them to ask the instructor questions about the training. That exposure will help them gain familiarity with the teacher.

Safety

Of course, ensuring your child’s safety is the most important factor when choosing a martial arts instructor. You might be surprised by the differences between trainers. Some teach children to break wooden boards with their limbs. Keep in mind that young people’s bones are still growing; board-breaking might pose a problem. Other teachers routinely encourage their students to “shake it off” in the event they’re injured. While that might be appropriate in circumstances where a child simply wants attention, the teacher must be able to identify when a real emergency exists.

You’ll need to observe a few classes in order to truly understand a teacher’s approach to safety issues. Take note of how they treat children who claim to be injured. They should use a balanced approach that is neither too dismissive nor overly protective.

Long-Term Instruction

Philosophy, training style, level of comfort, and approach to safety… each factor is critical to ensuring that your child gets as much out of his or her martial arts classes as possible. These factors play an enormous role in kids’ physical and mental development during training. The teacher who provides the right balance often establishes a bond with students that becomes an integral component of their progress.

One of the challenges of finding a great instructor is knowing that they’ll teach at the dojo long-term. Smaller academies typically offer trainers who have been there for years; some are even owners. Larger schools may experience higher turnover. Keep that in mind while you’re visiting different studios with your child.

Kids martial arts classes often serve as the springboard for a lifelong pursuit. The instructor that you choose in the beginning can play an important part in encouraging that pursuit.