This article is for all concerned parents.

I wish my parents had let me learn Martial Arts when I was a kid. 

I was a huge fan of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan when I was a kid.  I actually prefered Jackie Chan and still do.  I know Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist but Jackie Chan is a born entertainer and I loved all of his early movies… “Dragon Lord”, “Battle Creek Brawl”, “Meals on Wheels”, “Armour of God”… the list goes on.

To me, martial arts was just this great fun way of running up walls, jumping over impossible obstacles, beating the bad guys with a smile on your face.

I’m not sure who is most popular for the kids these days, the older I get the less TV I watch.  When I was a kid it was the TV show Kung Fu and the movie Karate Kid and then I watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a teenager… 10 years ago the Power Rangers were everywhere (not that I watched it but Damn it was popular) Oh and don’t forget Monkey Magic, that show was awesome when I was a kid and now it’s a cult classic for my generation.

Okay, I’ve gotten all nostalgic, back to my point… There is no better time to start learning a martial art than when you are a kid.  So, Parents please don’t hold your kids back.

I know they are your special little guys and girls, but don’t wrap them up in cotton wool and think you are protecting them from harm.  Learning a martial art not only teaches your child how to protect themselves but also teaches moral standards, loyalty, honour and respect. 

In the past classes were designed for adults and then the same program was taught to kids but now martial arts for kids that are tailor made to suit their learning skill level, and Instructors use protective equipment to keep them safe.

To be quite blunt, martial arts for kids are safer than most team sports and they will learn skills that can protect them for the rest of their life… If you don’t already have a child enrolled in a martial arts school then take the time to find somewhere close to home, contact the instructor and arrange to view a typical training session.  You will probably be surprised at the friendly atmosphere.

Old school hardcore dojo’s still exist and I believe they have their place with older teens and adults but there are a lot more schools opening up that cater to teaching martial arts for kids and they will do everything they can to provide a safe environment for your kids to learn in.

When your’re looking for a martial art schoo; for your child, don’t just sign them up at the first one you find or the closest, easiest one to get to.  Not all schools are equal.  Take time to meet your local instructors and find out how they teach their kids and then when you are satisfied enroll your child for a trial period.  Go along to the training sessions to see what they teach, better yet, get involved if asked and help out in the lessons holding the pads or join the adult program so you and your kids can learn a martial art together.

I missed my chance to learn as a young kid because my Mum was worried about me getting hurt (and 30 years ago maybe I would have), but times have changed and I hope I’ve helped give you the confidence to let your child join a program designed to teach martial arts for kids.

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