Interested in kids martial arts classes for your child? Here's the top questions we get asked at our Preston Training Centre.
We’ve been coaching martial arts for over 20 years and have been asked a lot of questions by parents over the years about our classes. We made this blog to help parents who want to learn more about martial arts or find a class for their child.
What this blog is not!
Sorry, we’re not going to be recommending any specific martial art, no even our own. We wanted to be as objective as possible in answering questions about which martial arts are best for your child and how they can be before starting a class.
Learn when it’s best to introduce your child to the world of martial arts and find age-appropriate classes.
Is 3-4 years old too young to start a martial arts class?
What age is ideal for kids martial arts classes? Did you know that martial arts classes are becoming more and more popular among 3-4 year-olds? It’s an excellent way to help develop their coordination and muscles, even if they’re still a bit weak at this age.
You just need to ensure that you find a teacher who understands that, at this age, kids tend to drop their arms and fall when they kick or jump.
That’s why it’s ideal to enrol in a centre with a mat or padded floor to keep things safe. Also, having a lot of space is crucial because, let’s face it, they tend to bump into things at this age!
Having parents involved in the classes is a great way to enhance their learning experience. Kids will learn about taking turns and respecting each other’s space.
All in all, it’s such a great opportunity for kids to learn and grow!
How about children 5-6 years old learning martial arts?
Children between the ages of 5 and 6 are in the “dynamic” stage of development.
But most kids this age still need fundamental social skills, before they can thrive in a more traditional martial arts programme.
Our academy averages around 50 – 60 kids of this age in our Little Leopards martial arts programme.
Parents want their kids to try new activities at this age.
The flip side is that children do not necessarily stick with any one particular activity for long. If you want your child to benefit from martial arts at this age, the coaches in the centre need to have a great connection with the children.
The classes should be play focused, interesting and have limited time when the children are left without a clear objective, or downtime. There should also be some mind-break activities to allow the child time to refresh and prepare for learning new skills.
How to find the best martial arts class for your child in Preston?
To find the best martial arts classes for your child, there are a few things to consider.
First, research the local martial arts schools by checking out their reviews on Google and Facebook.
On Google, just type the school name, followed by reviews.
Here’s an e.g. West Coast Martial Arts Reviews.
You’ll soon find some useful information.
You can also ask other parents whose children attend the school for their experiences.
Second, visit the schools in person to observe classes and pay attention to the atmosphere and cleanliness.
When visiting the school, it’s the perfect opportunity to speak with other parents. A good centre will not object, and the other parents should be approachable and a great source of information that you may not find out otherwise.
Lastly, consider your child’s interests and preferences in terms of martial arts style.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your child has a positive and age-appropriate martial arts experience.
There’s a few martial arts school finder apps. Most of these are OK. Here’s a couple of the more reliable martial arts school finders to try:
https://threebestrated.co.uk/martial-arts-in-preston – We’re listed on here too 🙂
How to find the best martial arts class for your child in Preston?
How does the instructor handle different skill levels?
Embarking on a martial arts journey can be a rewarding experience for both children and adults alike. As parents, it’s only natural to want to ensure that the martial arts centre you choose not only provides a safe and supportive environment but also fosters continuous growth and development for your child. When visiting a martial arts centre, it’s essential to engage with coaches to gain insights into their approach to teaching and supporting students at various skill levels.
Understanding Progression:
One key aspect to inquire about is the centre’s system for tracking and celebrating a student’s progress. Ask about the use of coloured belts and how they signify different levels of expertise and age groups. A transparent system helps ensure that your child is placed in an environment that aligns with their current skill level, fostering a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Tailored Learning Opportunities:
Inquire about the class structure and how it accommodates different skill levels. A centre that offers separate classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students indicates a commitment to providing tailored learning opportunities. This approach allows each student to learn at their own pace, building a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Beyond Routine Classes:
A centre that goes beyond routine classes and offers workshops, advanced classes, and seminars is likely to provide a more enriching experience. These additional learning opportunities are crucial for skill enhancement, ensuring that your child remains motivated and continues to make progress in their martial arts journey.
Overcoming Challenges:
Skill plateaus are common in any learning process, and it’s important to understand how the coaches at the centre address these challenges. When you visit, take the opportunity to ask coaches about the strategies they employ to help students overcome plateaus in their skill development. A responsive and supportive approach ensures that your child receives the guidance needed to navigate through any obstacles they may encounter.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right martial arts centre for your child involves more than just observing a class.
Engaging with coaches and asking specific questions about their teaching philosophy, progression tracking, and support for overcoming challenges will provide you with valuable insights.
By taking an active interest in your child’s martial arts journey, you can ensure that they not only learn the techniques but also thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Are Parental Involvement and Observation Encouraged? Find out if parents are welcome to observe classes and if there are opportunities for parental involvement in certain activities.
We understand that parents have different preferences – some prefer to relax, while others want to be actively involved. That’s why we offer complimentary Wi-Fi and provide dedicated tables for parents who may have work commitments to attend to.
Additionally, we have classes specifically tailored for parents to participate in, such as our Little Leopards Martial Arts Class for children aged 4–6. For families with children aged 11 and older, our kickboxing classes are suitable for joint participation.
Our martial arts training centre on Olivers Place in Fulwood is designed with an open-plan layout. This setup allows parents to comfortably observe classes without any obstructions. Coaches frequently engage with parents after sessions to discuss your child’s progress or offer assistance if there are any additional needs in their skill development.
Will Martial Arts Help My Child?
Each child is unique, making it impractical to provide a one-size-fits-all answer and say definitively that martial arts will help. The reality is that while we would love to assist many children, it may not be feasible for various reasons.
Our classes cater for a diverse range of children, including those who are neurodiverse and situated at different points on the spectrum. Many children have thrived in our classes, with parents appreciating our approach to connection and coaching. However, it’s important to acknowledge that some children facing unique needs may encounter challenges, such as medication levels, logistical issues, or difficulty connecting with peers in the classes.
Most martial arts centres offer a free introduction lesson or a one-on-one session to help determine if it’s a good fit for both the child and the program.
We’ve seen an increase in referrals for children dealing with anxiety concerns. Through martial arts training, some children have successfully confronted and overcome challenges, acquiring valuable problem-solving skills applicable to managing anxiety both on and off the training mat.
For children who benefit from a structured routine and predictability, martial arts has proven helpful. This environment can be reassuring for those who thrive in settings with clear expectations and routines.
There has been some study on the topic of martial arts benefits for children with mental health concerns, this may be beneficial reading:
Research in Neurodiversity (ND) martial arts and children:
support the argument that traditional martial art training leads to positive personal development
physically, psychologically and philosophically – https://web.archive.org/web/20151123044444id_/http://research.kukkiwon.or.kr:80/upload/papers/554786951_7d9f97be_3-07.pdf
This post is more neutral in its findings, but does praise the physical benefits of martial arts training – https://www.psypost.org/2015/05/martial-arts-may-not-provide-mental-health-benefits-to-kids-34688
Are the coaches full time instructors?
Are the instructors dedicated full-time professionals? This question holds significance because, based on my personal experience, I have spent a considerable amount of time as a part-time instructor. My teaching journey has taken me to various settings, including gymnasiums, churches, basements, garages, part-time schools, and full-time schools.
From my first-hand experience, I can attest that when I wasn’t a full-time instructor, various commitments pulled me away from delivering my best as a teacher. This involved both mental and physical aspects. Sharing spaces with others sometimes led to conflicts, causing class cancellations — a less than ideal situation.
A professional instructor, one who dedicates their entire day to teaching, is what you should seek. Having instructors committed full-time ensures they can devote all their mental faculties to being the best educators possible. It’s a key factor in creating an optimal learning environment.
In conclusion, embarking on your martial arts journey is an exciting venture, and asking the right questions is essential to finding the perfect fit for your goals.
Whether you’re exploring the curriculum, inquiring about safety measures, or understanding the instructor’s commitment, these questions pave the way for a fulfilling and informed decision.
Remember, your journey begins with curiosity, and each question brings you closer to discovering the martial arts experience that resonates with you.
So, as you step into the world of martial arts, armed with these questions, may your exploration be rewarding, enlightening, and filled with the excitement of new possibilities.
Here’s a summary of all the questions again:
- Is 3–4 years old too young to start a martial arts class?
- How about children 5–6 years old learning martial arts?
- How to find the best martial arts class for your child in Preston?
- How does the instructor handle different skill levels?
- Are Parental Involvement and Observation Encouraged?
- Find out if parents are welcome to observe classes and if there are opportunities for parental involvement in certain activities.
- Will Martial Arts Help My Child?
- Are the coaches full time instructors?
