Entrepreneur twenty-year-old Tressa Young owns two karate
schools in the city of Barrie, Ontario. Unlike most her age who went off
to college, she owns and runs two martial arts schools with great
success. Her young age is not a deterrent for potential students, in fact
her extensive resume of world medals and stunt work at her young age is what
attracts parents who enrol their children in her school’s programs.
The third-degree black belt finds many parents who inquire
about enrolling their children want their kids to take karate but are unsure
what to look for. The 10 time Canadian national team member guides
parents to help make an educated decision.
It’s interesting. The typical phone call I receive is from a
parent who wants their child to take karate. The first question they ask
will be “How old can they start?” to the last question being “How often would
he get his belt?”. Between all the questions asked I am often told how
their child wants to be a ninja or that their child needs to be more
focused.
I’m honest when answering all of their questions simply to
make sure our karate school is the right fit for what they are looking
for. If they want their child to receive their black belt as quickly as
possible, I recommend another local school for them that gives belts based upon
attendance. A school where the almighty dollar takes precedence over the
culture of karate which was taught by my instructor.
I explain to the parent that we do not give our belts away,
that progression is based upon the student’s knowledge of the required
curriculum and for some even getting to yellow belt can take up to one
year. Yes I said one year. Everyone learns at their own pace but
they are always learning.
Every martial arts school is different with their own
policies and with their own agenda. Some schools, like ours, will take
students as young as 3 years old where they take class in a Little Dragons or
Little Ninjas program. Of course we do not teach them the same as our
older students and they do not have the same curriculum either. But the
benefits of starting this young is not lost on the parents who enrol them.
With all the questions and all the answers I give it gets
down to finding the right fit for what the parent expects out of the program,
the instructor and the school. For some parents who call they have
a clear definition of what they are looking for, whereas others have to be
guided to figuring that out. Sometimes it may be the style you are
looking for but most times that is not what matters.
Here are the questions you may want to consider asking when
thinking about enrolling your child in karate;
Can your child attend a free trial class?
Almost all karate schools provide a free trial class and this is a great way to
see how a class is run, to meet the instructor and to ask any questions that
might arise from watching the class. Be sure to take a free trial class
at a few karate schools so that you can make an informed decision.
What is the class size? Honestly the class size
will make a difference for your child.
What is the student teacher ratio? This is a
very important question because if there are 30 kids in class with only one
instructor and maybe 2 helpers who are kids themselves, is your child receiving
the quality instruction you are paying for? At our karate school the
student teacher ratio is 6:1 for beginners. We are fortunate to have several
adult black belt volunteers and higher belt students who assist in
class.
How often can my child attend class? While most
children will attend class twice a week , if there is an option to attend
unlimited classes, would you take advantage of this?
What does the membership include? Does it
include sparring or a fight night? Are there other programs included in
the membership, like extreme martial arts that your child is able to attend
with the membership?
Does the membership include a free uniform?
Almost all new members at any karate school receives a free uniform as part of
the membership.
Is self-defense taught regularly? I cannot
stress enough the importance of your child learning hands-on
self-defense. Quality instruction in self-defense will make the
difference in your child’s safety and ability to protect themselves. We
are a light contact (medium contact for higher belts) school, meaning the
self-defense we teach is practical, hands-on and gives the student the ability
to see first-hand the results of using the technique taught. We teach
self-defense in every class and the students love learning how to break free
from a hold or how to evade a punch.
No matter your choice of karate school, your hope is that
your child’s self-esteem, confidence and focus will improve to the point it
will be extended into their everyday life. So first take the time
to visit each school during the class your child would take. Doing this
will let you see how a regular class is taught. Then take the time to
have your child take a free trial class. Sometimes instructors will make
a class “super fun” so that the potential student will have tons of fun and
want to join but once joined will teach the class normally. Let your
child know that while you make the final decision, their input is important and
listen to what your child thinks.
If you want recreation and fun for your child then make sure
your enroll them in a school that meets your goal. This type of karate
school may use the “tip” method where they place tape on the belt to signify
time spent in class. Keep in mind not all schools use this method
to keep track of attendance so make sure to ask. If you want your child
to learn in a more traditional setting then enrol your child in a school does
not give belts away so easily but on needing to know the curriculum. This
type of school will most likely be without loud music playing in class
and where the instructor will inform you that everyone learns at their own pace
with a traditional belt testing (grading) required by each student to progress
to the next belt.
Every karate school is different based on style, belts,
sparring, self-defense and tuition fees. Remember you get what you
paid for but make sure what you are paying for meets your expectations.
Tressa Young, Sensei
Owner RMA Karate Centres Barrie, Ontario
