6 reasons to get your kid in Karate asap

Want your child to kick butt in school this Fall? Check this out!

In a recent study the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found:

• Consistently positive associations between extracurricular activity participation and grades as well as positive academic attitudes and higher academic aspirations
• Exercise was positively related to homework completion and class attendance.
• GPA was positively associated with extracurricular physical activity 12 of the 22 times it was measured.
• Physical fitness activity was positively related to academic achievement, academic behaviors, and indicators of cognitive skills and attitudes, such as concentration, memory, self-esteem, and verbal skills.
• Enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.
• A range of possible additional benefits including a stronger developed sense of self, higher educational aspirations, improved interest in class, and reduced dropout rates.

White belt vs. Black belt

Quick thought on belts, and what they all mean.. 

Children need to be confident, not tough. 

They should grow up learning that hard work pays off, and that goal setting is important in life. 

What's crazy to me is how many martial arts schools have karate classes that focus on all the wrong things! 

Too many schools out there are missing an opportunity to teach children about respect, focus, and self control.. The things that really matter... 

I guess this is why we've made it a point to make that the focus of our lessons.

Kids in our karate classes learn about leadership and actually get a chance to lead their peers! Immediately white belts start looking at ways to improve their efforts at home and in school, that us how they'll move to yellow belt and beyond. 

So really in our school the only difference between a white belt and black belt is one is just discovering how to be their best and the other has been working hard at it for years.   

Are Karate Classes a good idea for your kid?

quick story...

A couple of days ago I had a mom walk in with her 2 boys (about 7 and 8 years old)... they were all excited to start their first karate class

We started off as we always do showing a few basic moves, we played a self control game and covered a few rules about where and when we do karate. After that we got right into the fun stuff!  Before you knew it the two little guys were kicking pads in the air, high-fiving each other and just having a genuinely GREAT time. 

After their 1st lesson the boys were PUMPED to get their uniforms and belts... but as I listened to their mother she seemed torn... 

At first I saw the excitement in her, she was soooo happy to finally find something that her boys both enjoyed and would truly benefit from...  But there was a little hesitation so I asked her does this seem like a good fit?

"Yes! I think the youngest could use the structure and the discipline" she whispered...  "but I guess I'm nervous that they might start doing karate on each other..."

"You're not alone!"  I replied... "but here's the thing... your boys are going to be physical anyway.. they are going to want to yell jump kick and punch stuff.. that's just what kids do! They WANT to be superheroes!   So our classes will not only give them the space to do it but we'll teach them the fun and safe way to do it.. meanwhile providing rules about WHERE and WHEN they can practice their karate.."

BOOM.. it clicked... she got it... and the kids are now full fledgeed "Karate kids"..  In fact they are both about to earn their 1st character stripe for keeping their room clean for a whole week!

I figured I'd share this with you since many parents wonder if Karate classes will make their children violent or if martial arts for kids is even a good idea at all. 

Well I'm here to tell you it's a fabulous idea.. IF you find a great school with great teachers and an awesome reward system then give it a try.  Usually what happens is children that are already very physical get the reinforcement about "hands to yourself, respect and self control" that you've been looking for...

If your kid is the shy type... putting them into a Karate class just might bring them out of their shell... what we've found is that frequent physical accomplishments paired with positive feedback and awesome rewards like belts stripes and other goodies makes kids feeling AWESOME about themselves.. and rightfully so.

This is how martial arts programs builds confidence.. and I hope maybe I cleared some things up for anyone wondering if Karate is a good fit for their kid. 

 

Back to School Karate Classes for Kids

With Back to school season upon us, many parents are asking... "where can I find the best karate classes in the area?"

This is a great question and an important one to find the answer to before investing time, money and energy into an ongoing children's program. 

The key to great karate lessons for kids is to have a diligent and talented team of instructors, that’s what you’ll find at 100 Percent Martial Arts.  The team at 100 Percent loves karate and has experience in teaching children of all ages and backgrounds. Their goal is to incorporate fun, modern principles to make kids karate classes fun and exciting for years and years, not just a few weeks.

Karate classes, self-defense classes, and other martial arts classes are all offered at this school.  If you’d like to learn more about 100 Percent Martial Arts be sure to go to their website and grab the web special!  Their homepage, which can be viewed here, is the best place to grab a beginners trial program to see if your child take to the classes.

Taking classes at the karate school can help in many aspects of life including listening, discipline, self-control, physical fitness, and even eating habits.

Go ahead and try a class today and you’ll find that the Glastonbury Martial Arts School is skilled and invested in what they do.  Children can begin taking karate classes at the age of 4 to start learning more about themselves through a social environment, gain confidence, improve muscle coordination, and practice dedication and responsibility. The kids will have a fun time with instructors and friends while learning amazing life lessons and strengthening their bodies and minds.

100 Percent Martial Arts serves Colchester, Wethersfield, Newington, Rocky Hill, East Hartford, Marlborough, Manchester, Hebron, Bolton, Portland, Andover, East Hampton, Coventry, Cromwell, and South Windsor and it’s the best school in the area for parents looking for a kids karate school with a focus on character development.