Choosing a great martial art school

The principles are the same for choosing a school for yourself or your child, so I will address the answer for parents, as there are a couple of special considerations when children are involved.

Step one in choosing a school is to clearly understand what you want you or your child to gain from learning the martial arts. Is it a light recreation? Then a community center program may suffice. Is it self-defense or personal development? If so, then a full-time professional school will be more suitable. Many parents view the
martial arts as part of their child's educational development. With a good professional school, this is very possible.

Step two is to recognize that choosing a school is really choosing an instructor. Be sure to visit the school and watch the instructor work with other children of the same age. Every school is very different because every instructor is different. Don't get confused by claims of black belt degrees, tournament wins or martial art
styles. The only style that matters is the teaching style of the instructor and how your child will respond to him or her.

Finally, trust your instincts. A professional school will have a family atmosphere, lots of smiles and be well kept. You'll feel comfortable with the personnel and the facility.

While this may not end up being the closest school to your house, when it comes to your safety or the safety and education of your child, an extra ten-minute drive can make a world of difference in he outcome.

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Time to Black Belt

Parents, there is a new trend in some martial art school. Black Belt in one year! Please don't buy this one!

The true benefits of martial arts training come from doing the arts for a long time. Black Belt in one year is a marketing scheme to get more students with a promise that cannot be truly kept. Your child may reach Black Belt in a year, but the quality won't be there.

Life has proven that short cuts don't work. Cheap is often more expensive in the long run and learning takes time. Black Belt should take 4-5 years not one.

Time tested methods will assure you or your child has the best possible experience in the martial arts.

Something else to consider.

There are many different types of martial arts schools and clubs in the world. There are different styles and philosophies, full and part time schools and owners, so many different flavours under the sun. On this BLOG we have given you any different things to look for in a great school and teacher. Well here is something else to consider.

Are the teachers and owners still progressing and training themselves?

If the school you are in has an owner or teachers who are not progressing in the arts you might want to look somewhere else. This type of school is not really a good example for your kids.

Parents, this is a great resource.

I purchased the PDF version of this book about a year ago. It is truly amazing! We are planning on giving these out to people who are interested in our program. Follow the link below to see what this book is all about.



Building Rock Solid Kid's is what any great martial art school should be about. Take a look and let us know what you think.

5 Misconceptions about Martial Arts

Here are 5 Misconceptions people have about Martial Arts.

What to do for your child in a BAD economy

Today we are faced in the papers with the BAD Global Economy. Just about everyone I know is affected in one way or another. Some are losing jobs, other are getting more business due to the slowdowns.

Some parents who are reading this have their children in the martial arts, others are thinking about do so. But with today's restrictions on cash flow how do you know what activity is going to be best for your child? Let's face it there are so many to choose from. In Canada we have hockey, soccer, baseball, swimming, etc etc. Some parents just have their children stay at home and play on the computer or video games. But what is the best solution?

Last week I had a prospective parent call me asking about our classes. When he found out the costs he said that he can't justify spending that much money on something like karate. (if his child plays hockey it can cost up to $9000 per year). Sadly he doesn't understand the benefits of martial arts vs hockey or any other 'sport'.

When times are good and parents can spend money on just about any activity the choices are simple. In bad times parents must make a decision based on what is best for their child, "what are the real benefits for my son or daughter"?

What does the martial arts really do for a child? Here are some examples.

• Increased FOCUS
• Increased Self Esteem
• Increased Physical Fitness
• More confidence
• Better listening skills
• Self Control
• Self Discipline
• Energy and ambition
• Goal setting skills
• Leadership skills
• Better communication skills
• Better grades in school
• Understand social behavior
• etc, etc, etc

Do the arts really do all these things? YES and more! Do hockey and soccer accomplish these benefits? No they do not! Here is a testimonial on the benefits of martial arts training from one of my students parent. Others can be read on my website Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute.

"Special Thanks,

I am the mother of a boy, who after many diagnosis from several different doctors, was told my son has a number of behavioral disorders. As heartbreaking as that was to hear and deal with I was so relieved to finally find a place where my son was welcomed and not judged for his disability, but encouraged to thrive beyond expectations.

We tried everything from Cubs, Tee-ball, to city soccer league. While all of them were friendly and tried to work with my son, not one could keep his interest for any period of time. He would loose interest and walk off to do his own thing. He had no focus or ambition for anything he tried.

Then while searching the webs for something to help my son, I came across a website for The Peaceful Warriors'. The name alone made me feel comfort. I set up a meeting with Master Art and his son Master Curt. After talking to them and explaining my son's disorders, Master Art assured me that they were not worried about dealing with my sons unusual behaviors and with a very respectful confidence, he assured me my son would excel in his karate school.

I has been two and a half years since my son joined The Peaceful Warrior's school. He will soon become a Red Belt, is in the Black Belt Club, and on the Demo Team, by his own choice.

In less then three years at this school, my son has grown into a calmer, happier more pleasant person to be around. I believe that this school is more then that, they truly want to see children reach their full potential. They have made such a difference in our lives, they believe it takes a village to raise a healthy well rounded child, and they show it in many ways. The Peaceful Warriors' are always in touch with parents on the progress or need improvements of each child. They even ask for input from the child's grade or high school teachers, before they can advance to another belt.

Please believe me when I say that I tried everything to find positive outlets for my son's Hyperactive behavior and until I found The Peaceful Warriors' family, I though it was hopeless for my son to ever fit in anywhere.

So in closing, I give my most sincere thanks to the many Masters, instructors and people involved in The Peaceful Warriors' family. You all truly have made a positive difference in my family's lives..."

Sincerely - Claire Dupont, Windsor Ontario

After this recession/depression we are going through today, the children with the best life skills will prosper. Those with the best video game skills, hockey skills etc will NOT. If you need to make changes in your life to get your child involved in martial arts it is well worth it! The benefits will far and again out outweigh the costs of a great school.

Putting the Student's First

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I must confess when I encounter 'horrible' service I am always surprised. I guess I must be a little naive.

My wife enrolled in a local college course. This course has some very rigid qualifications including an admission exam that 80% of the people who write is fail. The course does also have a minimum number of people required to run. Sound pretty simple right?

Well she was concerned about the course starting, because it actually has not run in almost 2 years because of the qualifications. We went to the college 2 weeks before the course was scheduled to start to find out if it would run. The lady at the college checked the computer and told us there are enough people registered and the course will start January 24th at another facility in town. GREAT! The woman also stated if the program was to be canceled we would receive a call.

So on the start date I cover my classes (my wife does not drive) and run her out to where classes are being run. The building is locked, nothing on the door. We drive back to the college (the other end of town) park and go inside. In the Continuing Education Office they is a group of very unhappy adults, who are expecting to start a computer class at the college. The course has been delayed starting, but the students (all adults) have not been informed.

Upon inquiring about my wife's course she is told there are not enough students, so it won't start till March of later. (no offer of refund).

I am totally blown away! If this is how they run their business, do we really want to be part of it? Going across the boarder to the USA is looking pretty good!

Now if I did business this way in my martial arts school, I would be out of business. Parents when you visit a martial art school ask what the Mission and Vision of the school is (Our local college does not seem to have one posted for the public, in fact their website looks like a dating service at first glance).

Ask other parents about the operation of the school. Do they know what they are doing? Is it well run?

Here is the Mission and Vision of my school, Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute. Read them and look for something similar in the schools you are considering for your child's martial art education.

Martial Arts, like any educational entity is a service industry. Only accept great service