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Home › Articles › Safety › Fighting Back

Fighting Back

Children in Martial Arts Save Lives

By Tenna Perry

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ong-term contracts. In today's economy, it is difficult to say what you may or may not be able to afford in six months or a year. There is also the problem with children who lose interest, become unable to participate or get caught up in extracurricular school activities. The karate schools that require contracts aren't concerned with these matters and will insist on payment regardless of whether or not the student attends class. If the contract isn't met, they will often turn accounts over to collection agencies.

  • There are no guarantees in martial arts, so don't be lured by promises of a black belt being earned within one or two years.
  • Karate uniforms and sparring equipment is not only expensive but also required for tournament participation. That doesn't mean the student should be required to purchase these items on the first day of class. A new student should be allowed to participate in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to see if he or she is going to stick with the program. Various schools may require specific styles of uniforms with their school logos and patches. Once purchased, a student could have to purchase these items again if he or she decides to attend a different school.
  • Parents should stay and observe the classes. Is there a showing of mutual respect between students and instructors? Martial arts teaches a student respect while giving him or her a feeling of self-confidence and self-esteem. These lessons can't be learned where humiliation or ridicule is used as a method of training. Also, an instructor should be able to retain control of the class at all times.
  • Ask o see the instructor's credentials. Black belt certificates are easily faked. Find out who the instructor's sensei (instructor) was and call for references. Anyone can go down to a martial arts supply store and buy a black belt for $8 to $10. That belt doesn't make them qualified to be an instructor.


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