How to pick a martial arts school

A very common question I get from parents is “Is this is the best martial art for my child?”. As much as I would love to say yes and get another student at my school, I never do. I almost always answer with two questions. The first is “Do they have fun doing it?”, and the second is “Do you think what we teach is valuable?”.

One of the most important things about a martial art (or any activity) is that you enjoy it. If you absolutely hated it and never had fun, why would you do it? I only train because I enjoy it, and this is especially true for children (they’re supposed to have fun)! A martial art should not be something to be loathed. As an instructor I have seen the entire spectrum, from bubbling joy during class to complete indifference to frustration and anger. The children who do the best, the ones who get the most from their lessons, are more often than not those who are having fun during class. That said, we all have our bad days, but on the whole students who enjoy their training soak up more from it.

This brings me to the second question I ask. If a parent does not think what is taught has any value, then they won’t want their child to learn it. Every parent looks for what is best for their child. Activities that help kids learn about the world, how to improve themselves, or give them a good workout can all be good things for kids. Instructors that encourage kids to reach their highest potential, and a caring, positive environment are good things too. A great way to assess those qualities is to watch your child during a class and to speak with other students, parents and instructors. Also, more importantly, please speak to your child about their experience. Every child is different, some express their joy quite openly, while others are very focused and contained during class. The only way to tell is to ask them! It will help your get a better feel for what your child is going to learn, and help you find out what that activity is all about.

So when you are out looking at various activities for your child, be it a martial art, piano or something else entirely, find something that your child enjoys, and get to know about that activity.

~Robert Hean
Tulen Center
10004 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR
97225

503-291-9333
www.tulencenter.com

info@tulencenter.com