Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


In this continuing series, let’s address more issues and frequently asked questions that concern parents who seek to enroll their child in a martial arts program. The first question in this part is possibly the most important one of all.

How do I find the right martial arts teacher for my kids?

You will know when you have a face-to-face meeting and observe him or her teach a martial arts class. The chemistry between a prospective martial arts teacher and you should be good.

After all, your child is supposed to learn courtesy, respect, self-discipline, goal setting, and many more life skills from his or her martial arts instructor. If the martial arts teacher you are considering displays none of the above-mentioned qualities, please continue to shop around.

It makes no difference if your child is learning Karate, Jujitsu, Aikido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, or Kung Fu, when the teacher is not a good role model. You don’t need to expose your children to hazards or questionable characters in order for them to learn martial arts. The martial arts school philosophy, and the instructors, should meet your standard – never settle for less.

Are you looking for discipline, academic improvement, life skills, tournament competition, self-defense, or a positive activity? Martial arts studios are not created equally. A life skills school may not meet the needs of a competitive parent or child. A “tournament school” that teaches Sport Karate, Sport Jujitsu, or enters many competitions, may be lacking in life skills and so forth.

This is not meant to take away the value of any aspect in martial arts training, but to make you, as a parent, aware that the emphasis will be different from one type of school to another. Also, the self-defense aspect will be taught differently within each martial arts school. Some martial arts schools teach more of one technique such as: punching, kicking, joint locks, sweeps, and throws.

At our wellness center in North Providence, Rhode Island, we teach all of those aspects, and we also teach self-defense through communication. For example: Wouldn’t it be better to prevent a physical conflict by talking it out? If a child is fully capable of defending himself or herself, why should he or she pursue a physical fight?

As adults, we know that the diplomatic approach to a physical conflict will not always work, but it is worth a try. Our children need to look at social skills, awareness, and courtesy as survival tools. Whether they are walking down a street, or entering the workplace, these skills are extremely important.

Know your goals and your child’s needs. Please make sure your reasons for enrolling your son or daughter in martial arts classes are sound. Martial arts for your child, is his or her personal endeavor. You can share in the feeling of accomplishment by being supportive and watch them grow to be successful. Success is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children.

The ideal martial arts instructor should have knowledge of sports medicine and CPR training. This may be one of the reasons why serious injuries are rare. Make sure that the safety of each child is a priority with the martial arts school you choose.

Some parents may feel I play it too safe within a karate class, but they have not seen a child knocked unconscious, a broken nose, or loss of blood, in my school. When I was a Sport Karate coach, referee, and judge, I saw all of those things in tournaments, and children were all wearing protective equipment.

Therefore, safety precautions are a very important factor, when deciding which martial arts school you should choose for your child.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications



Jessie

sunshine03 asked:


Basic marketing focuses upon the four “P”s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a martial arts school, the important products include the offered classes and the associated items sold through business, such as videos, books, gear, uniforms, and clothing.

Marketing strategies can be divided into two basic categories. Direct marketing, which includes one on one contact with potential customers, may also include paid and unpaid advertisement ventures. Mass marketing is the more familiar form of advertising, such as commercials on television and radio. Martial arts schools have succeeded largely through the use of direct marketing.

For martial arts schools, direct marketing works better than mass marketing for two reasons: First, teaching martial arts is a personal business. You win students and keep students by letting them know you can meet their personal needs. You win and keep students by being the kind of person they want to study with. Second, people typically choose fitness facilities close to their home or work. Mass marketing can rarely target that specifically.

It is also important to understand that marketing has rarely been the focus of traditional martial arts instructors. In the past, martial arts schools were supported by the military or the state; teachers had little reason to worry about financial necessities. However, some business-minded individuals have demonstrated the effectiveness of careful marketing in the accumulation of personal wealth.

How has marketing changed the role of martial arts in society? Historical evidence demonstrates that martial arts were primarily practiced in Asia for self-defense purposes. However, the modern world views martial arts differently. Individuals typically practice martial arts for one of three reasons. First, they engage in martial arts for personal enjoyment. Second, martial arts practice is an excellent form of exercise that can contribute to a healthful lifestyle. Third, many individuals decide to engage in martial arts for competitive reasons. The rise of interest in martial arts has coincided with a greater visibility of athletic competitions. Each of these three factors has contributed to national interest in martial arts

Advocates of education argue against too much marketing. Public relations, publicity, and word of mouth are all important to the success of an educational establishment. After all, a school’s reputation should precede its advertising budget. An active, targeted and ongoing publicity campaign is essential to the survival of a professional martial arts school. A successful publicity campaign can reduce the need for a formal marketing budget.

The growth of the Internet has also had a direct effect of the marketing of martial arts. A martial arts instructor can use the Internet in a variety of ways.



Claude

Phil Burney asked:


The term “Martial Arts Supplies” encompasses a host of things that a martial artist may need to become a full-fledged martial artist. It may mean uniforms for the various martial arts that exist, sparring and training gear, weapons, and exercise equipment, among others. So long as it is used so you become more proficient at martial arts, that thing qualifies to be part of the Martial Arts Supplies category.

But how do you look for a reliable Martial Arts Supplies retailer? One way is to simply encode the search phrase “Martial Arts Supplies” into your search box and wait for names of ecommerce sites to crop up. You can also get your Martial Arts Supplies from your martial arts school, which may either have a contractor who provides such Martial Arts Supplies that their students need, or which may sell the Martial Arts Supplies as part of their martial arts business.

A third way to secure the right type of Martial Arts Supplies is to contact martial arts federations and ask them where they get their Martial Arts Supplies.

When you are getting Martial Arts Supplies like uniforms, you first have to specify what martial arts you are pursuing to the supplier. You also have to indicate at what stage in the martial arts field you are already in. This means that uniforms are generally classified as Student Uniforms, Lightweight Uniforms, Middleweight, and Heavyweight Uniforms (though some uniforms under a certain martial arts may subdivide their uniforms further into other sub-categories.)

Intimate Martial Arts Supplies like mouth/teeth protectors, and helmets, should never be shared among friends for hygienic reasons. It is okay for you to share your uniform with others provided it is washed before being returned to you. Another reason you should never share with others is that you might never get back your expensive Martial Arts Supplies anymore and have to scrounge around for enough cash to buy more of the same supplies afterwards.

Martial Arts Supplies like weapons are another type of personal stuff that you should never share with others – but this time, for reasons of safety. Since Martial Arts Supplies like a pair of nunchucks, or samurai swords, were made to be as real as possible, sharing them out is really a bad idea. You never know what kind of trouble other people might get into using your weapons. Treat such Martial Arts Supplies as dangerous weapons and keep them in safe secure storage. It is especially important to keep your weapons out of reach of children and teenagers.

Martial Arts Supplies like books and instructional CD-ROMs are another story though – these are the types of Martial Arts Supplies that you ought to share out with others, especially those from the same martial arts club that you belong to. It is always fun and instructional to share opinions and tips with your co-martial artists. In fact, that is part of the pleasure you will get from the field of martial arts actually. So whether you pursue martial arts purely as a weekend warrior, or with the intent of becoming an instructor yourself someday, sharing your knowledge about martial arts and Martial Arts Supplies will always benefit you too in the final analysis.



Edwin

pdopes asked:


ve checked out all the karate videos and would like to advance.

Has the martial arts bug been bothering you for some time now?

If you wish to study karate in depth, your primary objective is to join your local karate course so that you can master the basics correctly.

Without some previous form of karate or karate experience, you will find it very challenging to master the advanced karate steps and techniques that will allow you to grow and develop as a martial arts student.

Whether your rationale in learning martial arts is for self-defense or to compete in tournaments, joining a respected karate course is a vital first step. The most difficult part of this process is choosing the right karate academy as this will determine the result of your martial arts training. It would be a waste to spend hours of training without even mastering the basics.

Here are some tips and general guidelines that should be considered when choosing a good karate school.

One. Proximity. Choose a karate school that is relatively close to your home if possible. If you drive, try to keep this within a half hour. If your shosen course is close, it will be a lot easier to maintain a long-term training program. However this is not a rule. Feel free to choose any course that meets the criteria. You should never sacrifice the quality of your karate training for the convenience of having class within walking distance.

Two. When selecting a martial arts classes, ensure that the program is congruent with your goals. As an example, if your objective is competition and tournaments, it makes very little sense to get involved with a self-defense specialist. Although any karate training will be of great help to your overall development, targeting your goals directly is certainly one of the fastest way to achieve them.

Three. Make sure that your chosen karate school has been in operation for some time and that your intructor has enough background in teaching martial arts. Do some research about the lessons before making a final decision. There are plenty of karate schools in New York, a lot of them close down after the first couple years of operation. If you wish to master the art of martial arts, than select your instructor carefully.

Four. Don\\\’t sweat the small stuff. It is no big deal if you do if you don\\\’t have all of your martial arts gear ready for your first day of training. This acutally works out because ideally, you want to collect your gear little by little as this will allow you to get used to it a gradual pace. Also, it is easier to make adjustments as you are just beginning.

Five. Get all your questions answered. One of the smartest things you can do before joining a martial arts course in New York is to prepare a list of questions specific to the training you would like to have. This can be as small mental note or basic outline. Remember, this is about your martial arts training. It is not a time to be timid as you will be paying for this education, And not just with money.

Take your research to the Internet to make sure that you have covered all the bases. Stay focused and consistent and you are well on your way to mastering the art of Karate.

Milton

Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


There are many myths about martial arts training, and the general public accepts some as fact. In the following article, I have outlined general guidelines, and precautions, for parents who are considering enrolling their child, or children, into martial arts.

Below, I have listed some common issues and questions that parents often ask about martial arts for their children. Also, you will be much more informed about the benefits of martial arts, the structure with a martial arts school, and know what to realistically expect.

What should I be looking for in a martial arts school? Safety comes as a first priority for parents who seek martial arts instruction for their children. Here are a number of key factors to consider:

Is safety equipment used when children are performing exercises and drills that require contact? This is especially important when children are sparring in martial arts. In many martial arts schools, sparring equipment is required, or the child cannot spar. The number of injuries resulting from sparring in Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do is surprisingly low in comparison to many league sports.

Never the less, I once had a father pull his son out of our martial arts school because he found a karate studio that would let his son “fight” without protective equipment. In our school, it is mandatory to wear martial arts equipment for the safety of the students. Sparring equipment has come a long way, so why not use it?

The flooring surface should match the martial art. If take downs, sweeps, and throws are required, there should be some kind of matted floor available. Many of the state-of-the-art martial arts schools have a floor surface specifically designed for martial arts. It makes no sense to have anyone throw a classmate on a hard floor, with the type of flooring available, as this can result in long-term injuries.

Can parents watch Karate classes?

Let’s put it this way, if you cannot watch your child practice karate, or any other martial art, you should find another school. I can appreciate the fact that some martial arts instructors don’t want to deal with interfering parents. This is the reason for rules and signs.

Remember the “hockey dad” incident? There are a few people who, through their own conduct, create rules for the rest of us. However, you are the parent and are entitled to see your child train in karate or any martial arts class.

Fire exits, fire extinguishers, and someone who monitors visitors, as they enter a karate studio full of children, should be standard features. We have three fire exits and one main entrance, in our studio, but only one door is used for an entrance. Kids understand security because they see the same precautions in elementary school.

Also, watch out for poles in the middle of the room. Adults will spot them, but an excited child in a karate class may forget and end up crashing into one. Make sure that you feel secure about the studio, surroundings, rules, and the staff before you make a decision to have your child take martial arts classes.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications



Roberto

Kelvin Ho asked:


Like any other arts, martial arts training is an important contributor to your proficiency in the field. Whether you are aiming to participate in competitions or learn for the sake of self-defense, people often to choose MMA or Mixed Martial Arts Training, to develop an overall expertise in the area. Here are some tips to set you on the right path for martial arts training.

These tips are aimed to make you comfortable as well as efficient in each area of martial arts:

1. Wrestling: This is your ground game training where the basic idea is to teach you the art of grappling along with some submission training. Ju-jitsu is the right type of martial arts where you could get a good idea and practice of grappling with submissions.

2. Striking: This is part of your stand up game where you would be trained to master the art of striking like, boxing or kick boxing. Muay Hai is the recommended training to learn the critical art of striking and kicking. This training teaches you the skill of clinching and knee strikes.

3. Cardio training: This is perhaps one of the most critical areas of martial arts training. While you may have mastered the art of grappling or striking, if your cardio training is not up to the mark, you could get beaten by any ordinary person, who may not be as strong as you are in these two areas.

The quality of martial arts training really depends on the type of school you have chosen. There is nothing called the ‘right’ martial arts school as you would have to choose it according to your specific needs, which could any of the following: develop self defense skills; for physical fitness; to participate in competitions; develop self-confidence; or as a purely social activity.

While all these aspects are important, you have to decide which of these is most important to you. For instance, some schools impart martial arts training to make you participate in competitions. Others may just teach you the basics but rarely put you through the entire course of martial arts training.

One very way to get the most out of your martial arts training class is to observe the instructor’s style and listen to his instructions carefully. You should also get to learn the various safety methods practiced during martial arts training. Learn to use safety gear like pads, headgear and mouthpieces.

This is all part of the training program. When you are trying to enroll in a school for martial arts training, watch out for schools which offer 5 to 6 free training sessions. This is sampling the art to you and if you like what you are doing, then you can join them. This is good for beginners as there is no cost involved for these training classes and some schools even allow you to rent uniforms for the free training purposes.

If you are wondering what could be the possible cost for taking martial arts training, you ought to remember that the cheapest school is not necessarily the best. Also the expensive classes like the ones in YMCA or any community center, may also not suit your individual purposes.

When starting out, you could expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $250 per month in a reputed school for martial arts training. Of course the cost of uniforms, tournament entry fees and other equipment like weapons or sparring gear would be extra.



Robin

Marshall Buchholz asked:


The sales rep was well meaning, but obviously knew nothing about the martial arts business.

I was placing and order for my first ad in the yellow pages when he asked me what I’m sure he thought was a casual conversation booster. “So what are your plans?” he asked. “Open up a school, hire a couple of teachers, then expand and open up a couple more schools?”

Yeah, right. It’s all just that easy.

Ever wonder what motivates a martial arts instructor to open a school? Money? Recognition? A chance to show off your skills in front of a captive audience four nights a week? Hardly. Every good martial arts instructor—and I mean the good ones—is motivated by something much less tangible and far more valuable than money or fame. I call it the moment of “Surprise Achievement.” It’s that special experience when something you’ve been teaching clicks in a student. It’s when they “get it.”

And you can’t put a price on that.

But, like it or not, the difficulties of trying to build a prosperous martial arts school threaten every school owner’s success. Most instructors know there really isn’t much money to be gained in teaching the arts. Given the costs of maintaining a facility, a web site, creating and printing flyers and brochures, promoting or entering tournaments (including travel expenses), and buying books, DVDs, and magazines to stay up on the latest trends (not to mention sorting the genuine ones from the hoaxes), a good instructor stands to make only nominal financial profit from a martial arts school.

And then there’s the time investment. All of the above eat away at valuable time spent with family, friends, or just about any other hobby you might have thought you were going to stay active with. Or for that matter, the hobbies your own kids might have. Try balancing your teaching schedule with cheering your kids on from the bleachers at their baseball games, hosting birthday parties, taking family vacations, and attending parent-teacher conferences.

Of course, we can’t forget the expectations of your students, either. If you’re claiming to be an “expert” in some area of martial arts, you better plan to spend as much time as possible doing your own grueling workouts. After all, no one would respect a martial arts instructor who can’t demonstrate at least basic techniques with black belt proficiency!

Which can also take a toll on your body. Balanced correctly, a martial arts instructor’s own practices—including the workouts you get while teaching—should leave you in perfect physical and mental harmony with the rest of the universe. Right?

Should, but…

The fact is, instructors face two big realities with regard to their own practice: 1) We age, and 2) Accidents happen. Believe it or not, we’re not perfect!

Those are the downsides in terms of money, time, and health. I’ll just briefly mention one more thing that every martial arts instructor experiences, few know how to really talk about among their peers, and is probably the number one reason people quit the business: Frustration.

Imagine spending hours at your computer creating and printing promotional brochures, doing good, hard workouts to stay in great condition. Now your in the dojo, the lights are on, the doors unlocked, you’ve carefully prepared tonight’s lessons—and no one shows up. For a martial arts instructor, it’s an experience that can quickly drain all your commitment—and fast.

Most students have no idea how many hours the teacher has spent just preparing for classes. Along with teaching, there’s encouraging commitment, motivating hard work, cultivating students’ beliefs in themselves, and nurturing a belief in their own success, often just to see them hop down the road to newest McDojo to learn the latest technique for dropping your opponent with the tap of a finger.

So what are we, crazy? Sometimes I think so! Yet something keeps us leaping out of bed each morning and trying again. It’s that peculiar experience called, “Surprise Achievement.”

It’s that moment when you struggled to help a confused and frustrated student to understand how a technique works. He tries it once, and gets a painful bruise on his arm; he tries it again and again, but it doesn’t seem to have any valid effect on his opponent. Then, just when you thought there were no more ways to explain it, demonstrate it, or get him to commit to the repetition drills, he gets it. You didn’t expect it to happen at that moment. Neither did he. And his face turns to you, the expression of disgust and frustration replaced by the surprise of an unexpected achievement. It’s spontaneous; it can’t be planned, and it’s never easy to get there. But it’s worth it.

In fact, it’s so worth it that I often remind my students that our greatest rewards arise from our greatest difficulties. When you know that they grasp that concept, and they invest their valuable time and energy into what you are teaching, the moments of Surprise-Achievement become more frequent, and your own reward as a teacher, immeasurable.

Every dedicated martial arts instructor knows there is a lot more to teaching than giving a couple of quick demonstrations, explanations, then just sitting back and watching students work their way to a black belt while you count the money.

Every martial artist who decides to go into teaching has had a taste of some kind of success. Maybe it was experienced in tournament competition, and you want to share that feeling with others. Or maybe it was just the atmosphere of the dojo, or the fascination with the techniques and strategies you’ve learned. But none of those experiences will sustain a good teacher for very long. Believe me, for every moment of success, there are ten moments of frustration that threaten to overwhelm you.

So forget the sales reps. They mean well, but what do they know? And forget the critics who think you’re just in it to feed your ego. Forget all the frustration. In the end, all that matters is what you and your students think. And that light in his eyes, that sudden beaming smile, that certain, “Aha!”

…more than makes it all worth while.

Here’s another interesting self-defense article: Which martial arts pressure points are the most effective for dominating your opponent?



Glenda