One of our frequently asked questions in the studio is, “how can I help my child do better in karate?” We love this question! In fact, it’s our favorite question that we get from parents! Here are three tips that you can use at home and in the studio that will help your child grow stronger and more confident in their karate classes:
Actively watch your child train whenever possible.
Parents that stay and watch their children train are often laser focused on their child. They can see in real time what it looks like when an instructor or an upper belt demonstrates a technique versus when their child demonstrates a technique. If you see your child is having trouble with a technique, that’s OK! Children often don’t ask for help when they are having trouble with a technique either because they are nervous to do so in front of their friends in class or because they just don’t know they are doing it wrong. Hold off on the sideline coaching though. While sideline coaching is often popular in sports like soccer, baseball, and football, it can be disruptive during a karate class. Instead, check in with the karate instructor when class is dismissed and get a plan of action on how to help your child with that technique.
Try a karate or a kickboxing class.
Trying to coach your child karate techniques at home without martial arts training can be as tough as teaching your child common core math without knowing how to do it. Try a class to get the basics of what your child needs to know about basic stances and techniques. The basic techniques go a long way in martial arts even as your child begins to learn more advanced techniques. Bonus: You might love it and decide to train for your black belt too!
Practice positive reinforcement whenever possible.
Encourage your child whenever you can whether it is seeing them do an awesome job on a technique in class to seeing them persevere through a tough time in their class. Whatever you do, don’t let them give up. Training in karate is hard and some techniques may not come easily for your child. Just like when we learn to walk and talk, we have to practice to be successful. With practice comes accomplishment!
We love our karate moms, dads and grandparents! Just as it takes commitment and dedication to train in karate, it also takes commitment and dedication for you to help them train. They may not know it now but you are the unsung heroes of their black belt journey with every gas fill up on the way to practice, every seat filled in the lobby watching practice, washed and ironed uniforms, snacks on the way to tournaments, pictures taken and more. You are the key to their success!!