The Ten Minutes Before Martial Arts Class: Helping Your Child Arrive Ready to Train

The few minutes before a child walks into martial arts class can have a bigger impact than many parents realise.

Children do not always arrive automatically focused, motivated and ready to learn.

They may have come straight from school, been distracted by a screen, had a difficult day or simply be thinking about something completely unrelated to martial arts.

The journey to class can therefore become useful preparation time.

1. Create a Positive Atmosphere

Starting the journey positively can help shift your child’s attention towards training.

That does not mean giving them a motivational speech every week.

Something as simple as playing music they enjoy or having a relaxed conversation can help them move mentally from whatever they were doing previously into the next part of their day.

2. Choose One Goal for the Class

Rather than asking a child to “be good” or “try hard”, give them something more specific.

It might be:

• concentrate when the instructor is explaining

• improve one particular kick

• remember part of a form

• introduce themselves to somebody new

• keep trying when something becomes difficult

One simple goal gives the child something achievable to focus on.

3. Let Them Know You Support Them

Children value encouragement from the people around them.

A simple reminder that you enjoy watching them train, are proud of their effort or are interested in what they are learning can build confidence before they even step onto the mat.

Preparation Without Pressure

The objective is not to turn the journey to class into another lesson.

It should remain relaxed.

These few minutes are simply an opportunity to help your child arrive in the right frame of mind to learn, participate and enjoy their training.

Martial arts development happens one class at a time.

Helping a child arrive ready to make the most of each class can make those sessions even more valuable.