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from the September, 2010 issue of Kiai!
It’s September! Back to School! Back to the Dojo!
By Sarah Ludden
What do you remember about the end of summer and the anticipation of returning to school? The excitement of looking forward to seeing your school buddies again, new binders and pencils, going to the next grade? Getting a locker for the first time and struggling to remember that lock combination? Returning to school in the fall can be one of the most memorable childhood experiences.
It’s the joy of learning, the deep satisfaction of being engaged—mind, body and spirit— in the process of learning, and the reassuring routine of school life that draws our kids happily back to school. It’s seeing the value of education, the promise of a happy and better life for our kids, that pushes us parents and educators to encourage them to work their hardest, develop discipline and positive study habits, and succeed in school. As a community we work tirelessly to provide this fundamental right of all children: quality education and a safe and respectful school environment.
Martial arts nurture strong bodies and healthy lifestyles, and balances the academic day with vigorous physical exercise. It’s fun and playful and cooperative. The art is intricate and intriguing, stimulating mental, physical and spiritual growth.
We prioritize providing an educational experience that is positive and empowering, that highlights the joy of learning and the thrill of taking on challenges. Karate requires practice and discipline, invaluable life skills. We reward progress in the art via the belt ranking system, but emphasize the process of training and the joy of learning, rather than the goal of new belts.
Our anti-violence, self-defense and anti-bullying curricula teach essential skills for children to deal with conflicts they encounter in life. From managing their own anger and frustration, to coping with aggressive behavior from other kids, to choosing their friends and navigating peer pressure, to the safety skills needed to walk to school or go on a date.
The values that permeate our Center—love, compassion, respect, non-quitting spirit, responsibility and courage to fight for justice—ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive space for your child. They also, of course, build character, positively shape behavior and nurture contributing world citizens.
How can you help your child renew their commitment to their training this fall?
Here are some ideas:
- Please come in and talk with us, with your child, if they are having any reservations about continuing their training. Our personal connection to them will deepen and often we can help “solve” whatever problem they are facing.
- We offer 6 classes a week, plus 3 more for teens. Establish a training schedule that your child must stick to, barring illness or family/school conflicts. 10 classes a month is ideal, 2 to 3 classes each week.
- If a scheduled class is missed, arrange a make up class, coming to the dojo another day that week, if possible.
- Stay involved! Ask your child, “What did you practice today? What did you learn? Show me your kata. Who was your teacher? How was class…fun, hard? Who are some of your karate friends?”
- “Show off” your child’s karate accomplishments to family and friends, as well as their academic and other athletic activities. Stress the time they have dedicated, the effort they have exerted, and the friends and community they have made at Thousand Waves.
- Be sure your child’s karate study guide is accessible and read frequently. Integrate reading the guide into other family reading traditions.
- Discuss with your child the training requirements for each level patch and belt rank and help them set goals for testing. The belt tests are every other month and are listed for the calendar year in your membership directory.
- Find some time to watch your child take class. Praise them when class is over. Speak positively about their effort and discipline. And remind them that they sure looked like they were having a lot of fun!
- Is it possible to arrange play dates with other karate students? This creates friendship bonds that help kids enjoy their time at the dojo.
- Get to know other parents at the dojo. Enjoy connecting with a diverse group of really great people who come to Thousand Waves.
- Model embracing the challenges of learning. If you are actively studying anything—yoga, a foreign language, a new computer software—and communicate that you are enjoying being a beginner, practicing, taking class regularly, and enduring the ups and downs of frustration/boredom/excitement—it will help your child do the same with their karate training and provide a shared experience for the two of you.
Back to school, back to the dojo…it’s a good time to help your kids with both. Let us know if we can help in any way or if you have any more ideas to share to help other parents.
Thank you again for including Thousand Waves in your children’s lives. It is an honor and joy to teach them.
Osu!