Frequently Asked Questions
Education on Martial Arts Training
Truths & Myths
By Sensei Michael J. Agbay
I was inspired to write this article due to all the misconceptions that I have heard from a variety of parents. I’ve been teaching martial arts for over 15 years. It still amazes me when people walk through the doors of my school. I once had a parent walk into my school and say “I can’t believe I’m here. But a good friend of mine recommended your school to me. But I don’t want my girls learning violence.” I proceeded to explain to the Mom what the martial arts really encompass. When I had finished she signed both her girls up. I know that most people, if they have never been involved in the martial arts themselves only have movies, television, video games and other media to “educate” them. So let me get started in clearing up some of these myths.
1. Are all martial arts systems the same?
All martial arts systems are different. They are broken up into 3 categories -
hard styles, soft styles, and internal styles such as Tai Chi. Some styles are striking, kicking, and grappling. If you watch TV you will see a style in a cage fighting setting known as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The other differences are where they come from: Japan, China, and Korea, just to name a few. There are a lot of different styles.
2. How do I know what style I should choose for my child?
The first thing you need to do is to check out a school in your area with certified instructors who teach children’s programs. Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do are very popular with young kids. Watch how the instructors interact with the kids.
See if they are yelling and screaming or are encouraging and energetic. Make sure they are teaching all the principles that they claim, such as discipline, self-control, focus, and respect. At MJA Martial Arts we are very successful in teaching these principles. We teach them not only in the school but also how to apply them in their daily lives. We are interested in building leaders.
3. If my child has not had success with team sports, does that mean they cannot do Karate?
No. It’s just the opposite. The reason that most children do not succeed in team sports is they have no self-esteem and maybe very little athletic ability. Martial Arts are a self discipline and not a team discipline; no one sits on the bench. Everyone participates at their own level.
4. If my child has ADD, ADHD or autism can they do Karate?
The answer is YES! We here at MJA Martial Arts have had some amazing progress with students with all of these conditions. With a little patience and perseverance you’ll be surprised what your child and we can do.
5. If my child has a temper should they do Karate?
Absolutely. You learn Karate so you don’t have to fight. Everyone thinks their child will be more dangerous. When taught properly Karate teaches them to have respect and self-control. When they start training and love it, they know if they abuse it they will lose it.
6. Why does my child have to bow? I don’t want my child to worship the teacher.
The bow is a sign of respect. Students bow to the teachers in respect only. The teachers bow in the same way. We bow into and out of the Dojo (training hall) as a sign that we respect the place we train.
7. Is my 3, 4 or 5 year old too young to take Martial Arts classes?
Some schools start children older. Our school has a pre-school program called “Ninja Tiger Cubs” specifically for kids 3-5 years old. That is the best time to teach these children. They can learn so much at that age. When you wait until they get older they have to break a lot of behavior habits.
8. What do I do if my child does not go in class right away?
Everyone comes to their first class nervous. It is new to them. It is not uncommon for a student to not participate in their first and sometimes second class. You as parents should not give up. Keep coming back, tell them its okay and encourage them to try again. This is the first lesson in overcoming your fears.
9. I don’t want my child to get injured. Can this happen?
Injuries are not impossible. Your child has more of a chance getting hurt playing football, soccer or basketball than participating in Karate. No student starts out doing any kind of contact. They must learn all their basics first and when they do get into what we call sparring, we teach the student all the rules, strategies and safety when participating in this activity. They also are required to wear protective gear that gives them the maximum protection.
10. Are all the Belt systems the same in all schools?
No. Some schools have junior ranks for kids, but we don’t believe in that.
Our ranks are broken down as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Usually the belt ranks go from lighter belt colors to darker belt colors. Our belt colors go from White through Black (white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, black).
Serving the following areas in Worcester County, Massachusetts:
Spencer, E. Brookfield, Leicester, N.Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, and Princeton
