Martial arts training can be one of the most rewarding experiences in our lives. It can up our physical and mental fitness, lower our stress levels, and improve the overall quality of our lives. It can also positively impact the lives of those around us in different ways. However, there can be challenges along the way that can derail our entire martial arts journey.
When we talk about these challenges we might think of injuries, illness, frustration with our progress, or getting too busy in our lives. These are certainly things we need to deal with and minimize, but some of the things that can end our martial arts journey can be a bit more hidden. Below are some examples of these for students and parents to be mindful of.
Attendance Success in the martial arts begins with managing our attendance properly. This means setting a regular training schedule for ourselves and sticking to it. For children ages 8 to 12 we recommend two or three classes each week. One or two classes per week are recommended for kids ages 4 to 7. Less than this may result in them getting discouraged because of slow progress, and more will likely result in them getting burned out over time. For
When we talk about these challenges we might think of injuries, illness, frustration with our progress, or getting too busy in our lives. These are certainly things we need to deal with and minimize, but some of the things that can end our martial arts journey can be a bit more hidden. Below are some examples of these for students and parents to be mindful of.
Attendance Success in the martial arts begins with managing our attendance properly. This means setting a regular training schedule for ourselves and sticking to it. For children ages 8 to 12 we recommend two or three classes each week. One or two classes per week are recommended for kids ages 4 to 7. Less than this may result in them getting discouraged because of slow progress, and more will likely result in them getting burned out over time. For
adults we recommend attending two to four classes per week (in each art they choose.) Adults are usually able to manage ’burn-out’ better than kids, backing off on attendance a bit when needed. In each art there are minimum attendance requirements for progressing in the respective rank system. Strong attendance will result in consistent rank promotions, and weaker attendance will result in those taking longer.
Coachability Students progress in the martial arts by learning techniques and strategies from experienced teachers. The teachers will usually follow a systematic method to do this, which has been proven over time. Once a student has been shown a move the student must practice and ’learn by doing.’ Over time, the teachers will help the student refine the strategies until they’ve been mastered.
If the student genuinely has difficulty understanding something, the teachers will continue to find ways to help the student. However, sometimes a student will have trouble learning, not because of some difficulty in understanding or working things out, but because of a poor attitude. Few things will derail a student’s progress more than refusal to learn or defiance. Students who seem to have an un-coachable attitude or bad behavior will experience delays in advancement and, in extreme cases, dismissal from the school.
Etiquette Students need to learn and stay mindful of the expectations for their actions while in the dojo. This begins with being sure to arrive between five and ten minutes before classes start. Of course, children must rely on their parents for this part. Once at the gym, everyone is expected to follow the rules for mindfulness, respect towards others, and safety. ZenQuest prides itself on providing an environment of mutual support and respect, and every student is expected to contribute to that. Students who cannot seem to follow the rules for conduct will also experience delays in advancement and possible dismissal from the school.
Attire In classes requiring uniforms the ‘Gi’ and belt must be kept neat. Uniforms must be the appropriate color and only display approved patches or logos. There should not be street clothing hanging out of the sleeves, pants, or jacket. These requirements also apply to ‘No-Gi’ attire. All training clothing must fit properly and not be overly revealing. Patches should be added to Gis without them within a few weeks of purchase.
Cleanliness Students must keep themselves and their equipment clean at all times. Sanitizing hands and feet are required when entering the training area or returning from a break. Students are expected to keep their personal hygiene at a high level including maintaining trimming fingernails and toenails, and keeping their hair neat. Students must also minimize any body odor, or other scents on themselves or their gear. Students and parents are also expected to help keep all areas of the facility clean. This means cleaning up after themself in all areas of the facility, and being sure to wipe feet at the door during messy weather months. Students experiencing symptoms of any illness or infection must refrain from attending classes until well again.
Tuition Students or parents who choose ’incremental’ enrollments (for one month, three months, etc.) are responsible for keeping track of their tuition schedule and keeping their enrollment current. Although we provide reminders at the front desk, students and parents must be mindful to make their tuition payments on time (on or before their due dates.) Students must renew their membership in order to attend classes on the day of their tuition due date. Missed classes may be ‘made-up’ during a student’s enrollment period, but cannot be used to extend a membership. These issues can be completely avoided by enrolling via our ’EasyPay’ option.
So, by knowing about the ’minefield’ of pitfalls in our martial arts journey we can avoid these common problems and be successful and reach our goals. Happy training!
Coachability Students progress in the martial arts by learning techniques and strategies from experienced teachers. The teachers will usually follow a systematic method to do this, which has been proven over time. Once a student has been shown a move the student must practice and ’learn by doing.’ Over time, the teachers will help the student refine the strategies until they’ve been mastered.
If the student genuinely has difficulty understanding something, the teachers will continue to find ways to help the student. However, sometimes a student will have trouble learning, not because of some difficulty in understanding or working things out, but because of a poor attitude. Few things will derail a student’s progress more than refusal to learn or defiance. Students who seem to have an un-coachable attitude or bad behavior will experience delays in advancement and, in extreme cases, dismissal from the school.
Etiquette Students need to learn and stay mindful of the expectations for their actions while in the dojo. This begins with being sure to arrive between five and ten minutes before classes start. Of course, children must rely on their parents for this part. Once at the gym, everyone is expected to follow the rules for mindfulness, respect towards others, and safety. ZenQuest prides itself on providing an environment of mutual support and respect, and every student is expected to contribute to that. Students who cannot seem to follow the rules for conduct will also experience delays in advancement and possible dismissal from the school.
Attire In classes requiring uniforms the ‘Gi’ and belt must be kept neat. Uniforms must be the appropriate color and only display approved patches or logos. There should not be street clothing hanging out of the sleeves, pants, or jacket. These requirements also apply to ‘No-Gi’ attire. All training clothing must fit properly and not be overly revealing. Patches should be added to Gis without them within a few weeks of purchase.
Cleanliness Students must keep themselves and their equipment clean at all times. Sanitizing hands and feet are required when entering the training area or returning from a break. Students are expected to keep their personal hygiene at a high level including maintaining trimming fingernails and toenails, and keeping their hair neat. Students must also minimize any body odor, or other scents on themselves or their gear. Students and parents are also expected to help keep all areas of the facility clean. This means cleaning up after themself in all areas of the facility, and being sure to wipe feet at the door during messy weather months. Students experiencing symptoms of any illness or infection must refrain from attending classes until well again.
Tuition Students or parents who choose ’incremental’ enrollments (for one month, three months, etc.) are responsible for keeping track of their tuition schedule and keeping their enrollment current. Although we provide reminders at the front desk, students and parents must be mindful to make their tuition payments on time (on or before their due dates.) Students must renew their membership in order to attend classes on the day of their tuition due date. Missed classes may be ‘made-up’ during a student’s enrollment period, but cannot be used to extend a membership. These issues can be completely avoided by enrolling via our ’EasyPay’ option.
So, by knowing about the ’minefield’ of pitfalls in our martial arts journey we can avoid these common problems and be successful and reach our goals. Happy training!
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