We made a mistake. I am so excited about my classes and trying to make our leaders and instructors as good as they can be, I forgot to mention something. Something really big about when students begin classes and then when they start to feel discouraged.
When a student starts, they have to understand that it's not just karate, a sport similar to football or baseball. We have a specific set of challenges and rewards. Students that begin in classes, I imagine them "floating around" and eating up the experience. But in the beginning, that's what students and/or their parents think it is. Just an activity where they come and take class and go home, just for fun.. but it's that plus more!
They try their best and, maybe accidentally, earn a stripe on their first belt (white belt). Then they earn 2 and then they get another. After three stripes, they come to this thing we host every couple of months called "Belt Promotions." Some parents are confused by it because there's nothing like it in any other activity. They have to perform, try their best, and only SOME kids are invited to it. Then at the end, they get rewarded.
The beginner student gets a new belt to wear to class. This time it colorful, an orange belt. They think, "Cool." This instant gratification is like a bolt of lightning! The students become focused - better yet - obsessed on getting good enough to complete the challenges and earn their belts. This provides a foundation for incredible influence of their physical abilities and to develop their character.
Many families try martial arts for a short time (trial membership) and then stop coming because that's what you do. When you play soccer, the kids run around and learn some stuff then it's over. You get better each year as you get faster and bigger and stronger. You decide to play again or you don't.
But Martial Arts is different. As you earn a belt, the challenges and rewards get even greater until you earn your First Degree Black Belt. Then, it completely changes. You are in a whole new arena. At Superdojo, that's when students learn how to perform, spar, and defend themselves with martial arts weapons in a safe and respectful way (with their friends). They truly learn to understand the weapons.
So don't let your child quit until you've really given it your all. Not just them taking class, help them practice at home and let them perform in front of their instructors so they can be rewarded for a really good job, then move up to the next belt once the time is right.
