Certification Matters
Three Tips to Choosing a Martial Arts School
Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents.
Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on
the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches
punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and builds confidence. And while many
schools are successful in delivering those results, many do so in ways that don’t truly tap
into the deeper levels of science and psychology in order to make these benefits long lasting. Therefore, finding martial arts schools that require certifications, so staff are
trained in the most up to date child development strategies, is key in delivering
optimum results.
To assist parents on selecting a martial arts school, the SKILLZ program has led the way
in setting the highest standards for its instructors by offering different levels of
certification. By implementing varying courses in the areas of science and psychology,
instructors demonstrate a high level of understanding in the best practices for a child’s
development and parents feel more secure knowing their children are in certified
hands. The effectiveness of a system of instructor training, such as this, gives them a
specialize skill set so they can create an environment that fosters authentic
developmental growth that will last a lifetime.
To truly get the most out of the conventional martial arts benefits everyone is familiar
with, parents should look for schools that have instructor training in the following areas.
1) Science: One of the first things anyone working with children should know is what
to expect from them and what not to expect. This boils down to knowing where
each child is in their stage of development. By understanding this, instructors can
target exactly what skills children, at a specific age, need to build on. For this
reason, the SKILLZ program created age-specific classes. In addition,
understanding how certain chemicals in the brain can be boosted to maximize
learning and retention, within each class, is extremely valuable.
2) Psychology: As we all know, not all children are the same in every way and some
have challenges that are often the reason parents search for a martial arts
school in the first place. From behavior problems to developmental disorders to
physical challenges, having instructors that are knowledgeable in a wide array
of difficulties is imperative. The SKILLZ program not only trains instructors on these
concerns but has also created a program specifically designed for children on
the spectrum. By having useful tools in place, instructors can easily identify the
best approach to work with each child that will ultimately produce the best
results for that individual child.
3) Teaching: While understanding the subject matter being taught is important,
knowing how to teach to boost understanding and memory is a specialized skill.
Along with utilizing the elements of science and psychology above, the SKILLZ
program also boosts learning by implementing neurobics to “warm up” the brain
so it’s primed for learning. In addition, instructors are equipped with teaching
strategies that are used to help each child achieve more. These elements
increase the student’s motivation and bolster a love for learning.
It’s no doubt that parents want the best for their children. And while martial arts is
rooted in traditions that have well-known benefits, today’s modern world is bursting with
information that can enhance the outcomes. When martial arts schools demonstrate a
commitment to the developmental growth of the children they serve, parents can trust
that the process is not only about kicking and punching. They see how it is providing
ways that reach their children on a deeper level which will ultimately lead to success in
all areas of their life.