Seven tips for finding the right martial arts program for your child

Seven tips for finding the right martial arts program for your child

All martial arts schools are not created equal.  Even within the same style, in the same town, your son or daughter could have a dramatically different experience.  So, what can you do to find a program that’s right for your family? 

1.    Look for a real curriculum.  Many schools will have a series of forms that students have to master before advancing to the next belt or level, but do they have an actual, structured program?  Is that program age-appropriate?  Does it nurture skills and behaviors that you want to see in your child, such as respect, discipline and leadership?   

*At Blacklist, we proudly offer Master Melody Schuman’s world-famous Skillz program, designed to enhance your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.  Classes are divided into age groups, and use fun and fitness to help your child learn and grow.  You will see a dramatic difference after only a few classes! 

2.   Look at the school.  Take a hard look at the facility itself.  Is it clean?  Is the equipment in good shape?  Don’t be too distracted by a window full of trophies or a wall covered in tigers or ninja swords.  What about the school’s appearance tells you what they value?

*At Blacklist, we’re all about offering an updated, clean, and safe facility.  In fact, our school was just remodeled with brand new equipment!  We also have a strict cleaning routine, with all of our mats and padding sanitized on a daily basis.

3.    Watch a class.  Sit down, turn off your cell phone, and watch an entire class.  Pay attention to the format.  Does it seem organized and structured?  Are the students engaged?  And most importantly, does it look fun? 

*At Blacklist, we invite you to watch one of our classes any day, and at any time.  You’ll see the same quality of instruction, and feel the same positive energy in every group.

4.    Meet the instructors.  Talk to the owner or head instructor, but don’t stop there.  Find out who will actually be teaching your child’s classes, and have a conversation with him or her.  Does he or she seem enthusiastic?  Skilled?  Helpful?  But perhaps most importantly, does this instructor have any kind of training or certification to work with kids?  Remember, kids are not little adults, and teaching a four-year-old is a world apart from teaching a teenager. 

*At Blacklist, our instructors have to be certified by Master Melody Schuman prior to teaching any kids’ class.  We also attend conferences and webinars on a regular basis so that we’re constantly learning and improving.

5.    Ask around.  Talk to the other parents at the school.  See what they have to say.  Also, ask friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.  Word of mouth matters.

*At Blacklist, we invite you to talk to any of our staff or parents to hear what they have to say about our school.  We’re certain that you’ll hear good things!

6.    Try it out.  Most schools offer some form of trial period.  Take advantage of it.  If a trial isn't offered, ask for one. 

*At Blacklist, we offer one day, two weeks or 6 weeks trial program, including a personalized and age-appropriate assessment and a uniform. 

7.    See what your dollar gets you.  Is there an enrollment fee?  Extra costs for uniforms?  Extra costs for belt testing or seminars?  How many classes per week (or per month) does the fee cover?  Sometimes the “cheapest” school isn’t actually such a deal.  But most of all, try not to let cost be the deciding factor in your decision.  You often get what you pay for, and a school that costs a little more probably has better instructors, facilities and programs. 

*At Blacklist, there is NO enrollment fee and a uniform is included in the 6 week trial.   Your monthly fee also gets you two classes a week, including multiple coaches, and unlimited fun.