There are a wide variety of reasons families want their child to practice discipline. This is a list of common reasons parents look for Martial Arts to help their child learn discipline: Homework, chores, listening, interrupting conversations, lack of focus, and self-control. Even children whose parents are pleased with the current level of discipline, want their child to continue practicing because they know situations change and their child must use the skill of discipline to stay on the path towards success.
Martial Arts schools are known as the home of discipline. Students learn to manage mental, physical, emotional and social stressors that build character and lead to positive choices. Instructors know that the structure of every class is a key component in setting up challenges for students to practice self-discipline. The culture of each martial arts school has a specifically taught manner for students, families, and instructors in order to exchange information in a disciplined and respectful way. Discipline is sometimes misunderstood by a parents’ belief and expectation for Martial Arts Instructors to quickly impact their child’s behavior as a negative shock fix. This is not how we influence a child’s behavior. Behavior is developed over time by micro events, therefore the more positive events a person experiences will have more positive behavioral outcomes.
So, what are Martial Arts Instructors doing to create positive micro events for children? If the environment and manner are structured, then the power of choice follows. Students create and react in positive or negative actions. Actions are attached with consequences and students practice managing their own emotional responses to every drill and event. Martial Arts Instructors guide and influence students to choose positive actions and positive responses in order to achieve short term goals. As a result, this allows children to manage their own micro events which will enable them to set future goals.
As the process of learning, growing, and getting better expands every class, how do Martial Arts Instructors support parents off the mats? Our programs intentionally create positive reinforcement life skill games with family interaction to engage students in responsible and appreciated behavior at home. When children are loved and appreciated, they are happy and willing to copy the same positive behavior. Instructors follow up in class with recognition and admiration from the acceptable behavior at home.