Parents' Guide to Martial Arts / Edition 1

by Debra M. Fritsch

Overview

The ultimate who, what, where and why reference book for parents in search of a martial arts school and a positive experience for their children. The authors answer dozens of questions about choosing a martial arts school and understanding what's going on once lessons begin including evaluating an instructor's credentials, understanding contracts and membership agreements, spotting unsafe facilities/exercises, preventing injuries, purchasing the right safety gear and helping your child get the most from his or her martial arts lessons.

An invaluable resource for parents. Includes check list and evaluation sheet for objectively comparing schools and instructors. Know which questions you should be asking and what answers signal a potentially positive experience for you and your child.

From the Authors, Ruth Hunter and Debra Fritsch: "Martial arts can be an enriching experience for parents and children if the decision on what school to attend is based on sound information. The Parents' Guide is a centralized information source on popular styles for children, what to expect from martial arts classes, competitions, contracts, testing, special needs students, attitudes, evaluating an instructor and much more."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781880336229
Publisher:	Turtle Press Corporation
Publication date:	09/01/1998
Edition description:	1 ED
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	7.02(w) x 10.05(h) x 0.51(d)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Why Martial Arts?

• What Are the Physical Benefits?
• What are the Mental Benefits?
• What Kind of Self-Defense is Taught?
• When is Martial Arts Not a Good Idea?

Chapter 2: Are Martial Arts Right for my Child?

• What Should I Expect for My Child's Age Level?
• When Should a Child Take Up Martial Arts?
• What Can I Expect My Child to Get Out of Martial Arts?

Chapter 3: Which Martial Art is the Right One?

Chapter 4: Identifying Your Child's Needs

• What Are My Child's Priorities?
• Can Children With Disabilities Learn a Martial Art?
• Does Martial Arts Benefit Children with ADHD?

Chapter 5: Choosing a School

• How Can I Compare the Different Styles?
• How Can I Find Classes In My Area?
• How Should I Approach a School for Information?
• School Tour Checklist:
• How Can You Spot a Good Instructor?
• Are High Pressure Sales Tactics Common?
• How Can You Tell If a School Has a Long-Term Success Record?
• Narrowing Down the Choices

Chapter 6: Asking the Right Questions

• What Are the Instructor's Credentials?
• What Does the Curriculum Consist Of?
• What Type of Self-Defense Skills Are Taught?
• What Other Activities Are Offered?
• What is the Class Schedule?
• What Is the Structure of a Normal Class?
• What Is My Child Required to Have for Class?

Chapter 7: How to Evaluate a Trial Lesson

Chapter 8: Evaluating An Instructor

Chapter 9: Evaluating Fees and Contracts

• What Length of Commitment Is Required?
• How Are Payments Collected?
• What Type of Contract Is Used?
• What Is the Price/Value Ratio?

Chapter 10: What to Expect Once Lessons Begin

Chapter 11: How to Handle Boredom

Chapter 12: Safety and Injury Protection

• How Can the Instructor Increase Class Safety?
• What Types of Safety Equipment Are Used?
• Is Proper Conditioning Taught?
• What Activities May Be Harmful?

Chapter 14: Competitions

• What Sort of Rules Are Used in Competition?
• How Can My Child Prepare for Competition?
• How Does a Typical Competition Proceed?
• What Does It Take to Win at the National Level?

Chapter 15: Martial Arts for the Whole Family