7 THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE
CHOOSING A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL .
If most martial arts schools have qualified instructors, experience teaching children and regular testing/graduation schedule, aren't they all pretty much the same. Does it matter which school you decide to enrol in? Yes! There are 7 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and problems the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved in a martial arts program. Here are 7 things that every parent should consider on deciding on a martial arts school for their child.
DOES A CERTIFIED INSTUCTOR TEACH OR MONITOR EACH CLASS?
In every martial arts school there are students whose desire it is to one day be instructors. Often to encourage these students they are given the opportunity to teach some classes or portions thereof.
In our academy we have a graduated method of allowing our Junior Leaders and Leadership team to fulfill their desire to become instructors one day. Instruction opportunities are dependent on volunteer hours assisting the head instructor. Before our Leadership members are permitted to instruct even a portion of a class they must have accumulated at least 50 hrs. assisting the head instructor. Additionally there is always a certified instructor on the floor overseeing the class. This is a reassuring aspect which creates confidence within our students/parent group that there will always a be qualified person in charge.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS?
For many years it was believed that once a student had obtained his 1 st degree black belt they knew enough to teach. Obviously having spent many years training a 1 st degree black belt has gained a great deal of experience. However experience though does not necessarily translate into the ability to teach.
Our instructors must pass three levels of qualification testing. Each level of tests are done at regional camps in front of local Masters and before a student is eligible to attend these camps they must have done 100 hrs. of volunteer assisting/teaching. By the time a student is eligible to test to become a certified instructor they will have done a minimum of 300 hrs. of volunteer teaching under the guidance of a certified instructor and have successfully passed all three levels. Once certified all our instructors must re-certify every two to three years to keep their certification current and up to date.
ARE THE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS CLEARED THROUGH A MANDATORY CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK?
When enrolling in a martial arts school we all would like the assurance that our children are safe and that we can have confidence that our instructors are people of integrity that they have self control and are trustworthy. Just how does one pose those questions?
At our academy there is no need for those questions! Before any of our instructors are given the status of a certified instructor they must all be cleared by a mandatory criminal records check and any instructor can lose their certification for any major infraction.
ARE THE INSTRUCTORS EDUCATED TO RECOGNIZE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE?
Most children are fortunate and live in loving well balanced home with caring families. Living lives filled with energy and warmth.
The sad fact is that this is not true for all children or for all families and abuse is a fact of today's world. Our instructors when they are enrolled into the leadership program are educated in a Youth Protection Program. This program instructs all our instructors in recognizing the signs of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This aspect of our school establishes the underlying principles of safety and confidence between instructor, student and parent.
DOES THE SCHOOL CONSISTENTLY GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND TEACH ITS STUDENTS TO DO THE SAME?
One of the aspects of achieving a black belt is understanding the concept of giving back to those who have supported them throughout their journey, parents, friends and family. Recognizing that their achievement, although theirs, was a co-ordinated effort. Consequently before a student, no matter how old, can test for their black belt they must verify through time spent and results produced how they have either volunteered or given of themselves to make their community better and richer for their presence. Our academy and its families consistently donate to our local food bank and raises funds for local charities.
WHAT IS THE STUDENT TO INSTRUCTOR RATIO?
A small student to teacher ratio will allow each child to get a greater degree of personalized attention, to learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for the instructor and assistants to maintain control over the class and makes sure that every student understands the concepts and instructions given. Our student-teacher ratios will make sure that no fundamental concepts are missed. A smaller ratio also allows our instructors to ensure that the students are not developing incorrect habits or improper technique.
For our Tiny Tiger program ages 4 - 6 our student teacher ratio is 1 - 4, for the Karate for Kids the ratio is 1 - 7.
CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTENCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many schools instructor or the school owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time to deal with customer service issues, or the school may have no customer service available if the instructor is in class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a school that can assist you with your questions regarding testing's, class times etc. even if the instructor is in class. Our school has staff on hand during all regular class times so you can receive immediate assistance.
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1430 Johnston Road
604-531-4881 
