Summer has come to an end, and whether we like it or not, it's back to school time. It can be challenging for everyone to adjusts to new schedules, bedtimes, and transitions in the school system.

As parents, we have tendencies to pull back from commitments during this time. It can make sense as we try to simplify life and make things easier on our already tight schedules.  We at Spicar's Martial Arts see this during certain times of the year - late summer is a prime example.

Parents think that if we pause, or "take a break" from something our children are involved in, we are helping them and ourselves to prepare for the new school year. Maybe you are thinking it takes up an evening or two during your workweek, or perhaps because you worry that the stress of school and homework will be too much for your child.

But by pulling your children out of something that they enjoy, like our karate program, can be detrimental for them and have an adverse effect. 

Here are five ways how karate and martial arts can help your child with the transition to the new school year, which carries over into their everyday lives, both in and outside of the dojo. You will see the benefits of karate in their lives, as will their teachers and peers.

#1:
Accountability

Book reports, the science fair, team meetups - these are all the things that might not be of most importance to our to-do lists, but we have to do them anyway. We have to show up, do it right, and get it done. By showing our children that we are accountable and that we expect them to be responsible too, we are setting them up for success in school and their lives.

Giving them the message that quitting is an option can have lasting adverse effects. Just like modeling hard work and perseverance can teach them positive characteristics. 

In our martial arts program, consistency and accountability is everything. Our students understand and learn to respect that attendance and practice are vital to moving forward, to earn stripes, belts, and awards. Just like in life, when you put in the work by showing commitment and accountability, you will reap the rewards.

#2:
Courage

Children struggle with worries and anxiety when they are heading back to school and facing new teachers, friends, and different schedules.

In karate, we encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones in a safe and healthy environment. We teach them to be courageous when trying new things, like speaking up in front of a group or showing a technique to the class. This enables them to realize they can reach their goals and accomplish the very things they worried about in the first place.

We work with children individually based on their specific needs. In a short amount of time, they will be performing in front of a group, looking an adult in the eye, completing a routine, or getting to a belt level they only dreamed of.

#3:
Focus and Self-Control

Parents tell us their kids have issues sitting still, keeping hands to themselves, using eye contact, and concentrate on an activity for a particular length of time. 

Focus on self-control is the foundation of what we teach at our karate program here at Spicar's Martial Arts. We believe structure is the building block of any successful relationships in life; parent/child, teacher/student, coach/athlete, boss/employee.

Before a child can learn new things, they must first have the tools and the ability to stay focused, and understand appropriate control of their body. For example, at school, they need to listen to their teacher and sit, which is difficult for many kids that are on the go-go-go. 

Our program helps children learn the importance and relevance of why we need to show our focus - teachers see that they are listening. And how it can help them in everyday life - retain the information so that they can pass the test or understand the homework, etc.

There are plenty of opportunities for fun in the dojo, but just like in a school, we need to straighten up and get serious to learn and grow. The ability to focus makes all the difference.

#4:
Discipline

A school is a place for learning, but it is a place for discipline as well. When kids don't follow directions, or if they use their hands, bodies, or words in inappropriate ways, they will find themselves facing consequences that can be jarring to some children. Especially as they are just starting in school or coming back from long summer vacations where they may not have had many rules to follow. 

We are aware of our commitment to you, parents, to teach your child behaviors that we want to see both inside and outside of the dojo, like in a school. Students learn what is and isn't acceptable behavior and how their actions help them to succeed. 

We also love hearing about their grades and school life! Parents, let us know if you are concerned in any area with their behavior outside the dojo. It is important for us to be leaders in our community, and we want our students to be good role models as well.

#5:
Peer Relationship

It's no secret that bullies are a significant concern for both parents and children. Playgrounds, bus rides, social media sites, and other venues are all places for our kids to experience bully behavior.

Children need to have safe adults they feel comfortable talking to. Sometimes it's easier to speak with someone that isn't a parent.

Our instructors are adept at looking for changes in mood and progress and keeping an eye out for times when they may be able to step in and ask if everything is going okay.

It is important for kids to know how to be assertive and to stand up for themselves. While we don't advocate for violence, our program teaches basic self-defense skills and boost children's confidence.

We encourage peer support of each other in and out of the dojo and often notice that our karate kids have developed an alliance in their schools. This can help tremendously at times of transition when kids can feel nervous or isolated. 

Kids are resilient and creatures of habit, like the rest of us. They like consistency and discipline. When you keep your commitment to them, and your child remains active in martial arts, you are teaching them accountability. They will learn they can rise to a challenge, and figure out how to make things work. 

By removing them from karate based on the fear of over scheduling, even before you have had time to test the waters with it, you are setting a precedent that their sport of choice isn't as important as other things, and that when things get tough, quitting is the easiest option.

We understand that schedules get busy, but before pulling your child out of a sport or an activity which benefits them in everyday life, give it a try for a while.

Reach out to the coach/instructor/teacher, and talk to them about your concerns. Maybe you can develop a plan that can ease some of your worries or fine-tune the program so that you see the benefits more clearly if you have specific issues that can be addressed. 

At our karate school, we are parents ourselves, and we work for you! We want to do our best to help your family see results from our program and find ways that we can benefit the community at the same time. Please let us know how we can help you or your child get back to school with ease using qualities, characteristics, and values from karate.

Mr. Spicar,
Chief Instructor

If you would like more information about our Martial Arts Program don’t hesitate to call us or text at 469-444-0246.

Or get your child started today with our free trial.