Make Sure Your Martial Arts Training is "Self-Paced"

One of the great things about the Martial Arts is that it is a self-paced program.  You can progress at the rate you want and are capable of.  This means some students will quickly move up levels, while others will progress more slowly.  The majority will be somewhere in between.  But each student can decide what their rate of progress will be.

But there are some pitfalls to self-paced programs that students (and/or parents) should be aware of.  They include:

·         Student-to-Student Comparisons – This is when a student begins comparing their progress with others.  This can often give a student an incorrect perspective of themselves and others.  A student that is progressing rapidly may think they are “better” than other students.  While one that is progressing at a slower rate may become discouraged and feel they are not doing well.  The martial arts are not a sprint to Black Belt status.  In fact they are not a race at all.  It’s not important how quickly or slowly a student reaches that point, but that they accomplish their goal.

·         Parent-to-Student Comparisons – Parents can also get an incorrect perception of their child’s true development by comparing them to others.  Not every student is in the same program.  Some are training 5 or 6 days per week.  Others train 2 days per week.  In addition, some have other activities they are committed to besides their martial arts training.  Parents should be cautious in comparing their child to others.

·         Self-Paced vs. Testing Cycle – Although the martial arts are self-paced, most schools have an established testing cycle.  Some schools test every two months, some test twice per year.  We have a three month testing cycle.  But testing should not be the only measure of progress.  The ability of the student to understand their discipline, to perform techniques correctly, and to be comfortable demonstrating their knowledge is more important than ensuring they test at every cycle.  Don’t be afraid to hold a child back from a test to ensure they have truly learned their material.

·         Burnout – Because martial arts programs are self-paced, and because when something is new students want to be there frequently, burnout can become an issue.  They immerse themselves too quickly, and within a few months they have lost interest.  This is why a lot of schools will limit the number of times beginning students can attend class each week.  They want the desire to remain.

·         Parental Pressure – This is not a problem exclusive to the martial arts.  You will find it in nearly all activities.  Parents want their child to do well.  But sometimes, we become too invested in our child’s performance.  When this happens, the child becomes resentful of their training, rather than enjoying it.  Parents must be comfortable letting their child progress at their own speed.  If you have questions about their progress, visit with an instructor.  All children need motivation now and then, but they don’t need unrealistic expectations.

If you watch for these traps, you and/or your child will truly enjoy and benefit from the self-paced of the martial arts.  And as always, if you have a question, ask an instructor.