Is your kid all fired up to learn those awesome spinning kicks like the superheroes on TV? Welcome to the thrilling yet challenging world of being a martial arts parent. It’s a dynamic space where you need to balance enthusiasm with a bit of restraint.
When backing your child in their martial arts adventure—be it Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or both—you should strive for equilibrium. You’re their sidekick, not the main event. Here’s how you can fortify your child’s martial arts journey.
1) Applaud, Don’t Instruct (The Coaches Got This)
So, you’re settled on the sidelines, thinking you should jump in with a few tips? Not so fast. You’re not forking out money for lessons to become Sensei Mom or Professor Dad. Coaches have honed their skills for years to guide your child effectively during classes and competitions. Shouting instructions from the seats tends to do more harm than good.
Your mission? Cheer enthusiastically! Your supportive whoops can fuel your child’s perseverance when things get tough. Leave the detailed advice to the experts.
Refrain from offering unsolicited critiques during car rides home. Instead, steer the conversation toward positives with questions like, “What technique did you have the most fun with today?”
2) Focus on Effort, Not Just Wins (It’s the Journey That Counts)
Your child doesn’t need to clinch the Muay Thai World Championship or an IBJJF acclaim for you to puff with pride. Martial arts isn’t just about competition wins; it’s equally about nurturing resilience, self-discipline, and confidence.
Celebrate their achievements along the way. Did they nail that tricky L-sweep after weeks of practice? That’s a triumph deserving a cheer!
3) Encourage Self-Reliance (They Gotta Do Their Own Push-Ups)
Martial arts help foster independence, but if you hover too closely, you risk undoing this lesson. Let your child take charge of their path, complete with all its blunders and successes.
Involve them in packing their gear, and allow them the experience of forgetting essentials now and then. Such moments teach responsibility and quick problem-solving skills.
If you see them stumble with a move, suggest they ask the coach for guidance. This way, they learn to seek solutions themselves.
4) Maintain Open Lines of Communication (Without Overdoing It)
Stay clued in about their dojo experiences. Should they express dislike for a coach, that’s worth noting, but pestering them for daily updates isn’t beneficial.
Tactfully inquire, “How was class?” and give them control of the conversation. Listen attentively, and respect their need for privacy. If they’re not chatty, consider if they’re simply tired or needing more time to process.
5) Balance Practice with Rest (Kids Need Downtime, Too)
Avoid the pitfalls of overscheduling or diminishing the priority of their martial arts training. Striking the right balance entails:
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Scheduling Rest Days: Combat fatigue with downtime for playing with friends and other laid-back pursuits.
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Watching for Burnout: If they suddenly lose interest, delve into any underlying reasons.
- Fueling the Machine: A diet rich in nutrients is crucial. Fuel them up with proteins, carbs, and veggies, but don’t skimp on the occasional treat as a reward!
6) Know When to Step Back (Even Micromanagers)
The real challenge? Learning when to step aside. Your attendance at every session isn’t mandatory; give them space to socialize and learn independently.
Honor their choices, even if it means exploring new interests. Questioning their desire to quit might reveal if they’d benefit from a different martial art style. Institutions like Evolve MMA offer diverse trial classes, allowing exploration to find the perfect match.
Remember, it’s their journey, and your role is to guide, not dictate!
7) Channel Your Inner Obi-Wan (Wisdom Over Control)
Be the guiding presence for your child, not a hovering force. Share wisdom from your experiences rather than trying to manage every detail.
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Model Resilience: Turn mishaps into learning moments. Burnt dinner? Show how to bounce back and try again.
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Adopt a Growth Mindset: Inspire confidence with language that embraces their capacity to overcome challenges—“not there yet” speaks volumes.
- Choose Stories Over Lectures: Instead of recounting your glory days, use tales of familiar sports heroes who faced obstacles and succeeded, to inspire perseverance.
Embrace Your Role as a Supporter
The goal isn’t to groom a world champ but to empower them. Your encouragement on the sidelines, low-pressure approach, and upbeat after-class gestures pave their way to becoming resilient, confident individuals.
Ready to give your child a martial arts edge? Check out Evolve MMA’s kids’ sessions. There’s even a chance you might enjoy some fun in the ring—with the caveat not to shed tears if your kid outmaneuvers you!
To finalize your complimentary trial class with our World Champions, reach out today.
If you have any other queries about Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, feel free to contact our membership executives at:
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Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525 -
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556 -
Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293 - Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
