Black Belt Parenting -- Attendance: A Key to Success

Consistent class attendance is the biggest contributing factor to success!

Discipline ... respect ... improved focus ... resistance to negative peer pressure ... standing up to bullies ... increased confidence and self-esteem ... a solid work ethic ... personal responsibility ... kindness ... compassion ... the list of benefits from Martial Arts training for students of all ages is nearly endless!!  

     However, students cannot reap those benefits if they aren't in the classroom; therefore, one of the most fundamental things your child can do to achieve Black Belt success is also one of the most crucial: attending class.  

     By establishing that attendance at the Studio is a priority, you are taking an important step in supporting your child's success, not only in Martial Arts but in Life, as well as setting a good example. While we would LOVE to see every child attend on a daily basis, we understand that this is not always possible and, therefore, recommend a minimum of two classes per week – three would be optimal!!

     As in their regular school, where research has shown that attendance may be the biggest factor influencing a child's academic success, progress through the Martial Arts ranks – as well as attaining a host of connected mental benefits – has a direct correlation to how often they come to class.

Benefits of Regular Attendance

By attending class regularly, your child will keep up with the daily/weekly lessons and assignments, and take Stripe and Belt tests on time.

     


There are other benefits as well:

• Achievement: Students who regularly attend class are more likely to have the discipline to commit to and complete other activities in their life than students who didn't attend regularly.

• Opportunity: Being at the Studio several times a week affords students an opportunity to engage with a wide variety of people, maximize their social skills, and – for older students – opens the potential to assume leadership rolls within the school.

• Being part of the school community: Just by being present at the Studio, your child is learning valuable life and social skills, working on Kindness Missions, learning the importance of respect, discipline, focus, awareness, teamwork, compassion and developing a broader world view.

• The importance of education: Your commitment to class attendance will also send a message to your child that the value of Martial Arts education is a priority for your family; going to the Studio is a critical part of success, and that it's important to take your responsibilities seriously — including finishing those things which you start. 

What You Can Do When Your Child Misses Class

     So what happens when your child needs to miss school due to a medical appointment or family trip? Sometimes these situations can't be avoided. In such cases:

• Contact the Studio Immediately -- Talk with the instructor to make sure your child doesn't fall behind on any of the lessons that he/she missed.

• Judge These Situations Carefully --  Attendance is a policy that we take seriously. Unlike your child’s regular school, where unexcused absences go on a permanent record, the consequences of missing class at the Studio can include falling behind on lessons, missing Stripe and Belt tests that will put them behind their classmates, and an overall decline in performance. 

• Help Your Child get to the Studio on Time every day -- Babysitting, problems with a car, bus, or the weather are all understandable issues. But frequently coming to class late develops bad habits that may manifest in other areas, and it is distracting to the classes already in progress. Frequent tardiness often leads to lack of motivation, and will make it difficult for your child to stay caught up with the lessons of each class. Reinforce the Black Belt Attitude of Self-Discipline by teaching your child how to set and use an alarm clock, and to avoid distractions like the television, computer or video games prior to leaving for class.

• Follow the Studio’s Guidelines and Attendance Policy --  Upon enrollment in our Studio, each student receives (usually by email) a copy of a Technique Manual for their age-group, and a Student Handbook that clearly outlines the rules of etiquette at the Studio (our expectation for a student’s behavior) and our Attendance Policy. Periodically reviewing the Student Handbook with your child throughout their training, explaining the rules and answering any questions they may have, reinforces their commitment and  allows them to fully understand what is expected of them.

• Check Homework – Yes, we give homework – in the form of Kindness Missions, new techniques, katas, basics, etc. Students – especially children – should practice at home as well as in the Studio. This builds positive habits and a strong work ethic, but also helps place the responsibility for their success or failure squarely in their own hands. Each night after class, check to see that your child understands and completes the day's assignments. Home practice also tends to build enthusiasm, especially when directed by a caring, encouraging parent. 

• Take an Active Role – At our Studio, parents are more than just spectators; we value your feedback. We also request your participation in helping your child to practice at home, as well as carry out Kindness Missions, and attend special lessons and classes ... but most of all, we urge you to encourage your child in pursuit of their success. While constructive criticism has its place in developing superior technique, we encourage you to be a “good-finder”. Celebrate the little goals along the way – not just the Stripe and Belt tests, but praise their performance in class. Stay involved with your child's experiences at the Studio by asking them how class went, and then listening carefully to what they share with you — both the successes and struggles. Make it a point to meet and regularly speak with your child's instructor. 

• Locate Potential Sources of Anxiety -- Kids frequently use the excuse that “I’m bored” to avoid attending class, even when there may be a deeper underlying issue. If your child frequently appears upset or reluctant to attend class and cannot tell you why, schedule an appointment with the instructor to discuss possible sources of the anxiety.

• Keep Updated on Studio Events and Announcements -- Read the documents that your child brings home, take note of important announcements and dates, watch the calendar, keep up with the Studio Facebook page, YouTube channel, and online blog. There are a ton of interesting, exciting and motivational activities going on at the Studio. 

• Try to Limit the Amount of Time Your Child Misses Class due to Medical Appointments or Illness – Whenever possible, avoid scheduling doctor's appointments during class time. Allow your child to stay home only in the case of contagious or severe illnesses. Exercise, including Martial Arts, is excellent for strengthening the body's immune system. 

• Keep Your Child's Attendance Schedule in Mind When Planning Extended Vacations – Everyone needs an occasional break from the pressures of daily life. Bear in mind, however, that any time away from the Studio will have an effect on not only the quality of one’s training, but on progression through the ranks. In the case of family vacations, nonattendance due to medical circumstances, or extended absences, talk to the instructor as far in advance as possible and, together, you may be able to set up a way that your child might incorporate practice into their time away.

• Plan Ahead -- Encourage your child to prepare for class by laying out their uniform and belt the night before. This speeds up the process of getting ready, develops the habit of personal responsibility and helps avoid excuses of “I forgot my belt” or “I left my uniform at home.”

• Promote Good Health – Martial Arts is part of an overall healthy way of life. Above and beyond the value of learning practical self-defense, our ongoing anti-bully message and Acts of Kindness, Martial Arts workouts build muscle and burn fat and calories. Diabetes and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in this country, even – perhaps, especially – among children. Heart disease is among the top killers of American men and women. An increasingly sedentary lifestyle combined with a voracious consumption of greasy, fat and sodium-laden fast foods, is proving deadly to us. At Barnes Martial Arts, we feel that it is our duty to show that REAL self-defense (“protecting ourselves from anything that would harm us”) goes beyond kicking, punching and grappling. It is a lifestyle that includes awareness of the substances and foods we put into our bodies. We urge our students to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and to get plenty of fresh air. Through regular, consistent attendance at the Studio, your child has an opportunity to exercise every day – in an exciting, FUN manner!

• Create a restful environment. Finally, make sure that your child can relax before bedtime by doing something quiet like reading rather than do something stimulating, like watching television. Ensure that your child gets enough quality sleep — ideal amounts range from 8 to 12 hours. Getting enough sleep will help him/her get up on time, be refreshed in the morning, and feel ready for not only a full day of learning in school, but for their high-energy Martial Arts classes! 

In Conclusion ... 

Every student progresses at their own pace ... but they have to show up!!

     Students who frequently miss days – or even weeks – of training will find it difficult to maintain their enthusiasm for training and align their progression through the ranks with their peers. Prolonged absences are also difficult on parents, often leading to arguments. 

By making attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's success, and setting a good example.

Remember — every class counts!