CHOOSING A SCHOOL

How do I choose a Martial Arts School for me or my child?

The principles are the same for choosing a school for yourself or your child, so I will address the answer for parents, as there are a couple of special considerations when children are involved.

STEP ONE in choosing a school is to clearly understand what you want you or your child to gain from learning the Martial Arts. Is it a light recreation? Then a community center program may suffice. Is it self-defense or personal development? If so, then a full time professional school would be more suitable. Many parents view the martial arts as a part of their child's educational development. With a good professional school, this is very possible.

STEP TWO is to recognize that choosing a school is really choosing an Instructor. Be sure to visit the school and watch the Instructor work with other children of the same age. Every school is very different because every Instructor is very different. Don't get confused by claims of Black Belt degrees, tournament wins or martial art styles. The only style that matters is the teaching style of the Instructor and how your child will respond to him or her.

AND LASTLY, trust your instincts. A professional school will have a family atmosphere, lots of smiles and be well kept. You'll feel comfortable with the personnel and the facility. While this may not end up being the closest school to your house, when it comes to your safety or the safety and education of your child, an extra ten-minute drive can make a world of difference in the out come.

JOINING THE PURPLE DRAGON DOJO

Purple Dragon is truly an international martial arts organization and welcomes students regardless of age, race, creed, color, and social status. Before signing a membership contract, the Dojo Instructor will interview a prospective member to asses what his/her particular needs are, why they wish to join and how they think Purple Dragon can help them. The Instructors may ask questions such as: "Have you ever studied Martial Arts before?" If the answer is yes, then for how long? The Instructor will then have an idea of the person's dedication, and weather or not they are honest and willing enough to study the Discipline. Once a membership is accepted, Purple Dragon will be happy to welcome new members into our organization, and before long we all will be breeding greater self respect, self discipline, and self sufficiency and placing our country's youth and culture on the world map.

WHAT WILL KARATE DO FOR MY CHILD?

A common parental worry is that martial arts training will encourage violence or aggression in their child. With rear exception, the opposite will prove to be true. Children discover an inner confidence and strength, which enables them to move beyond the need to prove themselves physically. They frequently find they have the courage to walk away from an explosive situation. They also develop higher tolerance. Remember, physical aggression is channeled positively in class and tempered with strict discipline and control. What surprises many parents is how the discipline, control and increased concentration carries over from karate into every day-life. You may find your child more organized in school, more respectful to others, and more goal oriented.