If you’re a resident of Boise or Eagle, then you’re a lucky person. Boise and Eagle are 2 cities, unlike many others around the country. Very few cities have such a high density of child centered activities. Everything from dance, language, sports, arts and crafts, martial arts, etc., and all available within a 5 to 15 minute drive.

With so many activities available, what should a child participate in? That is the big question. Should you have your child do everything? And, believe me, it’s possible in Boise or Eagle. Or, should you find a couple activities and really let your child excel and build confidence?

Here is my opinion. I’m a fan of sports. I’ve played them my whole life. In fact, I still play soccer on a recreational men’s league. On the other hand, I’m not partial to soccer. I’ll let my children play any sport they want. If they decide, AFTER THE SEASON, that the sport they just participated in is not for them, so be it… we’ll move on.

There is one thing that my children will always do, and that is martial arts. I will never treat martial arts like a sport that they can change season to season. Martial arts, including Karate and Taekwondo should be viewed as part of their school work. And, it’s not because I own a martial art school either. It’s because I own a martial art school that I can see the profound impact it can have on children’s lives. There are certain things that a martial art school or karate school is capable of teaching that is not taught in very many places. Of course, not all martial art schools or karate schools teach this way, so do your research.

Martial arts is basically an extension of your childs school in the way of personal and character development. It’s the part that is being missed in many classrooms. Please don’t misunderstand me… our school teachers in the Boise & Meridian School District are fabulous. It’s just my belief and experience that the primary focus is to educate, or as I like to say- teach “content.” I actually wouldn’t want it any other way.

Our primary example is to teach children important character traits, such as: Focus Self Discipline Self Confidence Goal Setting Skills Respect Self Esteem Positive Attitude

If we succeed at this, then their ability to accomplish more in school improves. We teach students “context.” Think of context as the bowl that holds the content. The larger the bowl (context), the more content that can be placed in it. More importantly, a student will have the self discipline and confidence to do more with the content they learn in school. Your childs school and a good martial arts program makes a great combination! Read the rest of this entry »