When did your children start training in the martial arts? What rank are they now?
My children started training about 2 years ago. The daycare they were attending offered classes, and after about 6 months they asked me to bring them into the Dojo, because the instructor felt they should be in full class, including sparring. Both of my children are currently blue belts.
Where do you currently attend classes? What style do you study?
We study American Freestyle Karate, at Max Cooper's Championship Karate in Aurora Co. Our style blends Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo, and Ninjitsu. Our primary weapon focus is Arnis.
What made you initially want to get your children involved in the martial arts?
My son has ADHD, and I had always heard that martial arts training was good for discipline and focus. My daughter asked to take classes because she thought it was "more fun than gymnastics". The added benefit of having both of my children gaining skills to defend themselves, if necessary, is a bonus.
What made you become interested in training?
Watching my children in class. They were learning so much, and having such a good time. Plus, they were in class 4 nights a week. I started mainly as a way to work out, but I was having so much fun that it became more than simply a "since I was already here" sort of activity. I look forward to most of my training nights, and I really get a kick out of helping our kids in their classes.
What rank are you now?
I am currently an orange belt.
What benefits have your children have gotten from the martial arts?
Where to begin? The confidence my children have gained, the focus they have on task, is amazing. I had told them if their homework was not done before I picked them up from school (after school daycare), they would have to sit out of class and first of all explain WHY they were missing class, and secondly do their homework. My children have not missed a single class due to homework. That shows a level of dedication I think is unusual for a 7 and 9 year old. They are so proud of their accomplishments, and they are proud to belong to the Martial Arts family we have at our Dojo. My son is playing flag football this season. I can see his MA training helping him, with the flexibility and speed to outrun his opponents and being able to read the offense of the other team by observation. He uses the same abilities in watching his sparring partners, to find their rhythm and break it.
What have you gotten from your time in the martial arts?
I am a single parent. As lame as it sounds, being involved in Martial Arts has given me back a self confidence I had been lacking. In my past I was a jock, and I am very competitive. Knowing I can still be "that" person is a great feeling.
What has your family as a whole gotten from the arts?
My family is a close little unit. Taking class together helps that along. My children love to tell their friends that their Mommy takes karate with them. They also like to gloat that they outrank me..but I just tell them to give me time. And oddly, my ex supports me and the children in the Martial Arts. He is a non practicing Tae Kwon Do black belt, and he supports my efforts as well as the children's. Together we told our children that if they committed to working hard and working their way through the ranks, Mommy and Daddy would make the commitment to help make it happen. It also helps that our Dojo is family. It truly feels like family, knowing that one of your teammates has your back. It has expanded that village I'm using to help raise my children.