30/03/2023
💪 REGARDING KIDS CLASSES 💪
Hi all, this post is just to address a minor issue in the development/grading of all children that participate in the junior program. Please read.
When setting up my curriculum I was very back and forth about how I should move forward in regards to grading. I could make a TON of money by doing it the "traditional" way, setting up multiple grading dates per year, charging you an extortionate fee (refer to photo) on top of your membership, where you turn up and perform some techniques, receive your belt then on to the next. To be honest, I'd be doing so much better financially. But what does that prove? In the styles that this may be applicable to it really doesn't prove much. That you can score a point quicker than your opponent? That you can perform a kick without any real consequence if you mess it up (light contact). The fact of the matter is this, and I pray this never happens, but if your child ends up in a physical altercation with another, will "scoring a point" really help? Yes there is a sporting element to what we do but I believe that being able to safely defend yourself in today's world while maintaining control is much more valuable than anything.
So I decided to take a different approach. When your child receives their next belt it will have been earned by successfully performing the following... (Dependant on which belt is next as each belt has different techniques/levels of competence in techniques)
- Can they perform the technique?
- Can they apply the technique?
- Can they perform and apply the technique as part of a combination or set it up appropriately?
On top of that, because we have children who solely based on technique are ticking all the physical boxes...
- Can they listen to instructions/authority?
- Do they disrupt?
- Do they show a respect for their peers/instructors?
- Are they always late? (Some think it's ok to walk in 20-40 minutes late without so much as a text to let me know and EXPECT to join in)
- Are they consistent? Less consistency will mean more time taken to grade.
So that second list is where a lot of people fall short. Yet ask me, "when do I get my yellow belt?", "My mum/dad (who I've never met 👀) want to know when I'm getting my next belt?"
So I invite parents to come and watch your children, refer to this list and then tell me if they are ready to be graded.
As you can see from the second list, THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STUFF AS IT IS TRANSITIONAL TO LIFE! Jobs, careers, school, college, university, relationships... The list goes on.
If you cannot get on board with this then there are plenty of schools that will grade you to black belt in as little as 3 years! Those dojos have to pay the powers that be... Like a pyramid scheme... I'll let you guys do the math. And some of them are amazing instructors, but a lot of them really aren't and unless you're in the know you won't know until it's too late.
But keep this in mind, when I won the English championship my opponent was a very high level black belt. I was a white belt. Belts mean nothing but discipline, self respect, respect for others is crucial.
I hope this clears up some things for you. I aren't gonna extort money from you in exchange for a pretty belt. I want to teach your children the right way while letting them be uniquely themselves.
Danny.
