January 02, 2023 2 min read
Nothing great was ever achieved without commitment. Commitment can be a challenge for some children. Children live in the now. They are not always thinking about the future. So when the going gets tough, their initial response may be to give up. Our job as parents and martial arts instructors is to help prepare them for that future they can’t yet see.
Often, people of all ages feel the urge to quit right when they are on the verge of accomplishing something magnificent. The biggest goals are reached when we push through that final phase of difficulty.
In Martial Arts class, we motivate and encourage our students to keep going. We do this, by pushing them past their fears.
When kids are afraid, we get to the bottom of it and keep them pushing forward. What is the worst that can happen? You fail an attempt? So? You get back up and try again!
When kids think it is too hard, we encourage them to see for themselves that with practice and dedication, they can reach their goals. Individualized goal-setting and progress at your own pace is a foundation for keeping students motivated in children’s martial arts.
When children just want to quit, because they have quit other things and that is just what they do — we keep them going strong! Instilling a stick-to-it-iveness in children is just the beginning of helping them achieve lifelong success in whatever they decide to do.
Almost everyone is familiar with the belt/sash system in martial arts. In Karate it is a belt, in Kung Fu, it is a sash – but the concept is the same. A black sash is a long-term goal for Kung Fu students, while each color from white to black is a short-term achievement.
If you think of it like school, the black sash is like getting your diploma. Each school year is a new colored sash. The life skills gained in the progress towards the black sash take time and practice. This perseverance prepares children mentally and emotionally with the life skills needed for adulthood.
For children, the method is critical as they create habits of focus and follow-through allowing them to discipline their minds. As they succeed in earning the next color sash, they feel rewarded enough to keep going, but still, maintain focus on that long-term goal of the black sash.
“A black sash is a white sash who never gave up.“
Anonymous
If you’re eager to teach your child commitment – consider martial arts classes as a fun way to sneakily instill the skill. To get started, sign up for a free semi-private class. Call today to schedule!
Owings Mills:Â (443) 394-9222
Marriottsville:Â (443) 545-5566
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.Â
Logistics Specialist
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.Â
Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
Owner of Mindful Healing Acupuncture
It has helped me keep my sanity! Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused and organized at work. I am a better person, writer, and mother because of my experiences at USKSA. And it's been the "village" that has helped my sons learn about values and character and hard work. If you want to change your life for the better, if you want to give your children tools...then this is the place.Â
Accountant at CareFirst
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.Â
Professor at Anne Arundel Community College
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people.
Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people. Joining US Kuo Shu Academy was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.Â
Professor at Anne Arundel Community College
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.Â
Logistics Specialist
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association
My children have been students for more than 4 years now and they love this school of martial arts. US Kuo Shu Academy is their second home, learning not just Kung Fu but also developing one’s character as a good, responsible, respectful and disciplined citizen. Thank you very much Grandmaster Huang. Master Michael Hung and all the teachers and students for making this place the best school of martial arts.
Parent of two at USKSA
Martial Arts for Children & Adults
No Experience Necessary