Special Programs
Something for Everyone
When you imagine a martial arts school, what do you picture? An instructor standing at the front of the room, demonstrating forms and techniques to rows of attentive students? Such sights are not uncommon in martial arts classes, but they’re only the beginning. Most schools have a little something for everyone, from classes for kids to special events for the whole community. You may be surprised at the choices and variety offered at a school near you!
Multiple Options for All Kinds of Students
While women are welcome in any martial arts class for adults, many schools also offer specific classes that are open to women only, often taught by female instructors. For women who feel more comfortable in such a setting, this may be the perfect way to get into martial arts training. Self-defense training focused on deterring rape or assault is also commonly offered. Learn more about Women’s Self-Defense Classes by clicking here.
Special Events and Seminars
Many martial arts schools also offer special seminars and events a few times a year to their students AND the general public. These are often open to the community at large to help with awareness and increase knowledge of how to best deal with unwanted situations. Besides Women’s Self-Defense seminars, many schools offer Bully Prevention seminars, weapons seminars, and more. Learn more about Bully Prevention Seminars here. To see if martial arts schools offer these types of events or seminars, click here to begin a search.
Martial arts classes are also increasingly popular options for children of all ages. Depending on the school, children can start as young as 2 years old taking “Mommy and Me” classes with a parent. Children’s classes often have themes, making them even more appealing and fun for the youngest students. Training can continue right through the teen years, when some classes are tailored to adolescents, while others combine teen and adult students. Any martial arts training will help kids of all ages get exercise, improve their concentration, and build confidence. In addition, some schools also focus on children’s self defense, including anti-bullying and anti-kidnapping techniques.
Another set of valuable options several school’s offer are afterschool programs and birthday parties. Some school’s have programs where they will pick up children from school and bring them back to the studio, offer them snacks, homework help, and martial arts training. You can also ask school’s if they offer martial arts themed birthday parties. Many have specialized times they set aside to schedule kids birthday parties where they offer an instructor lead party with games, board breaking, and more all with parents only worrying about the food and eating utensils and the studio taking care of the prep work and clean up. Ask your local school about what special programs they offer or search for a school in your area by clicking here to see if they offer any of these programs that might interest you. You can always inquire with a school to learn more.
Learn more about How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School for You!
Special Training for Law Enforcement Officers
Are you a member of law enforcement? Some martial arts schools—particularly those that emphasize street fighting such as Jeet Kune Do or Mixed Martial Arts—offer specialized courses just for police officers and others who may need to use physical techniques in their jobs. Whether you want to improve your skills as an individual or contract for training for your whole team, a tailored martial arts class may be just what you need.
And don’t forget: martial arts classes aren’t only about instruction! Competitions are also an exciting part of training, giving the student a chance to put their skills to the test. Some schools also offer field trips to help students learn about the culture from which their martial arts practice comes. Others invite advanced students to give demonstrations at cultural festivals.
21st-Century Learning
Martial arts classes come in many forms, from large public classes to small groups, to private lessons. Most schools have a variety of options from which to choose, and can even refer an interested student to local masters for more advanced private training. While many students are attracted to martial arts classes because of their connection to ancient traditions, 21st-century technology is making it possible to learn martial arts online! If you’re too far from a studio to enroll in person, this may be the option for you. Rather than simply searching for videos at random and trying to cobble together a training course yourself, e-learning through a bona fide school ensures that you are being presented with a well-designed and thorough sequence of classes delivered by trained instructors.
Martial Arts Extras and Special Events
With martial arts growing in popularity for the whole family you can expect to find fun “extras” and special events at many schools. If you’re looking for some fun for your child and the chance to try out a new school or martial art, enroll him or her in a day-long camp hosted by your local studio, which may include games and snacks as well as classes. To learn more about Martial Arts Kids Camps, click here. Finally, check out the calendar at the school you want to attend—many offer family fun nights, movie nights, and even “parents’ night out” events where parents can drop off their kids for a couple of hours in the evening, then go out on the town knowing their children are having a good time.
Click here to begin a search for local martial arts schools in your area that may offer some of these programs. Inquire to learn more.
