Parent’s Corner
by Sije Veronica Sas
Something that is stressed with WKFA students of all ages is to take responsibility for all aspects of your training. Some students struggle with this aspect of training more than others, so here are some elements of their responsibility that you can reinforce with your kids.
Punctuality
Being on time is strictly enforced at all ages, and there are consequences for late arrivals, especially habitual late arrivals. It’s important that they arrive on time and ready to go before the class starts. We encourage students (parents) to arrive 10 minutes before class and wait quietly in the weight room. This allows time to put on their belt or sash if it’s not already on and to be prepared to enter the Kwoon as soon as the previous class is dismissed.
Belt or Sash
It is important that your child knows how to tie their own belt or sash. When my son was young, he was in karate. I found it easier to tie his belt myself, instead of having him learn. In the end, this didn’t help him as much as I thought. Unfortunately, belts have a habit of coming loose, and even falling off during class. The Academy’s website has instructional videos of how to tie both a belt and a sash. For younger students, you can find a ribbon or string and pretend you have a belt too. You can then watch the video and tie your “belt” alongside your child, and you both learn. Another option is to bring your child to class early and have them ask an instructor for help.
Personal Equipment
Once they are allowed to spar, your child needs to bring their sparring equipment to every class. Sparing is an important part of your child’s training. Only the instructor knows when a class will spar, therefore students should always be ready. Before we leave home both my daughter and I fill up our water bottles and place them in our sparing bag. My sash and weapons also go into my bag. This way, I know that if I have my bag with me, I will have everything I need for class. As a parent, it’s easier to see if they remembered a bag when they get to the Academy than it is to check for individual items.
Over the years, I’ve had a habit of helping my kids get organized, instead of letting them do it themselves. However, eventually they will have to figure it out themselves. My two children are complete opposites of each other when it comes to responsibility. The youngest is very responsible, and the oldest tends to forget things. However, I know now that once my oldest gets into a routine, things usually go much smoother. You know your child best, and what might work to help them remember everything they need to for class.
Responsibility is a vital part of life skills that we try to instill in all students. Parents are an active part of that portion of their training.