What to Expect When Your Child Joins A Dojo

When parents first consider enrolling their child in martial arts, they often have a mix of excitement and questions. Will my child enjoy it? Will it help them focus? What if they struggle? These are all normal concerns. But here’s the truth—martial arts isn’t just about learning punches and kicks. It’s about developing life skills that go far beyond the dojo.

Martial arts teaches discipline, confidence, and respect in a way few other activities can. It helps children build resilience, focus their energy, and gain the self-control they need to succeed in all areas of life. For many families, it becomes more than just an after-school activity—it’s a transformative journey.

If you’re wondering what to expect when your child steps onto the mat for the first time, this parent’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the first class to long-term benefits, here’s what awaits your child in the world of martial arts.

The First Class: A New Experience

Walking into a dojo for the first time can feel both exciting and intimidating for a child. There are uniforms, belts, structured routines, and new movements to learn. But don’t worry—no prior experience is needed.

Many schools, including ours, offer a private introductory class for new students. This will include a simple warm-up, followed by basic drills designed to introduce fundamental techniques. Instructors focus on making new students feel comfortable and engaged. They encourage effort over perfection, helping kids feel a sense of accomplishment from day one. We want to help students ease into our dojo and learn the very basics so they feel less intimidated when they join with other kids and families. 

Respect as a Foundation

One of the first lessons children learn is respect—for their instructors, their fellow students, and themselves. Bowing before stepping onto the mat, listening attentively, and following directions are all built into the structure of a martial arts class. All brought up in the very first lesson and repeated every time after! We emphasize The Importance of Respect. 

Respect is the cornerstone upon which martial arts training is built. Our instructors emphasize the importance of respecting oneself, one’s peers, and one’s elders, both inside and outside the dojo. This culture of respect fosters an environment where students feel valued and learn to value others.

“My favorite change is how he shows the same level of respect to people who are younger/smaller than him that he does to those older and bigger.” – Teisha Cundiff

Benefits For Your Child

At Crabapple Martial Arts Academy, we understand that martial arts is much more than just a physical discipline. It’s a transformative journey that shapes character and instills values lasting a lifetime. Delving into the core principles of martial arts, we see how it nurtures essential aspects of character development, such as respect, perseverance, and discipline. Through interviews with our dedicated instructors and passionate students, we uncover the profound impact of these values on personal and academic success.

Many parents choose martial arts because they want their child to be active, learn self-defense, or build confidence. But what they often discover is that the benefits go much deeper.

• Improved Focus and Discipline – Structured training teaches kids to listen, follow instructions, and stay engaged. These skills transfer directly to school and home life.
• Increased Confidence – Every new technique mastered, every stripe earned, and every belt achieved builds a child’s belief in their abilities.
• Better Emotional Control – Martial arts helps children manage frustration, develop patience, and learn how to handle challenges with a calm mindset.
• Respect and Responsibility – From bowing to instructors to taking care of their uniform, students learn the value of respect and self-accountability.
• Physical Fitness and Coordination – Classes improve strength, balance, and flexibility, keeping kids active in a fun, engaging way.

These benefits aren’t just for the dojo—they impact how kids interact with teachers, parents, and friends. Check out our Character Development Program to learn more about how we do this! 

Perseverance: Overcoming Challenges

Martial arts training is filled with challenges designed to push students beyond their comfort zones. It teaches that perseverance—continuing steadfastly in spite of difficulties—is key to overcoming these challenges. “Every time I master a new technique, it reminds me that hard work pays off, not just here but in all areas of life,” says one of our teenage students. This lesson in perseverance is invaluable, encouraging students to apply the same determination to their academic and personal goals.

Discipline: A Path to Self-Mastery

Discipline, or the practice of training oneself to act in accordance with rules, is another fundamental principle of martial arts. It’s about more than just following instructions; it’s about developing self-control and a sense of responsibility for one’s actions. “Martial arts has helped me channel my energy positively and stay focused on my studies,” reflects an adult student. This sense of discipline extends beyond the dojo, contributing to improved performance in school and work settings.

Integrating Values into Daily Life

The character development fostered through martial arts training doesn’t end when class is over. Students carry these values into their daily lives, influencing their interactions and decisions. Instructors and students alike share stories of how martial arts principles have helped them face life’s challenges with grace and courage. Whether it’s showing respect in a difficult conversation, persevering through a tough academic subject, or exercising discipline in time management, the lessons of martial arts are ever-present.

Character development is at the heart of what we do at Crabapple Martial Arts Academy. By integrating the core principles of martial arts into our training, we aim to equip our students with the values and skills needed for success in all areas of life. Through respect, perseverance, and discipline, our students learn to navigate the world with confidence and integrity.

Common Concerns Parents Have

Many parents have similar concerns when enrolling their child in martial arts for the first time. Let’s address a few of the most common ones.

“Will my child get hurt?”
Martial arts is structured and safe. Instructors focus on proper technique and control, ensuring that students train in a way that minimizes risk. Each lesson is tailored to the students who are present, and safety is always the top priority.

“Will martial arts make my child aggressive?”
Quite the opposite! Martial arts teach self-control, patience, and the importance of using skills only in self-defense. Many parents find that their child becomes calmer and more disciplined through training. There are so many reasons for this, including gaining self-discipline and a physical outlet for energy. 

“What if my child wants to quit?”
It’s normal for kids to feel frustrated at times, especially when learning new skills. Encouragement and consistency are key. Remind them that progress takes time, and celebrate their small wins along the way. They will be glad they stuck with it in the end! 

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Martial Arts Journey

As a parent, your involvement can make a big difference in your child’s success and enjoyment of martial arts. Here’s how you can help:

• Encourage Regular Attendance – Like any skill, martial arts requires practice. Help your child stay committed, especially when they face challenges. Making it part of the routine and sticking to that makes it easier to keep them coming in. 
• Celebrate Effort, Not Just Achievements – Focus on the progress they’re making, not just the belts they earn. Every class is a step forward. We do our best to celebrate the small wins at the dojo, do the same for them at home. Learn more about Celebrating Your Success on our blog. 
• Ask About Their Training – Show interest in what they’re learning. Ask them to demonstrate a technique or share something new they practiced. Come to class and be present so you can engage with them better. 
• Be Patient – Growth takes time. Some days will be exciting, while others might be frustrating. Encourage them to stick with it. Everyone needs encouragement once in a while; it helps show them they are not alone. 

A Journey Worth Taking

Enrolling your child in martial arts is more than signing them up for another activity—it’s giving them a foundation of confidence, discipline, and resilience that will benefit them for years to come.

“…The academy truly embodies the spirit of martial arts, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a well-rounded and authentic martial arts experience…” – Arumugam Thiraviam

Their journey starts with one step onto the mat. As a parent, you get to watch them grow, improve, and become stronger in every way. Are you ready to take that step with them?

Crabapplemartialarts.com and Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has been selected the nation’s #1 martial arts schools for SIX YEARS IN A ROW by the American Budokai International!

Founded in 2013 by Mr. C. Matthew White is a 5th-degree Black Belt in Karate and 6th-degree Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and Master Instructor. Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has Karate lessons for pre-school children to elementary kids ages 4 and up. These classes are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need – specialized for each age group – for school excellence and later success in life.

Crabapple Martial Arts Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program. This is for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at of****@******************ts.com or call directly at 770-645-0930. You can also visit our website at CrabappleMartialArts.com.

About C. Matthew White, Shihan:  Matt is a fifth-degree black belt in a traditional Japanese and Okinawan Martial Arts – Shuri Ryu Karatedo. He is also a sixth-degree black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu – Shintoyoshin Kai Jiu Jitsu. He is a master instructor with the title of Shihan, which means teacher of teachers in Japanese.  Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Physiology. He has been training and teaching martial arts for over 27 years. He has owned Crabapple Martial Arts Academy since 2013. Shihan White is a motivational speaker and educator, who teaches seminars in bullying, business, and martial arts training.

Crabapple Martial Arts Academy Headquarters is in Alpharetta, Georgia at 12315 Crabapple Road., Suite 124, Alpharetta GA 30004. You can locate the Chief Instructor, Sensei Robert Reed there or directly at (770) 645-0930.