[email protected]

I cannot say enough good things about martial arts -- at least for my son, it
has been a positive in many ways.

In a message dated 6/14/2004 4:27:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
I have heard this too...I just wonder at what age this might be a
good thing??? Lucas is only 5yo and he is very resistant to group
instruction and being told what to do.
Maybe he's not ready. No sense starting too young or if he's not interested.
Mine started at 6 yo and had asked about it.




Also, while I can understand
the value of this I can't quite see my child being able to follow the
lead of an instructor. I guess it all depends on the instructor,
The quality of the whole experience very much depends on the instructor. We
are very lucky to have found a great fit but we looked at several before
finding one that felt right. The teacher we have is a fantastic martial artist
himself but, more importantly, he is a good human being. His focus is on respect --
self-respect and respect for others. Not standing in straight lines, although
that's part of the discipline, but treating each other decently, helping
others, respecting yourself. This is a two-way street. He treats the students (and
their families) with respect and expects the same in return -- and gets it.
Along with hugs. If you can imagine the youngest students running up to hug the
guy who just demonstrated how to break bricks -- it's a strange and wonderful
combination of controlled physical prowess and genuine regard for others that
the kids pick up on and emulate.

but
I wouldn't want anyone being demeaning to my child or forcing him to
do anything he doesn't want to do, KWIM? How do martial arts, with
their strict rules, fit into unschooling?

Done well, it is about proceeding at your own pace to the level you want to
achieve. It is not a group sport.

Thanks for bringing this
up Pam because I have wondered about this...thinking maybe it will be
beneficial in the future. Maybe you know of a really good instructor
in the area (we live near you...)
I hope she does have someone to recommend (we are in Florida or I would give
your our school's info :) ). Sorry to sound like such a booster! :)

Nance


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cheryl Morkan

> Thanks for bringing this
> up Pam because I have wondered about this...thinking maybe it will
be
> beneficial in the future. Maybe you know of a really good
instructor
> in the area (we live near you...)
> I hope she does have someone to recommend (we are in Florida or I
would give
> your our school's info :) ). Sorry to sound like such a booster! :)
>
> Nance
> -text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Nance

We would love to find a good program and we ARE in your area. We are
actually in Florida Unschoolers :) My son was in a great program
before but the program has changed since he was involved.

Thanks

Cheryl