Children are our future. Our goal as a martial arts institute is to train children to defend themselves against actual physical attack and to better prepare them to cope with the pressures and problems of growing up. As a result of this training, the martial arts student develops confidence. This means confidence in their ability to defend themselves, confidence in setting realistic goals, and confidence in the decisions they make in order to achieve the goals they have set. Confidence is fundamental in the development of leadership.

A schedule will be given to you regarding your child's initial visits as well as general times of the classes. Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted on the school bulletin board. Please check the bulletin board periodically for testing dates, holiday closings, and other special announcements. In order to help us conduct classes in an orderly manner, we ask that you try to bring your child to class on time (no more than 15 minutes early) and to pick them up promptly after classes. We appreciate your cooperation regarding this matter.

As covered in the section on "The Promotional Test", the purpose of testing is to evaluate the student in order to provide for their progress. In keeping with our basic philosophy of human development, we want to emphasize that the promotional test is not a high pressure, win or lose competitive event. Rather, it is intended to be a positive learning experience for the child. We ask that parents try to relay this as much as possible to the child giving your support and encouragement in order to ease some of the fear and nervousness regarding the test. Please help us by filling out the testing forms correctly and turning them in as early as possible. Check the bulletin board or consult with the Instructors concerning any questions you may have about either the test or the testing form.

Within the class, Instructors are trained to motivate the children through positive encouragement towards better standards of technique, attitude, and behavior. By learning self-discipline and self-control, martial arts students are able to motivate themselves to act appropriately both inside and outside of class. However, disciplinary action may, at times, be necessary in order to correct a child's lack of attention, bad behavior, or laziness. Discipline may be given in the form of sitting down for period of time, having the student miss a game activity, or push-ups. None of the above harms the child and tends to motivate them not to repeat mistakes. However, if a child's repeated bad behavior cannot be corrected by these actions, an Instructor may request a conference with the parents. With the Instructor and the parents working together on these or any other matters, the child can better grow as a martial arts student and as an individual.

It is the sincere goal of Choi Kwang-Do to encourage children to excel, not only in Choi Kwang-Do but also in their school work as well. The concentration skills learned in class, along with encouragement by Instructors, usually brings a definite improvement in this area. In general, junior Black Belt candidates must hold above average grades and conduct reports before being eligible for promotion, although it does depend on each child's rate of improvement. In keeping with this, please let us know if there are any problems regarding your child's grades or behavior in school so that we may work together towards the child's improvement.

As parents, you naturally want your son or daughter to be able to defend themselves against physical abuse or other harm. Likewise, you do not want your child to become a bully by using their skills in an aggressive manner towards others.

In keeping with our school's basic philosophy, all students are taught to resolve conflicts with other people in a mature way, relying on diplomacy and good manners rather than physical violence. Students are also taught and constantly reminded that skills imparted to them can be very dangerous and are only to be used for self-defense, and only then as a last resort. Examples of situations are frequently given within the class in order to help all the children better understand how to effectively deal with different situations they may encounter at school or in the neighborhood. Other areas such as abuse or harassment from adults or what to do if lost, are further dealt with in a frank, yet basic manner to which a child can relate and understand. Again, it is important that the parent communicate with the Instructor on these or any other matters concerning your child's welfare and improvement.

Children begin practicing blocking defense drills at the White Senior (1^st Senior) level which requires the use of safety equipment. Even though these drills are not competitive and no hitting contact is allowed, the safety equipment is necessary to prevent injury due to accidental contact. This equipment should be purchased from the school. Please consult your Chief Instructor for details.

Children, by nature, do not have the same level of commitment as adult students, and therefore tend to lose interest in Choi Kwang-Do from time to time as in any other activity. In order to deal with this problem, here are some things a parent should consider:

A. It is important that the parent and the Instructor take a firm and encouraging stand in not letting a child quit simply because they may be temporarily tired or bored with Choi Kwang-Do. Gentle yet firm guidance is sometimes necessary in helping children realize the importance of following through with commitments.

B. Even though a child must understand that this is an important commitment, Choi Kwang-Do practice must never be made to become a chore. Parent should not put excessive pressure on a child to practice too much, nor too often. It is recommended that two to three classes a week are sufficient for progress, and that more frequent attendance is unnecessary, and can lead to problems when trying to balance Choi Kwang-Do with a child's other activities. The main idea here is that Choi Kwang-Do training should be fun, enjoyable, and individually rewarding in order for a child to stick with the program. Excessive pressure to progress quickly and/or excel (i.e. Little League Syndrome), will cause more harm than good, and is against the entire philosophy of our system.

C. If your child is having a problem with motivation, always consult with the Instructor who is trained in dealing with these matters. In this way, both parent and the Instructor can find the actual reason for a child's lack of interest, and work together towards remotivating the individual and ensuring the child's continual progress.