Students Prepare for February Promotions

This month, our focus is body language. It's an important life skill to master, and it's one children can practice every single day. It's also promotion season, so we're sharing how students get ready to test and how parents can help.

Here's this month's focus, how students are preparing for their next belt and how families can join in on promotion day.

Why body language matters

So much of what we communicate never comes out in words. The way we stand, where we look and how we hold our shoulders all send signals. Children who learn to read those signals understand people better, and children who learn to control their own signals carry themselves with more confidence.

We encourage parents to talk with their kids about non-verbal signals. How can you tell when a friend is upset? What does your posture say when you walk into a room? On the mat, we practice standing tall, making eye contact and showing respect with a bow. Those same habits help at school and at home.

How students prepare for skill bar testing

Before every promotion, students test for their skill bars, one set of techniques at a time. Each skill bar shows an instructor has seen the student perform that part of the curriculum. Students review their curriculum at home, practice their techniques and bring their binders to class so instructors can sign off on their progress.

We also check uniforms. A clean, hemmed uniform with the right patches is part of showing respect for the art and for the test.

How parents can help

Encourage your child to review their curriculum, practice at home and, most importantly, bring their binder to every class. We also ask parents to fill out an Intent to Promote form, and we love reading how students are doing at home and at school. Please encourage your child's teacher to share their thoughts, too.

That partnership between home, school and the dojo is one of the most powerful things we have. When a child hears the same message at home, at school and at the dojo, it sticks.

Promotions are worth watching

Don't forget to invite friends and family. Promotions are a lot of fun to watch, and we have invitations at the front desk you can hand out. Seeing their supporters in the audience means a lot to students, and it gives family members a glimpse of what their child has been working so hard on.

This month also brings a women's self-defense seminar, a Valentine's buddy day for our Tigers and Youth students, and our annual kick-a-thon on the horizon.

Practice your body language, prepare for your skill bars and invite your family to cheer you on.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us using the form below, and we'll be glad to help.