Category: Kids Martial Arts

In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is more important than ever. While many associate leadership development with traditional education or corporate training, martial arts provide a unique and impactful avenue for cultivating these essential skills. At Resilient Martial Arts, we believe that training in martial arts goes beyond physical self-defense; it’s a powerful tool for […]

Confidence is a crucial skill for children and teens as they navigate the complexities of growing up. One of the most effective ways to foster confidence is through martial arts. At Resilient Martial Arts, we’ve seen firsthand how children and teens can transform from feeling unsure of themselves to exuding confidence, both on and off […]

In today’s fast-paced world, developing strong problem-solving skills is more important than ever. Whether it’s a challenge at school, a tough decision at work, or navigating social interactions, the ability to solve problems effectively can make all the difference. Martial arts training is not just about physical fitness or self-defense; it’s also a powerful tool […]

Ah, the dreaded tantrums and meltdowns—every parent’s rite of passage! When your child is in the throes of an emotional storm, it can feel like you’re navigating choppy waters without a compass. But fear not. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that patience is the key to navigating turbulent times. This post will give […]

Self-discipline is often hailed as one of the most essential skills that martial arts can cultivate. This quality transcends the dojo, influencing various aspects of daily life and personal growth. At Resilient Martial Arts, located in Midlothian, VA, we understand the transformative power of self-discipline and its impact on our students’ lives. For children, adults, […]

In the world of martial arts, the distinction between techniques and principles often sparks debate among practitioners. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we believe that understanding the underlying principles is just as important as mastering the techniques. This philosophy shapes our approach to teaching martial arts, ensuring our students not only learn specific […]

In today’s digital age, cultivating focus and concentration in children is increasingly challenging. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we leverage the structured discipline of martial arts to enhance these crucial skills in young learners. If you’re searching for preschool martial arts or martial arts lessons, our dojo provides an engaging, inclusive environment where […]

Martial arts is more than just a physical activity; it is a journey that teaches valuable life skills. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we believe that respect and etiquette are fundamental components of every martial art class. The principles of respect and etiquette play a critical role in personal development and community building. […]

In today’s fast-paced world, mental resilience is as crucial as physical fitness. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we believe that martial arts is not just about learning self-defense techniques but also about building an unbreakable mind. Whether you’re searching for martial arts lessons, or looking for the best martial art class for your […]

In today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, fostering self-respect in youth is more crucial than ever. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we understand the profound impact martial arts can have on developing a child’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Our programs, designed for children from preschool age through adulthood, provide a supportive environment […]

Martial arts have captivated people for centuries, evolving from ancient practices into modern disciplines that promote fitness, self-discipline, and personal growth. At Resilient Martial Arts in Midlothian, VA, we integrate these ancient philosophies to offer comprehensive martial arts lessons that cater to everyone—from preschoolers to adults. If you’re searching for martial arts lessons or karate, […]

In my 20-plus years as a martial arts instructor, I’ve had the privilege of training countless students, many of whom come to the academy as individual enthusiasts. But when families – siblings, parents, and children – walk in together, something magical unfolds on the mats. Their journey doesn’t just teach them how to throw a […]

Finding the perfect extracurricular activity for your little ones can be a challenge. However, when it comes to fostering essential life skills, physical development, and character building, the Early SKILLZ martial arts program stands out as an exceptional choice for 3 and 4-year-olds. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Early SKILLZ program is […]

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is learning and growing in a safe and supportive environment. At Resilient Martial Arts, we take our role as educators seriously and believe that understanding child development is essential to providing the best possible experience for our students. That’s why we invest in training our […]

What follows is one of our students sharing the impact of his  Martial Arts training.   Why Taekwondo Is One of the Most Important Things in My Life By Jack N “Having turned fifteen in October and getting ready to cross over from Poome Belt to 1st Dan Black Belt, I have been thinking about […]

  With school starting, it’s an extremely busy time of the year. The arrival of a new school year also comes with new stressors (and relief) for families. Coordinating drop-offs, pick-ups, and generally developing your family’s new routine always takes some time to get used to. Children are also adjusting to new schedules, a new school, […]

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” ~Ignacio Estrada   The first day of Martial Arts classes is finally here!   Stepping through the front door, I’m excited by the sound of laughter, smiling faces, and abundant, happy cheers. There is joy around me; of […]

As parents, we want what’s best for our children, and we also want our children to give their best when they participate in extra-curricular sports and activities. The problem is, that we sometimes get caught up in our desire to see our children perform well and we speak up at the wrong times. With that […]

Kids love their classes at Resilient Martial Arts. The mix of age-specific martial arts themes and powerful child development lessons makes for a fun yet educational experience. Parents love the classes because of the results they see in their children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth while on the mat. But what happens when your […]

“Dear Proud  Parent,  On my hard days, remember I am small. When tears run down my cheeks and I don’t even know why remember I need you to grab a tissue and dry my teary eyes.  When something happens that I didn’t expect and I yell, scream and fuss, remember even in my anger, confusion, […]

Teaching With Purpose Exploring the Role of the Adult in the SKILLZ Learning Environment Take a few moments to pause and reflect. Let your mind return to the carefree days of your youth. Perhaps the rustling of autumn leaves crunching beneath your feet as you smell the crisp, cool air stirs your soul. Or maybe […]

Have you ever taken a moment to truly admire the incredible beauty of watching a child at play? Their fully engaged spirit, drive, imagination, and passion are all completely engaged in the mission of the moment. Whether it’s tinkering with their next greatest creation or saving the day as their favorite superhero, children demonstrate freely […]

The past year and a half of school have been such a tumultuous ride. From school closures to virtual classes to partial reopening, it seems as if our children have experienced every out-of-the-norm scenario we could come up with. And although the goal was to keep them safe, children’s development took a significant hit. We’ve […]

There’s no denying that advancements in technology have made our lives easier. We can work from home, shop online, and watch newly released movies, among many other things, all without leaving the couch. And while this saves us travel time and hassle, it can lead to unexpected health consequences. The reason is that we are […]

In a world that increasingly values the traits of extroverted individuals, shy children are often assumed to have something wrong that needs to be fixed. However, shyness is simply a personality trait that is part of their temperament. Children are born with unique personalities, although their environment can play a significant role in how these […]

The “Quarantine 15” has been yet another reality of the pandemic. Not only were we separated from, friend loved ones and friends, but unstructured days, decreased motivation, and increased boredom may have led to the start of unhealthy habits for families. The result, for many, has been weight gain and reduced fitness levels, which has […]

Parenting can be tricky. We want our children to be resilient, empathetic, and able to self-regulate. However, with the busyness of life, sometimes the activities that build these characteristics fall by the wayside, and “no” becomes an automatic response. Children are continually being told what to do and what not to do. As a result, […]

Children’s challenging behaviors have long been the focus of adults’ pessimistic viewpoint of characteristics that don’t fit the mold of societal expectations. This rigid “deficit thinking” causes parents to complain about their child’s qualities and make them try to “fix” what is wrong or make excuses as to why they can’t do certain things. However, […]

As we navigate the world, we use our senses to receive input from our surroundings, which our brains processes, and then tell us how to react. Generally, we respond with minimal disruption to our routine. However, sensory stimuli can be a challenge for some people, either because there is too much or not enough to […]

Most people are aware of the benefits of physical activity for people of all ages… a stronger cardiovascular system, improved muscle tone, weight management, motor coordination, etc. Additionally, there are brain-boosting benefits that help children with brain function and learning, leading to better school performance. Unfortunately, however, many adults aren’t knowledgeable about the significance that […]

Over the last year, sports programs have had shorter seasons, if any at all. Because of that, training time for athletes of all ages has dropped significantly. Now, with sports returning to a more normal duration, young athletes are working hard to regain lost skills and recondition their bodies. The problem, however, is that lengthy […]

Parents everywhere want their children to achieve success. This is usually defined by fulfilling societal norms, whether in terms of grades, athletic abilities, or something else. And the push to accomplish these things first is putting pressure on children and parents as well. Comparisons are fueling the expectation for children to develop at a specific […]

Remember when you wished the weekend would last forever? As weeks of the “shelter in place” order have passed, the eagerness for some “time off” has lost its spark. Children’s boredom is growing day by day and will continue, especially as many schools will be ending the school year earlier than normal. The rising monotony […]

There’s no doubt that children’s social skills have become rusty over the past year and not progressed as they should have. With more limited interactions than usual, children have experienced adverse effects on their social development. And while many children have had the opportunity to engage in some school setting and/or activity, there were still […]

Over the past year, children have faced many disruptions in their daily lives and social interactions. These things have contributed to a lot of emotional imbalance and brought on or exacerbated feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety. Since children are still developing abilities to regulate their strong and ever-changing emotions, they need assistance in strengthening […]

As the world continues its reopening efforts, more and more parents are headed back to work. And while this is a positive sign, it leaves parents with the task of finding their children a fun, yet safe, program to spend each day at. Since summer camps are unable to provide some of the usual daily […]

Summer break is typically viewed as a time for relaxation, fun, and no schedules. However, considering the dramatic change in our lives over the past year and seeing communities begin opening back up in a full capacity now, this summer would be the perfect time to get children back on track. As unfortunate as it […]

We’ve all heard of the main 5 senses; taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing. However, there are two other, very important, senses that don’t get enough attention. Those are the vestibular sense and proprioception. These two senses are vital in the development of a child but are often overlooked, especially in today’s world. This is […]

For the past year, children have mostly been stuck inside, in front of a computer for school, and on a device during free time. And as much as parents have tried to keep their children active, it’s been a struggle with the limitations of many activities. But now, as communities begin opening back up in […]

When we hear the term “school readiness,” the first thing most people think of is children knowing academic basics that will help them meet the demands of the classroom. And while these cognitive skills are important, many teachers feel that skills in the other areas of child development are just as, or more important. Social, […]

Is it nature, is it nurture? That is the question. This age-old debate, in the world of psychology, has been a source of controversy for decades. At some point, all parents have toyed with thoughts of which one has most influenced their child concerning personality traits, abilities, etc. And while different psychology fields have distinct […]

Productivity is one of the most highly regarded and desired traits in the workplace today. And to be productive, multitasking is the go-to method. The ability to switch between multiple tasks rapidly is seen as a special skill, but it can stifle productivity and increase the likelihood of making mistakes. But with the growing flood […]

Attention span is often a topic of discussion when it comes to understanding the relationship between children and learning. With each passing year, technology has been more and more at the forefront of our everyday lives. As a result it is now seen as a contributing factor in the level of inattentiveness children and adults […]

Although Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is such a prevalent diagnosis, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. People often assume that ADHD results from poor parenting, laziness, or some learning disorder. And with these assumptions come a wide range of approaches to “fix” the problem. However, with the lack of proper understanding of this disorder, […]

In the words of Whitney Houston, “I believe that children are our future…show them all the beauty they possess inside.” All too often, the magnificence of individuality is overshadowed by a need to meet the status quo. When a child exhibits behavior that is “problematic” or “difficult,” adults often assume the child is defiant. However, […]

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding responsibilities we ever take on. With that, however, comes the ups and downs of getting children to comply with what we say while being pulled in a thousand different directions. It’s no wonder why parents often resort to yelling when begging and threats are no longer effective. […]

Children of all ages have fears, from the time they are babies through their teenage years. And whether these fears are from real or imaginary places, they are nonetheless scary. Since our brains are wired to protect us, fears are a normal part of a child’s development. Children will eventually outgrow fears but being knowledgeable […]

Over the years, healthy connection levels between parents and children have decreased, leading to more challenging behaviors from children. Today’s modern lifestyle has interfered with the opportunity for the parent-child bond to grow. This vital aspect of a child’s life is essential for their emotional cup to be full, giving them healthy self-worth and self-esteem. […]

As hectic as life is most days, parents are often more concerned with getting everything done and may not strategically plan out their day so that it is predictable for their children. Knowing what activities to expect each day and knowing how parents will respond in the moment is critical in helping children feel safe. […]

Most often, when we think of implementing structure into our children’s lives, it is because we have a newborn that needs a feeding schedule, a toddler that needs a nap schedule, or a child that needs an activity schedule. When children become teens, they are often left to implement their own schedules. And yes, they […]

With our country at somewhat of a standstill due to the current pandemic, it’s easy to get into a routine that is more laid back. Anything from going to bed late to increased screen time, habits may start leaning on the unhealthy side. And one of the major behaviors that appear when we are in […]

In recent years, parenting has evolved and has become hyper-focused on the child. And while care, attention, and love are necessary in forming healthy relationships and helping children reach developmental milestones, the  downside of an over-protective approach can also hinder them. While this parenting style comes from a place of love, in order to allow […]

As we know, children can lose control of their emotions for various reasons, and the behaviors we witness are generally unplanned. And since anxiety can often look like defiance, adults often respond in counterproductive ways. When children are stressed, the amygdala, located in the downstairs brain, is triggered, and the “fight or flight” response takes […]

Closures of schools and businesses have led to major disruptions in the daily routines of families.  Children are trying to adjust to doing school at home and parents are trying to balance their work from home life with their role as teachers to their children. To cope, it’s important for families to implement daily routines […]

Let’s face it, conflict is hard and is bound to happen. Whether it’s on the playground or right in our own homes, children will clash. And while it can be challenging situations, it is a normal event that occurs between children and a learning opportunity for them. This is why conflict resolution is an essential […]

We’ve all set goals throughout our lives. Some were easily achieved, while others we just gave up on. This is because most plans are either set within our comfort zone or in a discomfort zone.  While our initial motivation for change generally puts us on a path to setting lofty goals, it can lead us […]

On any given day, we may experience moments of high emotion in reaction to an event, or we find ourselves trying to control everyone and everything around us. Either way, our mental well-being is in danger, especially if we find ourselves stuck in either scenario for long. It can be difficult for children to get […]

In today’s world competition is everywhere and it often starts at a young age. It begins as a fun, skill-developing event but quickly becomes time-consuming and competitive. While some parents want their children pushed to help them learn the hard lessons of life, others want to protect their children from the disappointment that can come […]

The C.O.A.L. Method – 4 Quick and Easy Steps to Dealing with Children’s Negative Behaviors Guest Post By Jennifer Salama When it comes to parenting, emotions can run high. When children act out negatively, parents often become frustrated quickly and react by trying to fix the behavior immediately by yelling, punishing, etc. However, this approach […]

Parents are an essential element to their child’s success in anything. The enthusiasm and support, or lack thereof, of a parent, can make or break a child’s accomplishments. At Gentle East Martial Arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the team so we know what areas of their child’s […]

Restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have led countless gyms across the country (and worldwide) to make significant changes to their operations. Even in areas where gyms are allowed in-person workouts, many people are still uncomfortable with the idea of sweating it out in large groups. In order to stay in business and keep their […]

Getting children to behave how we want them to is challenging. Even with the best of intentions, as parents, we often fall short when it comes to reinforcing our children’s positive behaviors while also reducing negative ones. By understanding reinforcement schedules and strategies for implementing them, we can create more positive behavior outcomes and improve […]

All parents want their children to exhibit positive behaviors that will help them transition smoothly through the different stages of childhood. And while parents often have the best intentions, they often don’t use the most effective discipline strategies to achieve that goal. Granted, all parents do their best based on their knowledge and experiences in […]

Is it nature or is it nurturing? This is an age-old debate in the world of psychology and has been a source of controversy for decades. At some point, parents may have wondered of which one has most influenced their child’s personality traits, abilities, etc. And while psychologists and parenting experts have distinct beliefs, studies […]

Goal setting is a characteristic that significantly contributes to an individual achieving success in the future. Having the right mindset is crucial and encourages changes in our behaviors as we encounter different challenges. Since our mindset incorporates our own beliefs about the skills and abilities that we possess, we must have a growth mindset and […]

In today’s world, there is an overgrowing focus on “me” and less on “us.” This “all-about-me” emphasis has led to a lack of empathy, which, in turn, results in more and more conflict. The primary reason for this…people do not listen. Their focus is on their own agenda, and they are not open to really […]

Every child is born with their own unique way of interacting with the world. Some are flexible with change while others may experience stress when presented with new situations or a change in schedule. This is what is referred to as temperament. And while some temperaments are easier to handle than others, it is important […]

These it seems that children are only interested in their video games, smartphones, and social media platforms. Parents may be frustrated with their children’s lack of motivation for and attention to other activities and could be at a loss about what to do. Usually, parents respond by taking devices away and punishing their children. And […]

Martial arts classes have a well-known benefit of helping children develop physical skills and improve discipline. For this reason, parents often enroll their children in some type of martial arts program in order to help their child achieve goals like these. And while attaining these goals is possible, parents often have unrealistic expectations of the […]

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this year, will be a little different but, no doubt, it will still exciting for our kids.  While holiday parties may be missing from our typical December schedules, we shouldn’t let the pandemic stop the spirit of the season! Decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and baking goodies […]

As the song goes “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Holidays are a time for celebrations, togetherness, and relaxation. All the fun activities, shopping, and baking keep everyone busy. Along with the excitement comes a great deal of preparation and scheduling. As a result, it is easy for parents to get caught up […]

All children have their own unique way of interacting with the world around them. And while much of this is contributed by their temperaments, the amount of emotional nurturing plays a significant role. This essential piece is how attachment is formed. The emotional bond between a child and their parent lays the foundation for how […]

It seems that it’s becoming more and more prevalent for people to blame others when things go wrong, and that “blame-shifting” has become the go-to way of justifying mistakes. When we have arguments or conflicts with others, one of the major factors that lead to the inability for solutions to be reached easily is a […]

One of the biggest struggles in parenting is understanding why perfectly sweet and smart children can, in an instant, turn into the most difficult beings you’ve ever faced. It often seems as if a switch was flipped and chaos has been unleashed. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated with their children and disciplining them […]

All children act out from time to time. However, children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), as defined by the Child Mind Institute, “have a well-established pattern of behavior problems that are more extreme than their peers.” Children with ODD display aggressive behaviors and have a hard time recognizing social cues. To diagnose patients, specialists assess […]

Oxytocin or the “love chemical” is released when we feel love. And while it is generally associated with the parent-child bond and more in-depth relationships, it also plays a significant role in making human connections. With all the stress and pressures of the world today, many children go through life feeling that they need to […]

Guest Blog by John Salama – Atlanta Taekwondo & Skillz   We have all experienced, from time to time, that uneasy feeling you get when something doesn’t seem right. Often, we can’t put our finger on it, but we know that we feel bothered. For children, that uneasy feeling may show up as grumpiness or […]

We live in a competitive world and most parents would jump at the chance to give their child every advantage imaginable. The world can also be unkind and, as parents, we feel a need to protect our children from everything possible. And yes, parents are supposed to help and protect their children but when does […]

As we continue to navigate the unchartered waters of the current pandemic, many are looking to the future and what it holds. And while it’s hard to predict how long our current daily life modifications will last, what we do know is that the experience will lead to personal changes that could last for years […]

Children today are presented with varying types of stressors in many aspects of their lives. Often the  “bar” has been set so high that in order to achieve it, children are asked to forgo “fun” and work towards superiority in everything they do. And while goal setting is an essential skill that leads to success, […]

Although not new, virtual instruction has become a more widely used approach, especially in the wake of the current pandemic. Nearly everyone has been directed to stay at home, which initially seemed like a vacation but quickly became a stressful situation. With routines upended and everyone having limited access to activities, children are filled with […]

Most martial arts forms are rooted in tradition and have been taught the same way for years. And while tradition is vital to keeping the art preserved, the traditional way of teaching it isn’t as effective. As times change and as Instructors become more educated, we must adjust to meet the needs and understand the […]

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us the importance of slowing down and appreciating the moments we have with our loved ones. On the flip side, it has also caused some additional stressors for parents as they have had to play the role of teacher while also fulfilling their work demands. […]

The development of a child is one of the most fascinating things to watch. From infants mirroring the movements that they see to toddlers and older children mastering high-level developmental skills, the growth they experience in a short time is astounding. And while it’s important for children to master many skills, bilateral coordination is important […]

The term “age-specific” is used very often in education and healthcare. It has a very definite meaning and is used to describe things that are prepared specifically for the age of the child it is targeting. However, this term is often used more loosely, especially in the martial arts world, when referring to “age-specific classes.” […]

When we think of human behavior, we often first focus on the problems or deficits that people have and how this affects their achievements, or lack thereof. Rarely is the first thought of what motivates someone and how to utilize that to help them grow and develop. Abraham Maslow’s development of the “Hierarchy of Needs” […]

Guest Blog Post by Jennifer Salama Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about its fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which […]

The importance of Instructor Training Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents. Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and […]

Children of all ages are spending more and more time on digital devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate […]

Over the past few months, our inter-personal interactions have been minimal, and our social skills might be rusty. Additionally, prolonged school closures have had a negative impact on children’s social development, and we are now challenged to help them to regain skills that have regressed while also developing new skills. Though some children will return […]

As back to school plans continue to change almost daily, children’s emotions will remain unpredictable. One day they are thinking about returning to their friends and teachers at school, and the next, they are told they won’t be returning for another few months. Because of this, our children’s emotional needs have never been greater. And […]

Over the past few months, we have been inundated with information that seems to change almost daily, making it hard to resolve what should and should not be done. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings about the challenges ahead, especially regarding starting school. And while there will be no one answer that satisfies everyone in […]

We are currently faced with all sorts of unknowns, most, of which, are completely out of our control. And while we cannot dictate how others choose to move forward, what we can do, as parents, is prepare our own families for what may lie ahead. Currently, the most pressing matter is preparing children to return […]

The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]

As we continue through the current pandemic and re-opening efforts present real challenges, school districts everywhere are trying to devise the best plans for children, teachers, and staff to return. And while there will be no perfect solution for each family, parents must consider all the information and choose the option that works best for […]

Leading by Example The Power of Self-Care in Parenting Parents have always served as the first, and,  most important role models for their children. While other family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well, children most often, follow the examples set by parents. In the wake of the […]

Summer Brain Gains – Helping Children Prevent the Summer Slide   For years, parents and children have been faced with the dreaded summer slide, a time when the school year ends and summer learning loss begins. And as if it wasn’t detrimental enough in its own rights, this year the summer slide has been accelerated […]

How to Talk to Your Child About Bullies and Prevention School safety should be a right for all students alike. It’s up to you as a parent to teach your child about bullying. Empower your children with the facts and ways to stop bullies in their tracks. Bullying is a serious problem that can have […]

Stress is a significant part of our lives today, and while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, and family stressors can all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, parents need to help their children develop coping skills by guiding them […]

Most kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child’s mindset is not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to. With that said, here are some strategies to help you work around a lack of motivation when trying to get your kid to class. 1. Be attentive […]