Don't let the summer slide by

By Rochelle E. Brenner

Do not quit, pause, or take a break because it's the summer. 

Action Karate has crafted an innovative, smart martial arts curriculum that continues 12 months a year for maximum personal benefit. This allows students to stay on track for their martial goals without sacrificing any of over the other fun life experiences. Enjoy all of your sleepover camps, pool days, shore trips and family vacations -- and karate will stay part of your life!

The goal of a future Black Belt is to avoid the summer pitfalls: 

• Decline in attendance

• Losing momentum toward goal

• Prolonged breaks without notice

• “Ghosting”

• Never coming back

• Paying for a membership you're not using

• Breaking a commitment toward training

• Summer slide of skills and fitness

  
  

As a result, instructors recommend that successful students plan out their karate classes over the summer. Do on-demand, Zoom, private lessons and in-person. The combination of class styles will add depth to your training regiment until the routine is back with the school year.  A big reason to do this is that most parents put their kids in martial arts for the character benefits: discipline, self-control, focus, etc. Those personal attributes don't take a break. They take grit and consistency and can improve every day of the summer.

 Instead of slowing down, strengthen your martial arts ability with a renewed discipline and commitment to keep up with training over the summer. No Excuses.

Karate is not just an individual sport. The team thrives on the camaraderie and support of fellow students. When members disappear for weeks or months, it disrupts the continuity that affects everyone’s progress and motivation. A summer lull is a slow break-up. Many times, a returning student is discouraged seeing other classmates advanced in belt and ability. If a break is inevitable, make sure the child knows that this is a possibility and encourage them to schedule a few private lessons prior to returning to break through that first class back and mentally prepare.

Each class builds on the previous one, and missing extended periods can result in gaps in knowledge and skill development. This is discouraging for both the individual student and their peers who continue to train, and it adds up as each student prepares for an eventual Black Belt.

Instructors work hard to accommodate the varying needs of students. When students take long breaks without informing us, it adds an extra layer of complexity to lesson planning and class management.

Thank you for your dedication, and we look forward to an exciting and productive summer ahead!