What to do for your child in a Bad Economy

Today we are faced in the papers with the BAD Global Economy. Just about everyone I know is affected in one way or another. Some are losing jobs, other are getting more business due to the slowdowns.

Some parents who are reading this have their children in the martial arts, others are thinking about do so. But with today's restrictions on cash flow how do you know what activity is going to be best for your child? Let's face it there are so many to choose from. In Canada we have hockey, soccer, baseball, swimming, etc etc. Some parents just have their children stay at home and play on the computer or video games. But what is the best solution?

Last week I had a prospective parent call me asking about our classes. When he found out the costs he said that he can't justify spending that much money on something like karate. (if his child plays hockey it can cost up to $9000 per year). Sadly he doesn't understand the benefits of martial arts vs hockey or any other 'sport'.

When times are good and parents can spend money on just about any activity the choices are simple. In bad times parents must make a decision based on what is best for their child, "what are the real benefits for my son or daughter"?

What does the martial arts really do for a child? Here are some examples.

• Increased FOCUS
• Increased Self Esteem
• Increased Physical Fitness
• More confidence
• Better listening skills
• Self Control
• Self Discipline
• Energy and ambition
• Goal setting skills
• Leadership skills
• Better communication skills
• Better grades in school
• Understand social behavior
• etc, etc, etc

Do the arts really do all these things? YES and more! Do hockey and soccer accomplish these benefits? No they do not! Here is a testimonial on the benefits of martial arts training from one of my students parent. Others can be read on my website Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute.

"Special Thanks,

I am the mother of a boy, who after many diagnosis from several different doctors, was told my son has a number of behavioral disorders. As heartbreaking as that was to hear and deal with I was so relieved to finally find a place where my son was welcomed and not judged for his disability, but encouraged to thrive beyond expectations.

We tried everything from Cubs, Tee-ball, to city soccer league. While all of them were friendly and tried to work with my son, not one could keep his interest for any period of time. He would loose interest and walk off to do his own thing. He had no focus or ambition for anything he tried.

Then while searching the webs for something to help my son, I came across a website for The Peaceful Warriors'. The name alone made me feel comfort. I set up a meeting with Master Art and his son Master Curt. After talking to them and explaining my son's disorders, Master Art assured me that they were not worried about dealing with my sons unusual behaviors and with a very respectful confidence, he assured me my son would excel in his karate school.

I has been two and a half years since my son joined The Peaceful Warrior's school. He will soon become a Red Belt, is in the Black Belt Club, and on the Demo Team, by his own choice.

In less then three years at this school, my son has grown into a calmer, happier more pleasant person to be around. I believe that this school is more then that, they truly want to see children reach their full potential. They have made such a difference in our lives, they believe it takes a village to raise a healthy well rounded child, and they show it in many ways. The Peaceful Warriors' are always in touch with parents on the progress or need improvements of each child. They even ask for input from the child's grade or high school teachers, before they can advance to another belt.

Please believe me when I say that I tried everything to find positive outlets for my son's Hyperactive behavior and until I found The Peaceful Warriors' family, I though it was hopeless for my son to ever fit in anywhere.

So in closing, I give my most sincere thanks to the many Masters, instructors and people involved in The Peaceful Warriors' family. You all truly have made a positive difference in my family's lives..."

Sincerely - Claire Dupont, Windsor Ontario

After this recession/depression we are going through today, the children with the best life skills will prosper. Those with the best video game skills, hockey skills etc will NOT. If you need to make changes in your life to get your child involved in martial arts it is well worth it! The benefits will far and again out outweigh the costs of a great school.

Choosing a Martial Arts School

One of the greatest concerns for parents today is the alarming number of businesses closing their doors, and martial arts is not an exception to this. We have all heard the sobering statistics about business failures, even in a good economy, but today in a bad economy they are even higher.

How can you protect yourself? First look for a school that has been long established. They are more likely to be better business people and have survived hard times before. Second, stay away from any school that requires paying far in advance of classes. Many schools give discounts for paying for a year or six months. This is a sign of poor management, and a RED FLAG for parents! If the school closes, you will likely never recover this money.

Also, stay clear of schools that DON'T require a time commitment. You read right, sign an agreement! 6 months to1 year is fine. Why, because they are planning for the future, which means they are serious about teaching martial arts. Those trying to get students fast without commitments from the parents and children don't understand that the benefits from martial arts training come with TIME and that anything else is a waste.

Parents find the best school you can budget, sign the agreement, and reap the rewards of what quality martial arts training can do for your child. For more information and videos on choosing the right martial art school for your child visit our website at http://www.howtochooseamartialartschool.info/

How to Choose a Martial Arts School

Dear Parents,

Have you ever wondered what is the best way to choose a martial art school for your son or daughter?

Well, here is some information for you. Simply follow this link..

http://www.howtochooseamartialartschool.info/index.php?/Table/For-Parents/

This link will answer many of your questions!

The Swordsman

Long, long ago there was a master swordsman who had trained his three sons in the art of the sword. He decided that the time had come to retire. The master balanced a wooden pillow over his curtained doorway in such a way that the smallest movement of the drape would send the pillow falling onto the head of whom ever passed beneath it. The master then sent word to his sons that this was the day he would choose his successor.

The eldest son was called first. He walked up to his father's room. Stopped. Stood silently for a moment. Then ever so slowly took down the pillow. He stepped into the room and then carefully replaced the pillow where he had found it.

Next, the second son was called. He walked up to the room. He gently parted the curtain. The pillow fell. He automatically caught it, and put it back over the door.

Finally the youngest and most skillful son was called. He had the best techniques of all the brothers and was sure that he would be proclaimed his father's successor. The proud young swordsman thrust the curtain aside and strode confidently into his father's room. The hard pillow smacked him on his head. He lashed out in anger and sliced the pillow cleanly in two. He resheathed his sword before the two halves of the pillow hit the floor. The youngest son was pleased with his speed and he faced his father with a smile of self-satisfied anticipation.

The old master, however, was not at all pleased with this flashy display, "You are a disgrace to the art of swordsmanship. You are a disgrace to this family. You have neglected all that is important for the sake of technique. Leave this house and do not return until you realize that intuition is more important than mere technique."

To his second son he said, "You must train harder. You must train more. Each time you train it must be as if it is your last chance to train. Do not waste a moment. You must train as if death was waiting for you around the corner and that the last act you will perform is your training."

To his eldest son he said: "I have found my successor. I can now retire with an easy heart. You understand what the martial arts is truly about. Here is my sword."

A great story to show the tradition and power of the Martial Arts. I hope it has inspired some deep thoughts.

Attention Parents! Is your child safe?

Attention Parents! Is your child Safe?


Our world is becoming more dangerous by the minute. Children are being molested, abducted, murdered and hurt in our cities and on our streets. Is there anything that can be done to make our children safe, aside from taking the law into our own hands? Yes there is! Education is the answer. The more you and your children know and understand how predators work and think the better.

Surprisingly there are few groups in Canada and the United States that are really interested in helping children, until now. On Sunday June 22nd 2008 Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute launched their new information website called The Kid's Safe Canada Network.

This website is dedicated to providing FREE to the public information on how to teach your child to be "street smart" and avoid problems with predators, and even school yard bullies!

It doesn't matter were you live in this world, the information provided on this website will benefit you! Bookmark the site and visit often!

Go to http://www.kidsafecanada.net

If you register for this site you will be added to a mail list which will keep you apprised of workshops and seminars in your area.

Registration, like the website is totally FREE.

Yours in building strong confident children,

Master Art Mason
Founder: Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute
Founder: Kids Safe Canada Network

What has happened to our economy?

Our economy has taken a beating in the media. The auto industry is in trouble, but it always was in trouble. So what is really going on right now? The media and the governments are doing their jobs.

Remember the newspaper you read is only there for one reason, to make MONEY! Bad news sells! I don't read the news paper and I never will. They write for their own gains, not to help the people in the cities they write for. We have elections coming in both the US and Canada, even though the one in Canada has not yet been announced. All political parties benefit from a poor economy right now.

If you are someone who is loosing a job right now, few it for the best, look at it as an opportunity to do something you would prefer to do. I left the auto industry to teach and run a martial art school. I have never regretted that decision.

Do you need to cut back? Take an honest look at what can go. Rent a few less games for the kids, drive your car after planning routes and the need to drive. Educate yourself on the possibilities, rather than the problems.

Choosing a Martial Arts School

A parent mentioned to me the other day that they noticed that there are many martial arts schools and clubs opening up all over the city; actually there is one opened in the building we are operating in now! Why so many opening right now, when economic times are supposed to be slow.

That is easy, when the economy slows, people open businesses. The martial arts business has a low barrier of entry. Very often, as a normal part of growing up the martial arts Black Belt will make a decision to leave his or her instructor. After 16 years I parted company with my first instructor and went out on my own. This was not a whim, but a well thought out plan. Being a martial arts school owner is much more difficult than teaching a few classes, like any other business it is a major commitment. When I decided to open a school I was already teaching about 30 hours of classes per week with my current instructor and had been doing so for about 14 years.

I have a friend who decided he wanted to make the big jump from operating in a church hall to running a ‘private’ martial arts facility. With big plans in his head he leased a nice facility on a main road in the town he was interested in. He did not research the area to see how many schools were operating, nor what the demographics of the area are, does the area possess the type of people he needs to sustain his business. He is in trouble and his life is becoming very difficult.

So how do you choose a martial art school? Well since you are reading this you already have, but there is always the possibility of someone asking you about it, or perhaps someday you might move to another town or city.

First, how long have they actually been in business? There is nothing wrong with choosing someone starting up, but caution is needed here. Second, what their teaching experience? One club is currently advertising that they have had 25 years of teaching experience, which is pretty amazing for a 30 year old instructor!

Finally, what is the Mission and Vision of the school or club; are they focused on teaching children, or all they trying to be everything to everybody and have no real focus. Remember this school or club will be influencing your child and their development. At Art Mason’s Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute our schools objective is teaching child the martial arts and the values that go with it. It is the only thing we do; we don’t have any other jobs. We also live the values that we teach, we lead by example.

Yours in raising strong, confident children,

Master Art Mason
Founder: Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute