Our Blog

Raising a Warrior: straight talk for parents from Coach Matt Thompson about kids, martial arts and growing up strong. Newest posts first.

Why I Let My Kid Solve Their Own Problems in Martial Arts

Supporting your kid when you're not on the mat: let them work things out with their coach, and use rose, bud and thorn to help them reflect. Read more

Discipline vs obedience

Obedience vs. real discipline, and why Coach Matt wants students with a studious mind, not kids who just follow orders. Read more

Should siblings train together?

Should brothers and sisters share a class? How personality and sibling rivalry play out, and why to reward effort over wins. Read more

What to do with natural talent

How to tell if a gifted kid is coasting, and why kids with natural aptitude need to be challenged and made to work. Read more

Am I a nag?

Tired of nagging about practice? Coach Matt on fear versus love as motivators, and helping kids train because they enjoy it. Read more

Picking the right instructor

Martial arts doesn't build character automatically. Why the instructor you pick, and staying connected, matter so much. Read more

Will my kid become aggressive?

Will training make your kid aggressive? Why the mentors you choose and a safe school culture make the difference. Read more

How much to be involved?

How involved should parents be during class? Cheer, don't coach, back up the instructor, and save the debrief for the car ride. Read more

How can I tell if my child is improving?

Asking "how's my kid doing?" gets you "fine." How to ask better questions and learn what your child is really working on. Read more

Will my kid be a better person?

Will martial arts make your kid a better person? An honest look at instructors, the process, and self-worth beyond the belt. Read more

Grit and Toughness

Grit isn't something you're born with. Building real toughness without raising a bully starts with what parents model. Read more

How old should my child start?

There's no magic starting age. What matters is whether your child can follow directions, loves to move and is excited to go. Read more

Signs Your Child Is Ready for Martial Arts Classes

It's not about age. The signs that show your child is ready to start martial arts, and how to set them up to succeed. Read more

ADHD and martial arts

Should a child with ADHD do martial arts? What Coach Matt has seen help, and why to let your child in on the reasons. Read more

Dealing with losing

Win or learn: how to prepare kids for losing, and why your reaction shapes how they handle failure. Read more

How old to spar?

Is sparring right for little kids? Why sparring matters, and how to keep it a game instead of a verdict. Read more

What to expect in your first class

Your first class: nerves, etiquette, what to wear, and why the white belt is the hardest belt to earn. Read more

Autism in martial arts

Thinking about martial arts for a child on the spectrum? Questions to ask the instructor first, and why small improvements matter. Read more

Prefer video? See all of Coach Matt's Parent Tips videos.

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