Kids

Qualifications to teach children...

I have been a corrections officer in juvenile detention for 5 years, and I have taught young children martial arts for nearly 30 years.

Our county recognizes the need for integrity in government and that the citizens of Whatcom County consider government service to be a matter of public trust. Given the at-risk juvenile population in my workplace, this trust is particularly important. As such, officers in Juvenile Detention must undergo an extensive application and background investigation process. This process is designed to elicit information to determine character, suitability, and competence for the position of corrections officers.

In order to work for Whatcom County as a Juvenile Corrections Officer I had to pass all integrity standards tests and background investigations, which included polygraph tests, psychological tests, drug tests, fingerprint check, criminal history and driving record checks. The results of these tests ensure I have never committed (nor have been convicted) of any crimes against children.

Some local martial arts schools in Whatcom County like to assert that their employees who work with children have passed a criminal background check; however, I can assure you their screening process was not to this standard or extent.

UPDATE:

Fall quarter course is full.
No longer interviewing applicants.
Check back Winter quarter or email to be on the waiting list.

Sept.13, 2010 to Nov.7, 2010

2 times a week for 2 months

TUESDAY	THURSDAY
45 min Class: 5:15 - 6:00 pm	45 min Class: 5:15 - 6:00 pm

Only 16 spots available.
For boys & girls from ages 6 to 14 only

KIDS COURSE

How to apply:
1.) Your child will need you to bring them to every Tuesday & Thursday class within the 2-month time period. Additionally, you need to pick-up your child when class ends and before the adult class begins. If that can’t happen, no need to read any further.

2.) Make an appointment to come and see me at my studio.
Call 360.676.9909 extension 1-1. Make sure to state your call-back phone number slowly and clearly.

Overall: I would like to meet you and your child and answer any and all of your questions. My screening process is not harsh. I need to see that your child wants to join and has a desire to learn. Applicants will secure their placement by mid-August.

The program:
I constantly see kids’ martial arts programs that baffle me. They say they’ll help you by granting your child a Black Belt. Or that they’ll give your child confidence against bullies. Or that they’ll make your child physically fit. These all sound like very external achievements to me.

I would like to give you and your child something different and something real for long-term success instead of a fad, or a trophy, or the imagery of defeating an imaginary ruffian. In just 8 weeks I will teach your child valuable lessons through fun and exciting martial arts training. Anyone that knows me will attest that I use organization, creativity, resolve, and humor to show students how to handle complicated situations with understanding and ease.

These include:
• Gaining physical and emotional self-control
• Learning how to process anger
• Developing laser-like focus and determination
• Respecting and caring about family and others
• Eliminating shyness
• Not succumbing to peer pressure
• Getting the most out of their education
• Diminishing fears and anxiety

Parents:
How much does this cost, you ask? I will not be charging. This will be by donation only.
I will screen candidates and only take a maximum of 16 students per course.

I guarantee my abilities. If you do not see marked improvements in your child I will give you back whatever amount you donated.

THE PHYSICAL ARTS

The three primary arts your child will learn from are:

• Muay Thai (Thailand's national sport of kickboxing)
• Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil's wrestling & ground-fighting taught without the need of a Gi)
• Escrima (Philippines’ weaponry taught with foam sticks)

QUESTIONS

A few questions I've already received:

Q.) You haven't combined teaching children and adults in the same class. Why?
A.) The curriculum I teach teens and adults includes hardcore self-defense techniques from day one. It’s not appropriate for young children. By all means, children should learn strong self-defense, but first, they need to develop their character so there is self-control and good judgment. Then the techniques can be entrusted in a moderated and monitored environment.

[Home] [What is UMA ?] [History of Martial Arts] [Benefits] [Program] [Schedule] [Instructor Bio] [Common Questions] [More FAQ] [Rules & Regulations] [Enrollment] [Facility] [Resources] [Testimonials] [Gallery] [News] [Visitors] [Students Only] [Membership Benefits] [Products] [Insider Tips] [Kids] [Private Lessons & Workshops]