YOUR JOB AS A KOSHO-RYU KENPO PARENT

Kosho-Ryu will help to build your child into a disciplined, respectful person who demonstrates courage and integrity. At least, that’s how the story goes.

But how does it do this?

Well… that’s where you, the parent, come in. You see, if you slow down to 90 mph, kick your kid out the door and tell them to have fun, you’ll get what you put into it. Your child will come into class, probably have a good time, learn how to defend themselves, listen to a few stories about respect, then go home.

The problem with that scenario is that’s all they will do. You see, they won’t bring the lessons home with them. But isn’t that the point? You do want them to bring the lessons about respect and focus and commitment home, and to grandma’s, and to school, and on the playground, and to their sports. But that won’t happen without your help!

That’s why I created our “Values Program.” Most of us call it “Kosho-Stripe” for short.

You see, I understood that some of my most significant breakthroughs in character were brought about through the work of my parents in conjunction with my mentoring! And that’s what the program is all about.

We have 8 Values Stripes that your child must earn to go from one belt to the next. They are Fucus with your Eyes, Ears, Body, Commitment, Discipline, Integrity, Respect, and Personal Courage. And while we are the ones who put the stripes on their belts, it’s the parent who sets the goals for them.

But this only works if you set actual goals. Don’t just wait and say, “Yeah…you can get em all.” And don’t just give them on a whim. Set a goal that your child must work toward overtime. Make sure to tell Mom Washington or me what goals your child is attempting to achieve. We will help to reinforce those values and actions.

Our primary focus is all about building repeatable habits, and only practice can create new habits.
So the next time your kid does something awesome, and you have the urge to give them a stripe for it, please hold back. Tell them, “That was an awesome thing you did. If I see you do that three more times, I think you’ll be ready for a “Kosho Stripe.”

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series…coming next week… where I’ll talk about using the Values program to assist with behavior modification and reinforcement!
See you in the dojo,

Sifu Darryl, 
James Martial Arts Academy
2356 Fletcher Parkway
El Cajon, CA 92020
sparkignitepro4.com