How We Get to Know Your Child Before They Enter the Dojo
When a child joins our program at Glens Falls Karate Academy, we don’t just toss them into a class based on their age or rank. Instead, we begin with something that sets us apart from most martial arts schools: a pre-evaluation.
It’s a simple step — but it makes all the difference.
Because no two children are the same. And if we want them to succeed, we have to understand how they learn, where they’re at developmentally, and what they need to feel safe and confident before we start telling them to grow.
🧠Not Just About Kicks and Punches
In many traditional martial arts schools, evaluations are used to test skill — how fast a child can move, how well they follow directions, or whether they’ve earned a stripe or belt.
SKILLZ pre-evaluations are different.
Yes, we look at physical skills like balance, coordination, and strength — but we also pay close attention to your child’s:
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Focus and attention span
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Emotional regulation and adaptability
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Social readiness and communication style
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Learning preferences and confidence level
In other words, we take the time to learn who your child is, not just what they can do.
🧬 Why Developmental Insight Matters
A pre-evaluation gives us valuable information about your child’s current stage across the four areas of growth we focus on in every class:
Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social (P.I.E.S.).
For example:
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A 5-year-old who struggles with following two-step instructions may thrive in our Early SKILLZ group, where we build sequencing through games.
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A 10-year-old who’s physically capable but emotionally sensitive may benefit from specific coaching strategies that reinforce confidence and emotional safety.
Without this insight, it’s easy for kids to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even bored — none of which helps them grow.
🤝 Building Trust from Day One
Many kids (and parents!) walk into their first martial arts experience feeling nervous. The pre-evaluation allows us to:
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Build rapport with your child before they join a group setting
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Identify any challenges they may be facing that aren’t obvious at first glance
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Choose the right class and approach to help them feel successful from the start
It also gives us the chance to learn from you — because no one knows your child better than you do.
🧩 One Size Doesn’t Fit All — And That’s the Point
Our goal isn’t to sort kids into levels and ranks.
Our goal is to understand each student well enough to guide them on their own path. One that feels challenging, achievable, and meaningful to them.
That starts with the pre-evaluation — a small step that helps us unlock your child’s full potential, both on and off the mat.
Ready for your child’s first SKILLZ experience?
It starts with a conversation, not a test. And we’d love to meet you.