For Parents: Why Martial Arts at PMA is Great for Your Child

Are you considering martial arts for your child but have questions or concerns? At Progressive Martial Arts Academy (PMA) – with convenient locations in Oak Ridge and Farragut/Knoxville, TN – we understand parents want the best for their kids. Our family-oriented academy is dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and enriching experience for every child. Below, we address common questions parents ask about our kids’ martial arts programs, including safety measures, character-building benefits, academic improvements, bully prevention, our family-friendly environment, and instructor qualifications. We want you to feel confident that PMA is the right choice for your family!

Safety First: Age-Appropriate & Supervised Training

Your child’s safety is our number one priority. We know that putting your little one in a martial arts class can be nerve-wracking for parents, so we’ve built safety into every aspect of our program:

• Certified Supervision: All classes are closely supervised by professional instructors who have years of experience working with kids. There is constant oversight to ensure everyone is following instructions and using proper technique.

• Age-Appropriate Classes: Children are grouped by age (for example, Lil Dragons for ages 4–7 and Juniors for ages 8–12) so that instruction and activities are tailored to their developmental level. Older, bigger students are not mixed with tiny beginners – this keeps training safe and ensures your child is learning at an appropriate pace.

• Safe Training Environment: We use padded mats and equipment to cushion falls, and we emphasize control over raw power. Classes are challenging, yet safe, fun, and interactive – students learn effective techniques without dangerous contact. Safety gear (like boxing gloves and headgear) is used when kids eventually practice controlled sparring or self-defense drills, and always under close supervision with limited power.

• Strict Protocols: We instill rules of respect and self-control from day one. Children are taught to listen attentively and follow instructions to prevent injuries. Horseplay or unsafe behavior is not tolerated – our instructors create a focused but fun atmosphere where kids understand boundaries.

By teaching in a safe manner, with respect for all individuals, we ensure each student can build skills confidently. You can watch from the sidelines and see that every class is run with professionalism and care. Your child’s well-being comes first, and we want you to have peace of mind as they kick, punch, and roll their way to success!

Character Development: Focus, Confidence, Discipline & Respect

Martial arts is about so much more than punches and kicks – it’s a tool to build your child’s character. At PMA, we take pride in helping our youngest community members develop character and confidence that will benefit them for life. From the moment they step on the mat, your child will be developing traits of a true martial artist:

• Respect: Classes emphasize respect for teachers, parents, and fellow students. Children learn to address instructors and peers courteously and practice good sportsmanship. Our goal is to help turn kids into confident and respectful adults one day. Parents often notice improved manners at home and school – saying “Yes, sir!” or “Yes, ma’am!”, listening without interrupting, and treating others with kindness.

• Discipline & Self-Control: The structured routine of martial arts teaches kids to follow rules and pushes them to practice self-control. They learn that to progress (earn new belt ranks or stripes), they must stay on task and show good behavior. This discipline carries over into chores, homework, and overall behavior. Learning to be respectful, disciplined and confident is a core focus of training.

• Confidence: There’s nothing quite like seeing a shy child come out of their shell after a few weeks of classes. By learning self-defense skills and achieving goals step by step, kids build strong self-esteem. They learn they can handle challenges, which makes them more confident to try new things. We frequently witness children who were initially timid transform into leaders – proudly demonstrating moves in front of the class or helping newer students. In fact, our academy’s mission is to create calm, confident, and courageous students through martial arts.

• Focus: One of the first improvements parents see is in their child’s ability to concentrate. In class, kids must pay attention to instructors and details of each technique. Through fun drills and games, we build their attention span bit by bit. This improved focus is a life skill (more on how it helps in school below!).

All of these character traits are integral parts of our curriculum – we call it “character development and self defense training” for a reason. The best part is that kids love learning these lessons. They gain these values almost without realizing it because classes are so much fun. We disguise our skills through play for the youngest students. Your child will be having a blast and turned into a martial artist before they know it! And when a child feels confident and capable, that positive attitude shows up everywhere in life.

Improved Focus & Better Grades: Success Beyond the Dojo

Parents are often amazed at how martial arts training can support academic and behavioral success. It’s not just a claim – we regularly hear from parents and teachers that a child’s performance in school improves after starting classes. Here’s why:

Martial Arts Enhances Focus and Discipline: In a world full of distractions, the focus kids develop at PMA is invaluable. They practice concentrating on instructions, staying still when needed, and pushing through challenges. This directly translates to the classroom – kids who might have struggled to pay attention often become more attentive students. They can sit still longer, follow the teacher’s directions better, and complete tasks with less redirection.

Better Behavior and Work Ethic: The discipline and respect instilled on the mat carry into school and home. Don’t be surprised if your child starts tackling homework with a more “can-do” attitude or keeps their room tidier without being asked! Martial arts teaches them to set goals and work steadily toward them (like earning the next belt), which is the same mindset that leads to finishing school projects or improving grades.

Real Results – Even Better Grades: We encourage you to enroll your child and see instant improvements in their focus, confidence and even grades. Many PMA parents report exactly that – once their child’s focus and self-discipline improve, their grades follow. When kids develop confidence in karate class, they participate more in school. When they learn to persevere through a tough sparring drill, that resilience helps them study a bit longer for a test. The Juniors program (ages 8–12) is specifically designed to boost these traits.

Homework and Time Management: Our instructors talk to students about doing well in school and being responsible. Older kids in our Young Adults teen program learn to balance martial arts with homework, which in turn teaches time management and accountability. We love hearing that a student decided to finish homework before video games because their martial arts training reinforced their priorities!

In short, martial arts training helps kids develop the mental focus, self-discipline, and confidence that make them better learners. When a child believes in themselves and has the discipline to stick with challenges, there’s no limit to what they can achieve – inside or outside the dojo.

Bully Prevention & Personal Safety Skills

One of the most common concerns for parents is bullying and personal safety. How will my child handle a bully at school? What if a stranger approaches them? At PMA, we address these concerns head-on with age-appropriate self-defense and safety instruction. We teach children not only how to defend themselves, but also – just as importantly – when and when not to. Our curriculum includes dedicated lessons on “Stranger Awareness” and “Bully Prevention”for kids, equipping them with skills and knowledge to stay safe.

Bully Prevention: We take a holistic approach to bully-proofing your child. This starts with building confidence – bullies are less likely to target a child who appears confident and assertive. In class, we role-play common bullying scenarios and coach kids on how to respond. They learn to use words and body language to stand up for themselves without violence. For example, children practice using a strong voice to say “Leave me alone!” or “Stop that, I don’t like it,” and to tell a teacher or adult when someone is causing harm. We emphasize that asking for help is not tattling – it’s smart. If a situation ever does get physical, our students have the training to protect themselves with basic self-defense techniques (and to stop as soon as they’re safe). Most importantly, we instill the rule that martial arts skills are only for self-defense and never for bullying others. Our kids understand that with great power comes great responsibility.

Stranger Awareness: Even our youngest students learn crucial safety rules in a non-scary way. In the Lil Dragons class (ages 4–7), instructors introduce “Stranger Danger” concepts through fun games and drills. Kids practice what to do if a stranger approaches them – for instance, keeping a safe distance, yelling “No!” with confidence, and immediately running to a safe adult. All these lessons are woven into classes so that kids don’t feel scared – to them it feels like another fun activity, but they are internally building life-saving awareness.

Self-Defense Skills: As children advance in our program, they progressively learn more self-defense techniques appropriate for their age. This includes how to break free from someone grabbing their wrist, how to block or dodge if someone tries to hit them, and eventually basic kicks, strikes, and holds that can incapacitate an attacker long enough to escape. We always stress that running away to safety and getting an adult is the best outcome. Our goal is that every child at PMA has the knowledge to protect themselves if they absolutely have to, but more importantly the judgment to avoid danger in the first place.

Community Seminars: Our commitment to bully prevention goes beyond our enrolled students. PMA frequently gives back to the community by offering free seminars. These events (open to the public) teach practical anti-bullying strategies and self-defense in a single afternoon. They are a great introduction for new families and reinforce our own students’ skills. We believe in empowering all children in our community with the tools to handle bullying in a safe, non-violent way. When you join PMA, you’re joining a mission to raise confident, bully-proof kids across Oak Ridge and Knoxville!

A Supportive, Family-Friendly Atmosphere

From the moment you walk into PMA, you’ll notice something special: we are more than just a martial arts school – we are a family. Many of our parents and kids refer to “the PMA family” because of how welcoming and close-knit our community is. We strive to maintain a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for both children and their parents.

Welcoming to All: It doesn’t matter if your child is outgoing or shy, athletic or still finding their coordination – at PMA, every child is welcome and set up to succeed. Our instructors and higher-ranking students make a point to greet newcomers and help them feel at home. No one sits on the sidelines feeling left out. We foster an attitude where students work with each other (versus against) to help one another improve. There are no benchwarmers in martial arts – everyone participates and progresses at their own pace. This team-like atmosphere means kids quickly form positive friendships in class.

Encouraging & Supportive Environment: You’ll hear a lot of cheering and clapping during our classes! Students are constantly encouraged to applaud each other’s efforts and celebrate successes big and small. For example, when one child breaks a board or earns a new belt stripe, the whole class gives them a round of applause. This teaches kids to lift each other up. One of our long-time students described it best: PMA provides friendships that are encouraging, supportive, and wonderful. We couldn’t agree more – the camaraderie among our kids is truly heartwarming. Older or more advanced students often mentor the younger ones, helping them with a tricky technique or guiding them through a drill. This peer mentorship builds leadership in our teens and confidence in our little ones.

Family Involvement: We love when parents get involved! You are welcome to stay and watch classes – in fact, we encourage it, especially for the younger age groups. Seeing your child grin with pride after mastering a new kick is priceless. And because we’re a family-oriented academy, we regularly host events that involve the whole family, such as belt graduation ceremonies, holiday parties, and special events. It’s common to see parents, siblings, and even grandparents cheering on our students from the sidelines. Many parents become friends with each other while watching their kids train, further growing our community.

No Ego, Just Growth: The culture at PMA is one of humility and continuous improvement. Our motto is “Martial Arts Way of Life,” meaning we aim to instill values that extend beyond class. You won’t find aggressive, hyper-competitive attitudes here. Yes, we compete in tournaments and love to win, but good sportsmanship and respect are always top priority. If your child is nervous or struggling, they will get plenty of positive reinforcement and patience. We succeed together. As one parent commented after a class, “the training environment fosters an attitude for students to work together…to help one another improve” – exactly what we strive for every day.

And don’t forget – classes are fun! We incorporate games, high-energy drills, and age-appropriate challenges so that kids are eager to come to class. In fact, “the best part is they will be begging you to go to class” because they enjoy it so much! We love hearing parents tell us their child can’t wait for karate days. In a time when kids sometimes struggle to get excited about exercise, our martial arts program is a screen-free, positive outlet they absolutely love.

When you join PMA, you’re not just signing up your child for a sport – you’re becoming part of a supportive, uplifting community. We truly care about each student and their family. From day one, we’ll make you and your child feel right at home.

Qualified, Caring Instructors Who Love Teaching Kids

Our team of instructors at PMA is second to none. As a parent, you can feel confident knowing experienced, highly qualified teachers are working with your child. Collectively, our staff brings over 100 years of martial arts experience to the table. Here’s what that means for you and your little one:

• Expertise: PMA was founded by the Corrigan family, who have been teaching martial arts since the late 1980s. Our Oak Ridge location opened in 2005 and is now led by David Corrigan, our Owner and Chief Instructor. David is a 6th Degree Black Belt in FILKENJUTSU Kenpo and a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – accomplishments that reflect a lifetime of dedication. (In fact, David’s father, SiJo Bruce Corrigan, is the founder of our style and a 10th Degree Black Belt – martial arts truly runs in the family!). All of our instructors are certified black belts in one or more disciplines, and many hold multiple advanced ranks. This depth of knowledge means your child is learning authentic techniques from true experts in karate, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and self-defense.

• Teaching Experience: Knowing martial arts is one thing – teaching it effectively, especially to children, is another skill set entirely. Our instructors excel at both. We have been working with kids for decades, and we understand how to keep young students engaged, motivated, and safe. Whether it’s a rambunctious preschooler with endless energy or a shy grade-schooler lacking confidence, our teachers know how to reach them. We use creative drills, positive reinforcement, and even a bit of silly humor to make classes enjoyable. As one student’s testimonial noted, “instructors are first class in knowledge and presentation of material”. They break down techniques into easy-to-understand steps and give plenty of individual attention so no child gets left behind.

• Caring Role Models: Our coaches truly care about each child’s growth – on and off the mat. We see ourselves as mentors. Don’t be surprised if our instructors check in with parents about how a child is doing in school or offer tips on how to practice respect at home. This personal touch is possible because we keep our student-to-teacher ratio low, especially in kids’ classes. We get to know your child’s personality, strengths, and challenges, and we tailor our approach to help them thrive. Teaching martial arts is our passion, and it shows in the enthusiasm and patience we bring every day.

• Backgrounds in Education & Fitness: Several of our instructors also have formal education in related fields – for example, one of our senior instructors holds a B.S. in Education in addition to her black belt. Another has a degree in kinesiology/nursing. This diverse expertise means we understand teaching pedagogy and childhood development, as well as how to keep kids physically healthy. Your child is in very capable hands. Our team’s broad knowledge allows us to adapt our teaching to different learning styles and any special needs. Above all, we pride ourselves on being approachable, friendly teachers who ensure every child feels seen and valued.

When we say “over 100 years of martial arts experience” at PMA, it’s not just about the numbers – it’s about generations of knowledge being passed down in a supportive environment. We continually train and certify our staff in the latest and best practices for teaching children. Rest assured, your child will be taught by the best – instructors who are not only martial arts experts but also positive role models committed to your child’s development.

Try a Free Introductory Lesson – No Pressure!

We know that choosing a martial arts school is a big decision. That’s why we invite you to try a FREE Introductory Lesson at PMA for your child, with absolutely no pressure or commitment. This intro lesson is a perfect way for you and your child to experience our program firsthand and see if it’s a good fit for your family.

What to Expect in the Free Lesson: Your child will get to participate in a private lesson to learn some of the basics before joining a group class. They’ll meet our friendly instructors, try some basic moves, and most importantly – have fun! They can simply wear comfortable clothes to workout in. During the class, you can watch from our viewing area and observe how we teach and interact with the kids. You’ll likely see smiles and maybe even a high-five or two when your child does something awesome. 😊 After the lesson, we’ll give you feedback on how your child did and answer any questions you might have. There’s “no obligation and no pressure” to sign up on the spot – take the class, go home and discuss it, and decide what’s best for your family on your own time.

Why Try It? We genuinely believe in our program, and we want you to believe in it too before making any commitment. By taking a free class, your child gets to experience the excitement and positive atmosphere of PMA, and you get to see how they respond. Maybe they’ll fall in love with it right away; maybe they’ll just think it was “pretty cool” – either way, you’ll have a real sense of what we offer. Many kids walk out of their first lesson already asking, “When do I get to come back?” We hope yours will, too!

Getting Started is Easy: To schedule your free introductory lesson, simply contact us or give us a call at (865) 481-8901. Our staff will find a convenient time at either our Oak Ridge or Knoxville location. We offer these trial classes with flexible scheduling because we know how busy families are. Again, there’s no commitment – we’re confident that our program speaks for itself. If after the class you decide to enroll, great! If not, that’s okay too – your child still benefits from a fun new experience and some new moves to show Grandma and Grandpa at home.

We hope this page has answered your questions and eased any concerns. At Progressive Martial Arts Academy, we are dedicated to helping your child grow into a strong, confident, and respectful individual – all while having a ton of fun in the process. We truly consider it a privilege to work with your family. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we invite you to come see the magic in action by booking your child’s free introductory lesson today. We can’t wait to welcome you to the PMA family and embark on this martial arts journey together!