A Parent's Guide to Starting Your Child in Martial Arts in Firestone, CO

If you are a parent in Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, or anywhere in Carbon Valley, and you have been thinking about enrolling your child in martial arts, you are not alone. Martial arts is one of the most popular extracurricular activities for children in the St. Vrain Valley School District, and for good reason: it builds confidence, discipline, focus, and physical fitness in ways that few other activities can match.

But choosing the right martial arts school can feel overwhelming. What style is best? What age should they start? What should you look for in an instructor? What happens at the first class? As a mother of four daughters — all active in martial arts — and the Chief Instructor at Ohana Martial Arts Academy, I want to give you a straightforward, honest guide to help you make the best choice for your family.

What to Look for in a Martial Arts School

Not all martial arts schools are created equal. Here are the most important factors to evaluate when choosing a school for your child in the Firestone, CO area:

Age-Specific Classes

This is my number one recommendation. Your child should be training with students their own age. A 5-year-old does not learn the same way as a 14-year-old, and mixing them in the same class compromises both safety and learning. Ask any school you visit whether their classes are separated by age group and how large their class sizes are.

At Ohana, we offer four distinct age-based programs: Tigers (5-8), Youth (8-12), Teens (12-18), and Adults (18+). This ensures that your child receives age-appropriate instruction, trains with peers at a similar developmental level, and gets the individualized attention they need.

Instructor Credentials and Experience

Ask about the instructors' backgrounds. How long have they been training? How long have they been teaching children specifically? There is a significant difference between being a skilled martial artist and being a skilled martial arts instructor for children. The best children's instructors combine martial arts expertise with an understanding of child development, patience, and the ability to make learning engaging.

At Ohana, Sensei Carissa Morris brings 18 years of Kenpo study, 12 years of teaching experience, a background in early childhood education, and emergency medical training. Sensei Neil Morris has over 35 years of martial arts experience. Together, they have taught hundreds of children from Carbon Valley schools including Prairie Ridge Elementary, Legacy Elementary, Thunder Valley K-8, Columbine Elementary, The Academy, Bella Romero Academy, and many others.

Contract and Pricing Transparency

Be cautious of schools that require long-term contracts, especially contracts of 12 months or more. A quality school should be confident enough in their program to let results speak for themselves. Ask about cancellation policies, what happens if your child wants to stop, and whether there are hidden fees for testing, equipment, or special events.

Facility Cleanliness and Safety

Visit the school in person. Is the training area clean and well-maintained? Are mats in good condition? Is there adequate space for the number of students? Is there a comfortable waiting area for parents? These details reflect the school's overall commitment to quality.

Culture and Values

Pay attention to the atmosphere during a class. Are instructors patient and encouraging? Do students seem engaged and happy? Is there a sense of mutual respect between students and instructors? The culture of a school will have a significant impact on your child's experience and development.

What Age Should My Child Start?

Many parents in the Carbon Valley area wonder whether their child is too young or too old to begin martial arts. The short answer is that there is no wrong time to start, but different ages benefit from different approaches.

Ages 5-8 (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade): This is a wonderful age to begin. Children in this range are developing motor coordination, learning to follow group instructions, and building social skills. Our Tigers program is designed specifically for this developmental stage, with shorter class durations, game-based learning, and lots of positive reinforcement. Many of our Tigers students attend elementary schools in Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono and find that martial arts helps them perform better in school.

Ages 8-12 (3rd through 6th Grade): This is often considered the ideal age for more structured martial arts training. Children can handle longer classes, understand more complex techniques, and begin to appreciate the deeper aspects of martial arts like discipline and goal-setting. Our Youth program includes both beginner and advanced curriculum, plus an introduction to Jiujitsu concepts.

Ages 12-18 (Middle and High School): Teens benefit enormously from martial arts, especially during this challenging period of life. Our Teens program provides an outlet for stress, a positive peer group, advanced physical training, and leadership development. For students at Coal Ridge Middle School, Frederick High School, Mead High School, and other area schools, martial arts offers a healthy alternative to screen time and sedentary habits.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Class

The first class can be nerve-wracking for both children and parents. Here is what you can expect when you visit Ohana Martial Arts Academy at 8196 Colorado Blvd in Firestone:

Before Class

• Arrive about 10-15 minutes early to complete a brief registration form
• Your child does not need a uniform (gi) for the trial class — comfortable athletic clothing is fine
• No previous experience is necessary; our rotating curriculum means new students can jump in at any time
• You are welcome and encouraged to watch the class from our viewing area

During Class

• The instructor will welcome your child and introduce them to the class
• Your child will participate in warm-ups, learn basic techniques, and do partner activities with other students
• Do not worry if your child seems shy or uncertain at first — this is completely normal, and our instructors are experienced at making new students feel welcome
• Classes run 45 minutes for Tigers and 60 minutes for Youth, Teens, and Adults

After Class

• The instructor will give you feedback on your child's first experience
• You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program, schedule, and membership options
• There is absolutely no pressure to sign up immediately — take time to discuss with your family

How to Help Your Child Succeed

Once your child begins martial arts training, here are proven strategies to help them get the most from the experience:

Be consistent: Attend classes regularly. Consistency is more important than intensity. Two classes per week provides a solid foundation for progress. With our unlimited class attendance included in every membership, your child can train as often as they like.

Show interest: Ask your child about what they learned in class. Have them show you a new technique. This reinforces their learning and shows them that you value their effort.

Be patient: Progress in martial arts is gradual. Some children advance quickly; others take more time. Both paths are completely normal. The journey matters more than the pace.

Support the values: Reinforce at home the values your child learns in class — respect, discipline, perseverance, and kindness. When these lessons are echoed at home and at school, they become deeply embedded in your child's character.

Why Carbon Valley Families Choose Ohana

Families throughout Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Mead, Johnstown, and Erie choose Ohana for several key reasons:

• No mixed-age classes — your child trains with peers their own age
• Month-to-month memberships — no long-term contracts or binding commitments
• Unlimited class attendance — train as often as you like, no restrictions
• Family discounts — savings for multiple family members training together
• Teacher and first responder discounts — we value those who serve our community
• Expert instruction — over 35 years of combined teaching experience
• Safe and inclusive — LGBTQ+ friendly, women-owned, welcoming to all
• Convenient location — centrally located on Colorado Blvd in Firestone, easy to reach from anywhere in Carbon Valley

Schedule Your Free Trial Today

The best way to find out if martial arts is right for your child is to experience it firsthand. We offer a free trial class with absolutely no obligation. Bring your child, watch the class, and see the Ohana difference for yourself.

Schedule your free trial class here, or call us at (720) 353-4557. We are located at 8196 Colorado Blvd, Firestone, CO 80520, conveniently serving families from across the St. Vrain Valley School District.

We look forward to welcoming your family to the Ohana.