Computers, video games, virtual reality, automated operators - the future we only dreamed about is now a reality. Even though we have made all these technological advances, society is growing more and more dangerous as each second clicks by. Often, we are shocked with the stories of children carrying out crimes of gun possession, drug sales, assaults and murders. Lets face it, this is happening all over the world, not only in the so called bad areas of the world. Where do we turn to insure a safe, happy and carefree life for our children? Well, we have to learn to deal with the problem before it becomes a problem. We have to teach our children as best we can and hope that by instilling family values into their lives hey will grow up the way we want. This kind of sounds a bit hit or miss doesn’t it? Are you willing to take the chance?

Sometimes the children need a little more guidance outside the home reinforcement of the unity and family values. This is where the martial arts can be helpful. In my experience as a martial arts teacher and life-skills coach I have found that children in today’s society have everything a parent could of ever imagined. When I was younger we played in the streets from sunrise to sunset, we ran around in the woods playing army and built tree forts, sports or physical activity was primarily a way of life whether you liked it or not. In a child’s world that if filled with more appointments and scheduling problems as many of the worlds top CEO’s of companies, we need to step back and take a better look.

This is where martial arts can be helpful. I have been a student of the martial arts for more than 30 years, beginning when I was 3 years old. I have trained physically, mentally and spiritually, 7 days a week, as much as 5 hours per day for at minimum for 300 hundred days per year. If I were a student in college, I would have Master’s Degree. The martial arts changed my life and, if you find the proper school for your child, it will do the same for them.

The most common misconception and question asked by parents is “ will this make my child more violent or teach him how to fight? He is already very active and I am afraid that he or she will use these newly acquired skills to hurt someone or his sister or brother.” Commonly, if the school teaches proper ethics of the martial arts, your child will be taught not to fight at every little provocation. In fact, they are taught conflict resolution in a non violent way. Through this constant training of the mind and body, they are taught self-confidence, self-discipline and self-esteem. Hopefully, there never be a time when the actual physical side of the self-defense will not be necessary.

Another commonly asked question is “my child already is hyper active and fights with their siblings.” This is a very good question, but again, it is up to the teacher to install the values of brotherhood, loyalty and harmony into each and every student. These values are not taught overnight but in due time they are all part of the grand scheme.

As in most of the advertising campaigns in the world today, figures that the children admire often have a greater impact on the children. The martial arts teacher is a mentor and the student usually looks up to them. The instructors words tend to be taken more seriously than a parents at times. This is due mostly because the student does not entirely know were they stand with the instructor or coach and wants to achieve the same level of competence as them and will heed their advice to achieve those goals.

The martial arts is not just about kicking or punching anymore. The instructors are life-skill experts and will be able to mold and shape individuals lives. This to me is a asset to the typical martial arts school that teaches about kicking and punching. I am very excited that I can be a part of the grand picture, helping others to achieve their goals.

Allie Alberigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo/Ninjutsu and Jujutsu and has been training in the martial arts for over 39 years, as well as being a martial arts school owner, self-defense expert, public speaker and business owner. Allie is the owner of the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers, which has locations in East Islip, West Islip, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, and Bermuda. In 2000 Allie his first book “The Beginners Guide to Ninpo” and has also released his first video “The Warrior Spirit” (39 minutes). If you have any questions do not hesitate to call 631-321-5432, email him at renshilininja@aol.com, or check them out online at Lininja.com. He loves to hear from you.