At Summit Martial Arts, all instruction is provided in a group class setting. To ensure a safe, positive and productive experience for every student, we assess whether each child is ready to participate successfully in our classes.

Every prospective student attends a complimentary trial class. This gives us the opportunity to meet your child, answer your questions, and determine whether they are ready to benefit from our program.

• Participate in class independently without parental assistance.
• Enter and remain in the training area on their own.
• Pay attention for the duration of class within reasonable expectations for their age.
• Follow simple directions with appropriate instructor guidance.
• Participate cooperatively with instructors and classmates.
• Demonstrate respectful behaviour toward students, instructors, assistants and staff.
• Be fully potty trained.

• Are unable to participate without ongoing parental intervention or support.
• Require dedicated one-to-one supervision from an instructor throughout class.
• Have significant difficulty following instructions or remaining with the group.
• Frequently wander away during instruction or activities.
• Display behaviours that compromise the safety or well-being of others, including (but not limited to) hitting, pushing, yelling, or showing disrespect toward instructors, assistants or fellow students.
• Demonstrate disruptive behaviours that prevent the class from learning effectively.
• Are not yet fully potty trained.

If we determine that a student is not yet ready for our group classes, we will recommend returning at a later time. Depending on our assessment, this may be the next session or several months later.

This is especially common with younger children who have not yet reached Kindergarten age, and it should not be viewed as a setback. Children develop at different rates, and readiness for a structured group environment varies from one child to another.

Our goal is for every student to enjoy martial arts from the very beginning. In our combined 45+ years of coaching experience, we have found that encouraging a child to participate before they are developmentally ready often creates frustration, anxiety, and a negative first experience. We would much rather welcome a student when they are confident, comfortable, and set up for success.

We are committed to helping every child succeed and will always work with families to discuss the best path forward. If you have any questions or concerns, we welcome respectful conversations by email or in person. We're happy to help.