Ben Krahn Lien to Tail at Great Falls

Ben Krahn bean plant to fakie at Great Falls

Ben Krahn floating funnel tunnel gap with ease. Second attempt ollie at Great Falls.

Josh Evin Alley Oops over a hip at Great Falls

Josh Evin Methodically Methods funnel tunnel gap

Josh Evin Frontside hip air at Great Falls

Great Falls looks on as Josh Evin pops a frontside tuck knee air

Josh Evin gap ollie over funnel tunnel at Great Falls

Josh Evin gap ollie over funnel tunnel at Great Falls

Ryan Simonetti, originally of Great Falls Montana, comes home with a method

Great Falls hometown hero now livin' large in L.A. Ryan Simonetti stale fish nosebone

On Sunday morning it was time to move on. For Josh Evin it was time to fly to Denver Colorado for a seven parks over seven days adventure travel camp with Skatepark Sessions crew (skateparksessions.com). For Ben Krahn, Aaron Robinson, photographer Brendan Rohan, and myself it was time to head down road a few hours to our friend Jeff’s house for a pool session at Treasure Bowl with Steve Schneer. Montana’s Big Sky was filled with clouds keeping heat at bay. A morning of drizzle had chased Steve and his crew away, but once rain stopped we dropped in for a fun filled session. Krahn utilized new tree quarter-pipe for a tree ride to fakie then back into bowl switch with a switch hip air and on into a switch line. Good times at a surreal location.

Unfortunately, rarely are “hidden costs” discussed when signing up for a class or membership. What are hidden costs? The most over looked cost is “testing fee”. In Martial Arts there are numerous skill levels that are equated to a belt rank. After a certain period of time and training, student is ready to advance to a new level or belt in their martial arts style, and a “belt test” will be performed. This “belt test” almost always required student to pay a “belt-testing fee”. I have seen fees from $50 up to $500 depending on belt rank. Parents, make sure you inquire about these fees and are comfortable with them before you sign any contract.

Another hidden cost is required items to purchase. Some locations require that you purchase a uniform with schools logo. The average cost of these uniforms range from $30-$50. As child advances in rank, protective sparring gear is required. Now this is normally mandatory for child’s protection and safety, but can be expensive. Normal safety gear for Martial Arts consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head Gear, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest. Depending on style and sizes all this gear together cost about $150 retail or higher.

So Parents, factor in total cost of classes, testing fees, and required equipment when making your decisions.

Age At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or Self Defense? Now this is an often-debated issue. I have seen children as young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts or Self Defense training. Some have been successful while others it was just to young. The age of which a child should start Martial Arts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an individual basis and be determined by parents. Some key points to consider. Does child have a good attention span? Has child participated and flourished in other group activities? Is child comfortable in larger group settings?

If child is currently enrolled in grade school and has no problem adapting to those settings or conditions then they should be considered old enough to participate and benefit from Martial Arts or Self Defense instruction.

Article written by Eric J Gehler & Jim Johnson. www.aimusainc.com Permission is granted to publish all or any portion of this article. Author’s name and website must appear with any publication.