How to Start a 4-H Martial Arts Program

For decades, 4-H has been helping children in local communities find healthy activities to take part in. Every 4-H activity promotes their mission of heart, head, hands and health. Activities available through a 4-H club vary greatly, from crafts to cooking and physical fitness. Martial arts is growing in popularity among youth, and that's why it would make a great activity for 4-H.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set clear goals. Write down how 4-H would benefit from a martial arts program. The 4-H is more likely to approve an activity that promotes the 4-H mission among youth in your local community.

2. Gather support. The simple rules of supply and demand apply here. If you can prove there's a demand for a martial arts program, 4-H will likely get behind you.

3. Name a leader. Many times, the person who starts a program isn't qualified to lead. It's common for an active parent to come up with the idea, and then pass the program on to someone with more experience in the martial arts field. Make sure this leader is organized enough to coordinate with students in 4-H and their parents.

4. Determine the rules. The martial arts leader should set guidelines, such as who is eligible to participate and what level of activity is allowed for that particular age group. The rules outlined by the leader should line up with the general rules of the 4-H club.

5. Get feedback. Students and parents will likely have strong ideas about what they'd like to see in a martial arts program.

6. Schedule meeting times and special events for the new martial arts program. A clear schedule allows parents and students to make plans to participate. That support is essential for a new 4-H program.