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Is your child new to sparring? This episode helps you turn those first shaky rounds into confident reps… with safety, patience, and a simple plan.

What you’ll learn

• Why “survival mode” is normal in early sparring
• The driving-lesson analogy that calms first-round nerves
• A quick gear and warm-up checklist parents can remember
• How to coach at home without being critical
• The one metric that matters most early on… consistency
• Josh’s first black belt tournament story and the light-bulb moment kids hit

Parent playbook

• Lead with patience. Praise effort and small wins.
• Ask, “What’s one thing you’ll try next round?”
• Let them figure it out in the ring. Be there, don’t rescue.
• Remind them to breathe. Then move. Then throw one clean combo.

Watch next
Start here: [For Parents: Kids & Sparring playlist link]

Connect with us
Instagram: Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/

Instagram: Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/

Subscribe: https://m.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast

About Off The Mat
We help parents and martial artists raise strong, confident kids through mindset, skills, and discipline. New episodes weekly… join us.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | championtkd15@gmail.com

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