EP 41: Competitive Kid in Martial Arts: 5 Tips to Thrive in Class Artwork

Off The Mat

Welcome to Off The Mat, where we're dedicated to helping parents and athletes of all ages achieve their full potential in sports, particularly martial arts. Whether you're a parent looking to help your child improve their martial arts performance, or an adult looking to get more motivated and become a better version of yourself in martial arts, we've got you covered. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to improve your mindset, training, and overall approach to martial arts. We'll also be sharing inspiring stories of martial artists who have overcome obstacles and achieved great success, discuss about different types of martial arts competitions, their rules and how to prepare for them. So join us on our journey to help you and your loved ones achieve greatness in martial arts, and become the best versions of yourselves. Thank you for being here.

All Episodes

Off The Mat

EP 41: Competitive Kid in Martial Arts: 5 Tips to Thrive in Class

September 18, 2025 • Josh Dumoulin & Nicole Stratychuk • Episode 41

Send us a text

Got a driven, ultra-competitive kid… but the class pace feels too slow? This episode gives parents real tools to keep that fire burning without the frustration. We dig into martial arts mindset, confidence training in Taekwon-Do, and practical parent tips for martial arts.

👉 Don’t miss out — Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos on martial arts, parenting, and raising strong kids: https://www.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast

👉 What you’ll learn:
• How to reframe “mismatch” as a leadership win
• The 10-second partner script every kid should know
• How to ask the coach (the right way) and find your child’s B-game
• Simple at-home training… that you actually do together
• The truth: elite goals can feel lonely… and how to handle it

🎥 Watch next: For Parents: Raising Strong Kids in Martial Arts → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNG9pziJ_TmtPAIOJr9RLanf-ALPJ_Wrr&si=mQIhTB2roAbrp3nF

=============================
📱 Subscribe to Off the Mat Podcast HERE:
Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD?si=k6WRAq-xRuWIrptEdJNRtw

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8/off-the-mat

Google → https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTEyODg1LnJzcw

⏱️ Timecodes
00:00 Why your kid feels “held back”
05:00 Tip 1: Reframe the mismatch as leadership
14:07 Tip 2: The 10-second partner script
19:57 Tip 3: Ask the coach… for B-game focus
26:47 Tip 4: At-home work (do it with them)
33:41 Tip 5: The lonely road (and the payoff)
38:43 Recap, your next steps, and CTA

=============================
📌 About Off The Mat Podcast
We help parents and martial artists raise strong kids through martial arts and mindset. Our mission is to share lessons on confidence, discipline, and character that last a lifetime—on and off the mats.
👉 Subscribe now and join our community of parents, athletes, and coaches building stronger kids through martial arts.

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

People on this episode

Josh Dumoulin

Host

Nicole Stratychuk

Host