Why Parents Are Welcome to Watch Every Class/ Knight Errant Academy
- Gemini Asonte
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Sometimes the Greatest Gift We Give Our Children Is Our Attention
One of the questions I am asked most often is whether parents stay and watch class.
My answer is always the same.
Absolutely.
In fact, I encourage it.
Not because I expect parents to evaluate techniques or understand medieval swordsmanship.
I encourage it because some of the most meaningful moments of childhood happen when someone they love is simply paying attention.
An Time That Belongs to Your Child
Modern life is busy.
Work follows us home.
Phones vibrate.
Emails arrive.
Notifications compete for our attention almost constantly.
It has become surprisingly difficult to be fully present, even with the people we care about most.
For one hour each week, I invite parents to do something that has become increasingly uncommon.
Put the phone away.
Take a deep breath.
Simply watch.
Watch your child concentrate.
Watch them struggle with something new.
Watch them laugh with their classmates.
Watch them succeed after several failed attempts.
Those moments pass more quickly than we realize.
More Than Learning Swordsmanship
Our students certainly learn to handle a sword safely.
They develop balance, coordination, timing, and confidence.
But those are only part of what happens inside the Academy.
They also learn to listen.
To encourage others.
To accept correction with humility.
To show respect before and after every bout.
To take responsibility when something is unsafe.
To understand that strength carries responsibility.
Those are the lessons I hope parents notice most.
Because those are the lessons that follow a child home.
See the Character Being Built
Every degree within the Academy is connected to a virtue.
Every challenge asks students to become something greater than they were before.
Progress is measured not only by skill, but by maturity, discipline, and responsibility.
As a parent, you have the unique privilege of watching those qualities develop over time.
Sometimes the changes are obvious.
Sometimes they happen so gradually that they can only be appreciated by someone who has been there to witness them.
That is one of the reasons I hope parents remain in class.
You become part of that journey.
The Academy Is a Community
One of the things I have enjoyed most is watching families become part of the Academy itself.
Parents quickly learn our traditions.
They understand why the lists become quiet during sparring.
They know why everyone immediately responds when someone calls “Hold.”
They celebrate each student’s achievements, not only their own child’s.
Before long, they are no longer simply waiting for class to end.
They are participating in the culture we are building together.
That community is one of the Academy’s greatest strengths.
Children Notice More Than We Think
Children rarely remember every lesson they were taught.
They do remember who was there.
Years from now, your child may not remember every drill or every command.
But they will remember looking over during class and seeing you watching.
They will remember sharing their newest achievement with you after training.
They will remember that, for a little while each week, they had your complete attention.
That is something no trophy can replace.
Building Strong People Together
Knight Errant Academy was founded on the belief that martial arts should help build capable, honorable people.
That is not something an instructor accomplishes alone.
Parents are essential partners in that journey.
When families stay, observe, ask questions, celebrate successes, and encourage perseverance, students see something powerful.
They learn that the important people in their lives value the same virtues being taught inside the Academy.
That consistency helps those lessons take root.
An Invitation
If you visit one of our classes, I hope you’ll choose to stay.
Leave your phone in your pocket.
Take a seat.
Watch the class unfold.
Enjoy seeing your child challenge themselves, support their classmates, and grow in confidence.
The techniques they learn are important.
The person they become is even more so.
And I believe that journey is worth watching.
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