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At Family Martial Arts we have classes for the lower ages from 3 to 7 years old. We call these classes Little Ninjas.
These classes are designed to teach Martial Arts in a fun and friendly way to the younger generation, our lessons are structured with a large emphasis on life skills which are qualities that encourage students to be better people both individually and morally. Developed over time from their young age, these qualities can be used effectively in everyday life as they grow up towards adult hood.
We of course teach Martial Arts movements to a very basic level at this age and we will often practice and repeat these movements using combination drills to help the Little Ninjas develop fundamental motor skills such as balance and coordination, whilst learning to show self control and focus. They are not used to teach the children about fighting, but rather about avoiding or not having to be involved with such a confrontation. Within our lessons we teach Little Ninjas to protect themselves and show confidence rather than try to cause harm to others, we do this by encouraging them to be vocal by speaking up (not that they have any trouble with that at home which is the case most times) so that they develop this confidence in a positive way and understand that it is okay to talk to their parents and teachers if they have a problem.
They learn to beat the bully without hitting back and do this by learning to shout to alert whilst maintaining eye contact and show that they are not afraid to stand tall. We use training drills to teach them how to deal with someone trying to hurt them whether it is a grab, push or a strike. Training with us at Family Martial Arts is also a great way for them to burn off some energy and give the parents a little bit of time to relax. Parents can also watch whilst their children train to see how well they are doing and see the benefits that they are gaining, sometimes holding a pad for their child so they understand the drills fully.
Children of this age group are brought to us for many reasons, whether it be to encourage discipline both at home and at school, to develop confidence and defeat shyness or even just to get them away from the TV, iPad or Game Boy for a little while and let off some steam. Regardless of the reason we teach all of our Little Ninjas the same ethics. To stand up to bullies and say no to negative peer pressure, to focus better in school and be respectful to teachers, family members, friends and especially their parents. Alongside this we also encourage them to show good discipline, be courteous and conduct themselves in an appropriate behaviour.
We have received extremely positive feedback over the years from parents on how much their children have grown in terms of confidence and discipline with these traits continuing to benefit them as they grow up becoming Juniors and beyond. We do not expect miracles from children of Little Ninja age but we do everything possible to ensure that they learn well from us and that it helps them later on in life and that our Martial Arts training takes them to even greater heights.
We guarantee to do the same for your children, so please come and see us and experience for yourself the benefits that teaching Martial Arts to young children can bring.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
By Michael Morgan-Lewis
Chief Instructor, Family Martial Arts Black Belt Schools – Maidstone.
