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Advantages of Martial Arts for Kids
Martial arts are still considered a rather controversial subject, and the unfortunate misconception that they can promote violence is still present. However, just a little research will show any parent that martial arts promote the exact opposite of...
The Great British Aikido Controversy
The Aikido Controversy The Aikido Controversy is now a part of British Aikido History. It was a long and difficult fight to protect the true history of British Aikido from the false claims of Mr Jack Poole and The British Aikido Board. Sport...
The History of Darts
The sport of darts actually began as training for people who
were interested in martial arts (archery). Darts itself began in
Medieval England, and is still popular today. It has been said
that darts were used in archery training because it...
Yoga Teachers, Prepare for the New Year's Rush - Part 1
The doors will fly open on January 2nd with enthusiastic mobs of
Yoga students. What can you do to prepare for the busiest
stretch of the year? How can you keep their interest all year
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If there was ever a time to clean up your Yoga...
Your First Chair Yoga Class in a Senior Center
Chair Yoga has become more popular in senior centers, but can
also be found in nursing homes, physical rehabilitation units,
adult day care centers, and some Yoga studios. However, the vast
majority of us will attend a Chair Yoga class in a...
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Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts
Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.
Here are a few fun games and activities that utilize Martial Arts skills to keep the enthusiasm high and kids interested in their training.
Sensei Says
Sensei Says is a take off of the old “Simon Says Game”. In this version the instructor or parent would call out various martial arts techniques for the children to perform.
One instructor or parent is designated as “Sensei” or Leader. Children are instructed to follow and perform the commands of the “Sensei” only if the command is initiated by the words “Sensei Says”. The leader will call out various commands. If the child does not perform the task when initiated by the words “Sensei Says” they are out of the game. If the leader commands a task without using the prompt “Sensei Says” and the child performs the task, then the child is out of the game. Last child remaining wins.
Wild & Crazy Blocker
Requirements: 2 padded foam blockers.
The instructor or parent will attempt to strike the child with the padded foam blocker. The attempted strikes should vary from left side to right side, and to various body points, including Head, Chest, Stomach, and Legs.
The child will use their martial arts blocking skills to “block” those strikes.
Each time a “strike” connects without the child blocking or shielding they receive a point. Three points or three “strikes” and they are out.
Danger Alley
Requirements: 4 people, various Martial Arts Foam Blockers, Body Shields, Target Squares.
A diagram is available at
target="_top">www.aimusainc.com/files/PDF/dangeralley.pdf
Danger Alley is a simple and easy obstacle course in which the child goes from station to station. At each station the child must perform a “self-defense” or marital arts technique to stop an “Attack or Danger”.
A minimum of four stations with various situations is recommended.
Station One (The Escape)
An instructor or parent will subdue the child by grabbing and holding on to the child’s wrist. The child must then perform an escape maneuver. Once the child escapes they proceed to Station Two.
Station Two (The Block)
When the child proceeds to station two, they encounter a would be attacker, attempting a punch or strike. An instructor or parent using a padded foam blocker will attempt to strike the child. The child should attempt to block the strike using a martial arts technique and then proceed to station three.
Station Three (The Punch)
When the child proceeds to station three, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts punch technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded target square, which the child would punch. The child then proceeds to station four.
Station Four (The Kick)
When the child proceeds to station four, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts kick technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded Body Shield, which the child would kick. After completing the four stations the child has successfully conquered Danger Alley.
Martial Arts trainings can be fun for children just by incorporating the techniques and skills into activities and games.
About the Author
Eric Gehler
AIM USA Self Defense Programs www.aimusainc.com
Permission is granted to repost any or all of this publication as long a author’s name and live Url link to website is displayed
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