Can Young Children Really Do Martial Arts Training?
I have always been hesitant to offer martial arts training for really young children. I’ve baulked at the idea of “Tiny Tigers” or “Little Dragons” programs in the past, based on the idea that the martial arts are too subtle and complex that there is no way a young child can really learn them effectively. And I still believe this. That being said, there are other ways to introduce the martial arts to young children in a manner that is more appropriate for their current level of physical, mental, emotional and social development.
A few months ago Steve Hiscoe Shihan showed me his Ready-Set-Kiai program for young children that introduces some basic concepts of martial arts training, but with a stronger emphasis on teaching fundamental movements skills that all children of that age should be learning so they can participate in sports and develop confidence using their bodies, with a strategic balance of basic martial arts skills that helps them to more seamlessly transition into more complicated martial arts skills later in their development. The program is based around 8 specific skills, which are introduced in more basic forms then built upon with more difficult versions as they master them.
- Kicking
- Open palm strikes
- Blocking
- Running
- Jumping
- Crawling
- Catching
- Rolling
After reviewing the program, I realized it was very possible to introduce Jiu-jitsu to very young children in a way that was as beneficial to them as our regular program is to our adult students, which is why we have decided to introduce the Ready-Set-Kiai program at our dojo. We have two senior students in our adult program who both have children who are 3 and 4 years old, and both are skilled martial artists, and also have lots of experience working with children, as well as having friendly, supportive personalities, making them great instructors for this class.
Whether you’re teaching adults or young children, it’s all a matter of building appropriate age-specific challenges into the program. Adults usually take up training to learn self-defense skills, to keep in shape, or just to physically and mentally challenge themselves. Young children, of course, have very different needs. They need to develop many of the base physical, mental, emotional and social skills that adults take for granted. At the pre-school ages, self-defense doesn’t really matter much in terms of their development. It will later on, but they have to develop a base of foundational movement skills, as well as developing the maturity to understand when applying self-defense skills is appropriate. This logic is true no matter what activity you put your child into. A 3-year-old is not likely to to learn or appreciate all the subtleties and complexities of any physical activity, whether it’s gymnastics, ballet dancing or soccer. It’s about teaching them to move, develop confidence, and have fun doing it. Check out the video below showing some of our kids doing their skills at their first belt test.
Interested in more information about our children’s programs? Check out the kids martial arts page of our website.
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I do agree it’s impossible and dangerous to teach children true martial arts (they lack control & focus so it will end in disaster sooner or later) but it’s certainly a good idea to acquaint them from a young age with basic body movement and certain modified techniques can be taught responsibly.
My sensei used to teach children at our old dojo and he taught basic judo (only certain throws and basic holds, no locks or chokes) and karate. Mostly in a playful manner involving games and without too much emphasis on proper form or etiquette. I believe judo and karate are indeed excellent disciplines for children since they are generally safe to practice: children have nimble, supple bodies and if they are taught breakfalls they won’t hurt themselves during throws. Basic body holds are easy to learn and escaping them is great fun, especially since there’s no real danger involved and it is an essential skill that cannot be taught early enough. Karate techniques are very pronounced and stylized and stepping back while executing blocks ensures the uke can’t possibly be hit. Of course in reality this isn’t such a great idea since you leave yourself open to another attack and remain in range of all his weapons but for the purpose of instructing youngers it is great.I fail to discern any real advantage in practicing kata for adults wanting to learn fighting arts but for children they’re great to learn discipline & focus and since it’s a solo exercise there isn’t any danger involved whatsoever.
I believe this sort of program, provided it’s taught and supervised responsibly but I’m assuming it will be, to be beneficial for children en the upside for you is of course more revenue and the possibility that maybe later these children will enroll in the adult program and become full members. It’s difficult to make a martial arts dojo grow without a good youth program and there’s nothing wrong with making money off your passion aslong as you’re responsible, honest and offer a good quality service.
The best of luck with this enterprise. Just don’t expect too much: my sensei was sometimes frustrated his pupils seemed to learn so little (they were age 8 to 14 so a lot older than your age group), Keeping them entertained is about the best you can hope for really. The advantage of this type of training will likely only become visible outside of the dojo or in more advanced training later on. Children have a very short attention span so I’d rotate between exercises quickly, avoid dwelling on things that are difficult as they’re likely to just give up and start throwing tantrums.
I really wouldn’t want to teach small children (or children in general) but then again my social skills aren’t the best and at least I know my strengths and weaknesses.