Children's Programs

**patfromlogan** · Posted On: 3/07/2003 8:37pm

Does anyone know any that work?

Do the children graduate and then go on to adult class?

&gt;&gt;&gt;Always walk on a bright, wide road. If you choose to live with your right posture, you don't have to go on a dark road or a malodorous place. Oyama

**Deadpan Scientist** · Posted On: 3/07/2003 9:15pm

parks and rec in beverly hills has an excellent afterschool kfss program. I went through it and went into the adult class at age 13. The requirements for belts are exactly the same, so it usually takes kids a longer time to get to the same level as adults.

**FingerorMoon?** · Posted On: 3/09/2003 6:36pm

At my center the kids classes are different to the adults.

Kids learn about self confidence, standing up for themselves, body balancing/alignment, co-ordination, teamwork and basic fighting skills.

Kids come up to the adult classes at 16 (I think). I believe there is a mandatory 4 year minimum period where a 'junior black belt' must study in the adult class to be able to grade for their full black belt.

Note: I started at 21 so don't have personal experience with it... :)

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Make friends with them until they beg for mercy.
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DRD · Posted On: 3/09/2003 6:41pm

I have seen and been involved with great kids programs that prepared them for the rigors of the teen and adult level training, but did not neglect the fun aspect of it all. They would not be able to wait to come to class, to engage others at thinga to help with some of the things mentioned above and many more.

I have found that some instructors work best with kids and not so much with adults, and definately vice versa, ones who are excellant with Adults and the heavy hitting stuff but not good or comfortable with the kiddo's.
Thank goodness we have both kinds available.

DRD

**Deadpan Scientist** · Posted On: 3/09/2003 6:49pm

We never had games in my after school class.

**patfromlogan** · Posted On: 3/09/2003 7:06pm

I'm asking because most of the kids programs I've seen pretty much suck. I want to know that there are good programs out there some where and I'd love to know how the instructors manage.

&gt;&gt;&gt;Always walk on a bright, wide road. If you choose to live with your right posture, you don't have to go on a dark road or a malodorous place. Oyama

DRD · Posted On: 3/09/2003 7:13pm

Pat, I have a co-instructor in Dallas at the KIest Park rec center, that has been doing Shotokan training for about 20 years give or take, and he does a really good job with young children, below 10, and also with 11-16 or so. It seems to be his main forte. The part about how they manage is what I meant by being cut out for it.

You have to be geared to working with and enjoy dealing with Children, and he is. I am not and am geared towards hard core street defense, but he really enjoys doing it, and has great patience, and this guy is 6'4, 240+ third dan, and can kick a barn to the ground, but can inspire kid's. He happens to be one of my best friends, but I am not biased on martial arts trainers. You can either do it or not in my opinion, and he can.

One thing he does, is gather every article he comes across on teaching ideals for kids, because you may thi nk of something to use this week, but will you remember it two years from now. His catalog of technique and teaching aids helps him a bunch.

DRD

**Blad3** · Posted On: 3/09/2003 7:17pm

San Soo, you;ve been doing that all your life practically (lol you must be good)? <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

**Deadpan Scientist** · Posted On: 3/09/2003 7:30pm

Pretty much my whole life. My skills are suffering at college, because there are no teachers out here. Then again, SS has never let me down when I needed it so far...