So your child wants to kick, punch & scream?

A lot of parent's shudder in disbelief when their child mentions the word Kung Fu, karate or martial arts. Broken furniture, mangled brothers and sisters, and holes in the walls are usually the first images that pop into a parent's head. Dispelling these myths and misunderstandings is generally the right place to begin when you first start inquiring about the martial arts.

How can your child benefit from martial arts training?

Martial arts is unique in athletics, not just in being a "self defence" form, but because it is a total learning style activity. To get a better idea of what we mean by total learning activity, let's compare football for children and martial arts.

While football is known for developing competitiveness, most beginning programs must by necessity assume the new players already possess the basic physical skills for the game. The ability to run, kick a ball, and other simple, hand-eye coordination skills are taken for granted. Many children, however, are underdeveloped in these skills, which prevents them from really taking part in the game and they end up as "bench warmers." only the "naturals" end up receiving full enjoyment of the sport.

Children learning martial arts begin by practicing the basic skills that are the foundation. These skills, which help build their coordination and balance, let the children become active in their art as they progress, instead of just sitting on the ‘bench’. These fundamentals are the building blocks of all athletic skills and allow every child to progress; no matter what abilities he/she first brings to class.

Self-discipline and self-confidence for your child

When you first visit a martial arts school, much of what you see may be new to you. One of the more subtle things you'll notice is the air of dignity and discipline in a class.

These traditions are not only a part of the history of martial arts, but also help to make it a special activity that retains its excitement for years. The bowing you see in class, for example, may not have much meaning on its own, but this traditional oriental greeting adds a very special air of dignity and respect.

A great example of tradition and discipline that you are probably already familiar with is the scouts. Their oath and salute would surely stand out if reviewed separately but together they enhance the total program and give it an order that allows the child to learn more in a shorter period of time.

The discipline you see in your class often turns into self-discipline outside of class. Usually, when children first start martial arts, it's the parents who love the discipline and the child who is drawn by the fun and challenge of the martial arts.

Later, after the child has acquired respect for others and most importantly himself, he will develop a sense of personal commitment. This commitment and discipline can often reflect in things he does in his everyday life. A lot of parents, for example, notice subtle changes in their children's school work, their self-control and patience with other children.

Another benefit associated with our style of training is improved self-confidence. Any child can do martial arts, all at various levels of proficiency and everyone can progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. This allows a child to gain confidence in his abilities while learning to deal effectively with peers and adults.

Learning the techniques

UK Kung Fu incorporates a variety of self-defence techniques such as kicking, blocking, striking and punching.

There are two sides to the style that make up the whole. Firstly the physical side will prepare the children with numerous ideas and concepts to develop their bodies and give them techniques that will heighten their overall awareness. This will be in the form of patterns of movement (forms), which will strengthen the body and speed up reactions. This will also be in the form of sparring using both hands and legs either together or independently. Basic punches, kicks, blocking, movement, pace, weight, control, pad work, sport arts and fighting arts, focus and feeling are just some of the ideas we teach.

Undoubtedly, this alone will give you a great understanding of self defence principles as well as conditioning the body, gaining an overall fitness and well being.

Secondly, the UK Kung Fu School will also develop mental awareness that learnt along side the physical elements creates an all round style that in part or whole appeals to everyone. With in the mental elements, the use of chi gung techniques for meditation, health and breathing are used to relax and focus our minds and bodies. To be able to focus the mind in a confrontation or in a situation of being bullied, we believe will enable a child to be better prepared. This principle applies to daily life, living in a calmer and more relaxed state.

Athletic ability increases the longer the child takes the lessons. As it does, the child's overall coordination continues to grow, as does his ability to defend himself. What begins as an odd assortment of uncoordinated movements soon turns into a knowledge of self-defence that can last a lifetime.

Getting Started

New beginners start regularly. Each new student starts slowly and progresses at his own rate of speed.

Do not be concerned if your child is a little nervous or thinks the techniques look to difficult; he will be in class with other beginners just like himself. The instructors will do everything possible to make sure this nervousness disappears as quickly as possible.

Martial arts will help give your child an edge in life

At the UK Kung Fu School, we work hard to in still in our children's program the same type of values you stress at home. Things like honesty, self discipline and self control. We also work on a number of other attributes that could really give your child an edge on life.

Our children's martial arts classes dramatically improve concentration, which often pays off in the form of better school grades. Increased coordination and balance shows up in all other activities. Self respect gives your child the confidence to face up to the many challenges he will face in the future, while the peace of mind you get from knowing he can defend himself will never go away.