| Sometimes, young kids may express an interest | | | | class moving with rigid movements based on the |
| in martial arts. To foster this strong interest, | | | | instructions of the chief instructor. This can |
| parents must first understand what martial arts is | | | | sometimes improving overall fitness. But the |
| all about before sending their children to classes. In | | | | practicality of such training methods is often |
| today's society, there are many different forms | | | | questioned. |
| of martial arts that are available to the general | | | | This is because by nature, martial arts is |
| public. Ideally, parents must have a basic | | | | supposed to be fluid. Just observe a sparring |
| understanding of each of these art forms before | | | | session. A sparring session may involve punches |
| being able to make an informed decision. | | | | and kicks but the various movements are often |
| Martial arts is about self-defense and improving | | | | combined into fluid movements. Very seldom do |
| overall health. However, note that the both are | | | | you see someone spar with a rigid body. |
| very different when it comes to practice. If you | | | | A new form of martial art has been gaining |
| are primarily training for overall health, then it is | | | | popularity in the US as it involves a completely |
| alright to not focus so much on techniques that | | | | new system that is rarely seen in the country. |
| involve defending and attacking. Many movements | | | | Understanding that there is a need for the |
| allow an individual to engage in stretching and | | | | movements to be fluid, this new form of martial |
| moving in a way that improves overall health. This | | | | art completely ignored techniques and replaced |
| is a major benefit for attending kung fu lessons. | | | | them with free flowing drills. The official label for |
| However, if you are trying for self-defense, then | | | | this system is "systema", which stands for "the |
| you must make sure that you defenses and | | | | system" in Russian. The primary purpose of these |
| attacks are effective. In other words, a lot more | | | | drills is to improve the timing and coordination skills |
| focus, concentration and effort is put on | | | | of the children. In a real fight, timing and |
| improving overall power, practical techniques and | | | | coordination is crucial! |
| situational awareness. | | | | Because there are no rigid techniques taught in a |
| As internal martial arts involve earning how to use | | | | systema program, children are more free to |
| the body to its maximum potential, it is always | | | | explore the various movements. They also tend |
| better to send a child for classes while they are | | | | to enjoy the classes more since they are not |
| still young. Their young bodies can quickly develop | | | | burdened by having to memorize difficult moves. |
| good posture, movement and proper breathing | | | | Of course, in a full-fledged kung fu class for |
| habits that will serve them well in whatever they | | | | adults, you would expect to learn every lethal |
| do in life. They will also learn how to deal with | | | | move there is in the book. However, for children |
| stress a pressure in a safe and fun environment. | | | | classes, these lethal moves are not so |
| This allows them focus achieving their goals while | | | | appropriate. Hence, they are removed. Instead, |
| avoiding many of the health problems that most | | | | the kids program focuses on improving the overall |
| adults face due to stressful careers. | | | | foundation of the body, and perfection the timing |
| During your research phase, you may come | | | | and movement skills that are crucial in any high |
| across many different forms of kung fu and | | | | level martial art. Your child will certainly enjoy such |
| karate. Traditional forms are often too focused | | | | a program! |
| on techniques and katas. You will witness an entire | | | | |