Why Kali, Escrima, Arnis kids classes are great for building children's hand & eye coordination
The real value of Kali, Escrima, Arnis Kids class is the empty hand coordination that it imparts to your child. They will never fight with sticks, but sticks are just a small part of Kali training.
Kali, Escrima, Arnis for kids
If you have not had any experience with the Filipino martial arts, you might think that it is a worthless skill to be proficient with weaponry in today's society.
After all, no one is ever going to attack you with a sword, right?
Of course your child will never fight anyone with a stick or sword, but we don't train in weapons to be able to defend against a weapon attack.
So why train in kids with weapons?
Consistency is key
So often students quit before having made any progress class. Or sometimes they deceive themselves into thinking I got my first belt, now I can quit. It is only through rigorous and ongoing training that people see the benefits in their lives.
Gaining benefits like self-discipline, flexibility, and focus is part of gaining skill in martial arts. You gain these things incrementally over time. If you just improve 1% per day you are well above average and on your way to becoming a phenomenal martial artist.
The value of the Filipino martial arts
The real value of weapons training is the empty hand coordination that it imparts to the student.
When children are forced to hold sticks in their hands and strike with the correct rhythm, timing and distancing it forces them to have high levels of hand-eye coordination.
They will improve their strength
Lastly, sticks develops their overall arm strength. It is the equivalent of shadowboxing with 1lbs. weights wrapped around your child's wrists.
When they start in boxing or kung fu I've noticed that the kids who have done weapon work have twice the hand speed of other kids. In fact, I myself noticed a dramatic increase in my own hand speed when I started working with weapons.
It's the perfect thing to have your child be highly coordinated.
3 years of incremental progress
Seeing your progress in martial arts is like seeing your kids grow. You don't realize how much they have grown until you look back on some old video footage.
Here we have my daughter Kaitlyn who as you can see was a beginner in Kali, Escrima, Arnis kids class way back in 2011.
You can then see her 3 years later.
Since 2011, my daughter Kaitlyn has been training CONSISTENTLY every Friday and Saturday. In case you missed it, the main word in that sentence is consistently.
This particular drill is called Lock and Block. It uses defenses vs. the (Espada y Daga) or stick and knife attacks. The fluidity and striking ability came with many repetitions and is now part of her overall style.
Why do weapons training?
The other day, a parent of one of our students came up to us asking about our recommendation on what class his son should attend.
We started to tell him about the Kali, Escrima, Arnis Kids classes when he interrupted us and said "I don't really want him taking that class because I would rather he learn something practical."
This is totally understandable.
You see...
In the classes, we have students start by learning to use two rattan sticks at the same time. He thought that this was very impractical in terms of useful self-defense, Yet he failed to realize that double stick work teaches both rhythm and coordination.
Some of the things you will learn in Kali, Escrima, and Arnis Class are:
These are some of the concepts and drill we teach in FMA class.
FAQ
We've tried to answer any questions you might have but if we've missed something you can always call us at 702-336-1095.
Answer: We accept kids as young as 4 years old for the kid's class. However, children mature at different speeds. Some children might be ready at 4 while others might need to wait a little longer. We do have a class specifically for kids ages 3-4 called the Tiny Tots that might be more appropriate.
Answer: Yes, of course. You and your child are welcome to observe or even try a class. Please contact us at 702-336-1095 to schedule an appointment to come in. The trial class is free.
Answer: Wear comfortable clothing. Wearing flip-flops or sandals are the easiest. Students cannot footwear on our mats. In addition, Students cannot be barefoot off the mats. Also, bring along a water bottle.
Answer:You can checkout our class schedule here: https://www.lvshaolin.com/schedule/
Answer: As much as possible! And here’s some great news for you: we designed our class schedule to accommodate the needs of today's families. Most families come twice a week. However, Some kids like the class so much they are here daily. Check out the class schedule here: https://www.lvshaolin.com/schedule/
Answer: You can check out the prices for our classes here: https://www.lvshaolin.com/prices/
Answer: Our program is on-going. In other words, you can start at anytime.
Answer: Of course! Enrolling in martial arts will help your child with coordination, flexibility, agility, and strength. The whole point is to get them to be athletic.
Answer: Yes, we highly recommend you practicing with your child at home. In fact, coming here is similar to taking your child to piano lessons. Would you have your child go to piano lessons, then not have them practice at home? How will your child remember what they've learned? One thing's for sure, home practice is the best way to retain and perfect what they have learned in class.
And best of all…
Home practice doesn't need to be an hour. In fact, 10-15 minutes of home practice per day is sufficient.
Answer: of course! Our instructors are skilled in taking basic movements and turning them into fun and challenging drills. In fact, what would normally be seen as hard work (like exercise) can be camouflaged into something fun and playful. For example, we have kids doing partner drills, animal warm-ups, and practicing with a pair of punching/kicking mitts. Classes are always a blast.
Answer: Yes, it is! Reality is, martial arts classes are not just for boys. We have a good mix of girls and boys in our martial arts classes! Surprisingly, some people think that boys are much more coordinated and faster learners. The truth is, girls are just as coordinated, capable, and mentally tough as any boy.
Answer: Absolutely. Kids who are shy or has low self-esteem often come out of their shells. the point is, we teach kids how to be confident in many different ways. In truth, your child's confidence increases with each belt promotion, or each time they answer a question correctly, or when an instructor gives them a praise. Obviously, instilling confidence in a child is not an easy task, but we've done it time and time again.
Answer: Usually, if your child is enrolled in a trial program, they can borrow our equipment. However, if you are going to stick with it, after the trial program is done, then you should get your own equipment. Good news! Everything you need can be purchased here at our martial arts studio.
Answer: Yes, belt testing fees are $55 per student. Usually, belt testing is held twice a year in April and October.
Answer: Martial arts classes at our school is a safe activity. However, martial arts (like any other sport) has various risks and dangers. We always try to be safe and do what we can to prevent injuries. Kids in football or soccer are more prone to having injuries than a child enrolled in martial arts. Most situations that can cause injuries can be eliminated with a culture of safety.
We remind the kids to practice self-control when executing a punch or kick. Because of the emphasis on self-control, our kid's classes are safe and fun. From the beginning to the end of the class, the instructors are always keeping an eye on everything that goes on. Of course, like in any contact sport, occasional bumps and bruises are possible, but we work our hardest to make sure that they are very rare.
Answer: No, the kids learn this in regular kids class
Interested in just Kali?
Most people who just want their kids to learn just one style usually don't mesh well with the culture here. We always emphasize that all styles have limitations. Keep an open mind.
Here’s what people are saying about our school.
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The changes in her life have been nothing but positive.
Thank you for your help with Ani.
The changes in her life have been nothing but positive. In the beginning, we weren't too sure whether she would like it or not. Well since then, she has developed such a passion for the art of kung fu, that she looks forward to it every training session. Not to mention that she can't stop talking about it as well. She has also mentioned that one day she hopes to be like Lucy Liu. Thank you so much for everything the two of you have done for her The honor is ours... "
Jeff & Vanessa Quenga
Parents
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I have never felt safe leaving my child anywhere but with the Kawada's, there's never a question.
To: The Kung Fu Academy,
He has learned a wonderful new sport and something he will cherish with love, passion, and dedication for a lifetime. I always would worry, as a typical mother does, if my son were to come against danger how would he defend himself?!
He has learned more in 7 months than I have learned in a lifetime. He loves that it's simply not just martial arts or Kung Fu, there's more to it than that. I could go on and on about the skills forever! I can't wait for him to teach me. How wonderful! BUT.. even more than this we gained a family and friends.
I have never felt safe leaving my child anywhere but with the Kawada's, there's never a question. I am so sorry we had to move but if and when we ever reside, here again, I know where my son will be.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!