Judo is one the best martial arts for children to develop their balance, control, and mental toughness
It features spectacular throws and some ground fighting as well.
Kids Judo classes
Judo is one of the best martial arts for children. Kids in martial arts frequently learn how to punch and kick in their classes. However, in many of the self-defense situations that your kids will face in their life, the most frequent type of attack is going to be where the bully tries to tackle them to the ground.
Why is this? In my opinion, it is because most kids do not know how to punch and when they fight they do what is most instinctual, which is to grapple.
This is where the Japanese art of Judo comes into play. Judo is an excellent self-defense art to use against someone rushing at you. Learning to grapple is important if you want your child to be prepared in a self-defense situation.
Actually, balance is required in all forms of martial arts, but in judo it is essential and it is the first thing taught to beginner students.
There's a competitive aspect to Judo that kids love
Judo will also give your child an opportunity to test their skills against a resisting opponent. Free practice, also known as Randori is a wrestling match between students.
Both kids are trying their best to throw and not be thrown. There are a winner and a loser. When martial arts becomes competitive, I see it as an opportunity to teach all of the life skills that martial arts are supposed to teach.
Judo teaches mental toughness
For example, one of the things your child will learn is how to be mentally tough. They have to be able to get up after a fall and try again.
This type of fortitude and perseverance is invaluable in today's society.
Being humble in victory and gracious in defeat
Another great lesson we teach at our martial arts school in how to be humble when winning a match and how to be gracious when losing. I know that these things can also be taught when doing team sports but when it is a personal experience like it is in martial arts, I think it has a lot more impact.
Judo is very similar to Jujitsu
In Judo kids are not allowed to armbar or choke until they are 13 but under jujitsu rules, they can use submissions even at an early age.
Under Jujitsu rules, all of Judo's throws are permitted. In fact, they even allow take-downs from Greco Roman wrestling, Sambo, Silat, or any type of grappling martial arts. The different rules exist to make each sport unique.
In Judo the emphasis is on getting the takedown or throw and the referee will stand up the athletes if they are both on the ground and not progressing. In Jujitsu the emphasis is on gaining an advantageous position and keeping control over an opponent.
Judo training gives your child balance
A whole lot of fitness classes focus on brute strength, but in Judo, balance is your secret weapon.
Actually, balance is required in all forms of martial arts, but in judo it is essential and it is the first thing taught to beginner students.
Your child will learn that control beats brute strength
Judo is known as the gentle art. The principle of throwing a person in Judo is that all of the throws require that your child is in the correct position in order to throw.
The use of brute force will not make the throw work. It is only through the precise execution of the technique that it will work.
Each throw in Judo requires balance, coordination and timing
In fact 100% of the throws in Judo will actually not work in a competitive situation without the correct timing.
When your child learns this concept, that is when they begin to learn how to use the opponent's movement and direction against them. What this all means is that although there is a strength and size are factors in winning a match, those are not the ONLY factors that will ultimately get the throw.
Instead, a smaller Judo player can and will throw a larger and physically stronger opponent by using their intelligence, timing, reflexes, and experience.
Judo requires thinking
In other words, the more observant and focused the judo student is, the more they will begin to win regardless of their size or strength.
The mental part of training therefore is the most important factor in any Judo match.
Your child will realize that having control over his own mind is of the utmost importance. The more that they focus and concentrate the more successful they will be at Judo.
Your child will learn the benefit of being completely present at the moment.
Teamwork is a big part of our learning Judo
Judo, in particular, depends upon practice with a partner. It is almost impossible to practice Judo without actually lifting another person off the mat. This partner work is what makes Judo very teamwork-oriented while at the same time also be about the skill of the individual.
Your child learns that when throwing a person the objective is not to drive their opponents head into the mat but rather to have them land safely on their back. Judo emphasizes both consideration and respect for your opponent.
Your child will become mentally tough through healthy competition
In fact 100% of the throws in Judo will actually not work in a competitive situation without the correct timing.
This will also give your child an opportunity to test their skills against a resisting opponent. Judo is a competitive martial art, the objective in Judo is to off-balance your opponent and execute a throw or take-down.
Free practice, also known as Randori is a wrestling match between students. Both kids are trying their best to throw and not be thrown. There are a winner and a loser.
Because Judo is a competitive sport, there is a winner and a loser every-time you step into a match. Judo teaches you to win with humility and lose with grace.
When martial arts becomes competitive, I see it as an opportunity to teach all of the life skills that martial arts are supposed to teach.
Everyone reacts differently to winning and losing. The right way to look at the competitive aspect Judo is to know that every loss is a chance to learn. It should teach you that the more you stick with it the more you start to win.
Losing is motivation as well. Losing a match is some potent fuel for training harder the next time you step on to the mats.
They have to be able to get up after a fall and try again. This type of fortitude and perseverance is invaluable in today’s society.
Learn how to fall and roll safely
Falling without getting injured is very important when learning Judo. Judo is competitive. When the kids start to throw each other around it can either be very fun or very scary. Depending on how comfortable you are with your break falling skills. In our Kids Judo Classes, we tend to take things rather slowly because we really want to see kids feel positive about Judo rather than scared.
Some of the things your child will learn in Judo classes are:
These are some of the concepts and drill we teach in Judo 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: Yes, the class is held on Friday evenings at 6 p.m. Hoever, we also do Judo in regular kids class.
Interested in just Judo?
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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Instructor Kevin was very patient and always made sure my son was never discouraged.
"My son joined Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy in March 2017. He had no martial arts experience.
When my son first started in the kid's judo classes, he did not know how to do any rolls properly. He was also afraid to fall. In the beginning, he'd complain about the warm-up part of the class. However, Instructor Kevin was very patient and always made sure he was never discouraged. Instructor Kevin would remind the children that if they stuck with it, the breakfall and rolling part of their warm-up will become easier.
After a year, his skills have improved. Yes, the warm-ups (rolls and breakfalls) are no longer a problem for my child. He is also more confident when falling.
I like the atmosphere at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy. It is a positive one and they are really great at teaching children."
Dylan T.
Parent
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I am always impressed with the teaching skills of the instructors.
"My husband and I were looking for kids judo classes for our son. We searched the web and came across the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy's website.
After reading through the site, we decided to take the next step. We called and made an appointment for our son to try a class. Instructor Kevin & Instructor Renee are very nice and welcoming. After the trial class, my son wanted to come back.
My son likes it and enjoys the "randori" part of class. I am always impressed with the teaching skills of the instructors.
Their ability to teach the Judo throws to the kids is amazing. My son really enjoys coming to class. He is always smiling and eager to learn the next throw/technique taught in class. We are happy to be a part of this school."