Creating a system for categorising martial arts games for kids
I often hear of coaches talking about fun martial arts games or karate games for kids. A common theme is when one coach talks about…
Is strength training for children healthy?
When anyone mentions strength training for children some coaches will get a picture in their head of a young child trying to use the weights…
Lil Dragon vs Skillz VS MAPLE
Introduction Children’s martial arts programmes have been available since around the year 2000 when Melody Johnson (was Shuman) introduced her Little Ninja’s programme and Kimber…
12 benefits of having a childrens martial arts programme?
I put a lot of the success of our clubs down to having a great childrens martial arts programme. When we first moved our small…
FUNdamental Movement Skills for children’s martial arts
Often abbreviated to FMS, FUNdamental Movement Skills describe the ability to move the body in specific patterns using different body parts. They cover both gross…
Gradings for young children in martial arts – are you comparing apples with oranges?
We all want the best for our young ninjas but how do gradings help us develop the children? Developing their skills, physical abilities and positive…
Do stickers motivate children if used as a reward in your children’s martial arts classes?
The answer to the question in the headline is ‘Of course they do, they motivate children to want stickers’. Though the answer to the question…
The curse of knowledge – the presumption of foundational skills and understanding
The Curse of Knowledge is when we make decisions based on the presumption of prior knowledge. While this can often happen when we are working…
Martial Arts School, Club, Academy Or Children’s Development Centre?
Do you call your martial arts service a school, a club, an academy, a children’s development centre? Do you want to be classed as ‘School’?…
What is MAPLE?
MAPLE stands for Martial Arts Physical Literacy Engine and is the framework Coach Phill Payne has been working on for over a decade. The term…