Kung Fu classes for children boost self-confidence

From what age can children start Kung Fu? If you ask the owner and Sifu Lai-Wing Hau, the answer is: as early as possible. By making children unconsciously skilled, they develop life skills. Skills that are not taught in school but are very important building blocks for your child’s development. In this article, we explain more about these life skills and how KEI Kung Fu teaches these life skills to young children.

Kung Fu lessons for children: making them unconsciously skilled

Children become more aware of their body and movements around the age of 6. That is why at KEI Kung Fu we advise starting Kung Fu before this age, from 4 years old. This way, we influence the unconscious of the child and create certain physical habits that, as the child grows older, become automatisms. We make them unconsciously skilled. Think of a correct posture, proper breathing, and healthy motor skills. Schools pay little to no attention to this, which is why at KEI Kung Fu we find it all the more important to focus on it indeed.

Kung Fu Monkeys: 4 to 5 years

“Teaching little children is wonderful because young kids enjoy learning through play, especially in a group,” says Lai-Wing. It is also important that children enjoy Kung Fu. In the Monkeys class, children unconsciously improve their mental and physical strength. Additionally, we work playfully on their focus, discipline, and verbal and non-verbal expression. The big difference compared to traditional Kung Fu is fun. Think of a push-up position where children have to crawl under one by one. Other examples are listening games or helping each other with somersaults. Children think they are playing, but unconsciously we make them stronger and improve their motor skills.

Kung Fu Crane: 6 to 8 years

“At this age, the focus is on different elements because these children are conscious; they are really going to learn.” Lai-Wing emphasizes that these children are capable of learning more complex movements, the so-called life skills. The lessons focus on discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Forms, partner exercises, and repetitions are the best tools for developing these aforementioned life skills. At KEI Kung Fu, we always stress how important it is to start developing discipline as early as possible. The older children get, the more time you have to invest to achieve the same effect.

Increasing children’s respect and self-confidence

Other important elements of Kung Fu that deserve special attention in the lessons at KEI Kung Fu are developing self-confidence, self-control, respect, and verbal skills. Skills that help children throughout their lives in, for example, work, school, social situations, or conflicts.

By gradually putting children in front of the group to demonstrate an exercise, we teach children to use their voice and develop self-confidence. We always use the ‘praise-correct-praise’ principle. We give compliments when students show good behavior and correct when we see areas for improvement.

“Respect, as many may know, plays a prominent role in Chinese culture. We therefore incorporate this element into the lessons by asking questions. We expect a clear answer, ‘Yes, sifu’ or ‘No, sifu’. Besides respect, children also learn here again to use their voice and body posture properly.” – Lai-Wing, owner KEI Kung Fu

Team sports vs. individual sport: Kung Fu offers individual attention and growth

Children want to play, so it is understandable that team sports like soccer, hockey, or basketball are popular. However, the danger of team sports is that a more insecure child disappears into the group and is overshadowed by overconfident children.

“It is important to first lay the foundation and focus on the child’s own development. Think of learning to express yourself verbally, learning to control your body, and building self-confidence. All skills that are very important for later,” says Lai-Wing.

Additionally, you deal with different positions, such as attackers vs. defenders in traditional team sports. In Kung Fu, everyone is equal, allowing each child to come into their own. Of course, we do not want to discourage team sports for children. We mainly want to emphasize that getting to know your body is fundamental in a child’s development. Kung Fu helps with this by consciously controlling your body. A skill children can use later, or simultaneously, when practicing other (team) sports.

Want your child to get acquainted with the playful learning of KEI Kung Fu? Come by for an introduction or register your child for a free trial lesson.