Kung Fu classes vs. Hockey classes in Amsterdam

Kung Fu and hockey classes in Amsterdam are both very popular sports for (young) children. However, we encourage starting Kung Fu at a young age. For the child’s own development, it is important to first focus on the basics. This includes learning to express yourself verbally, learning to control your body, and developing self-confidence and discipline. Aspects that receive little to no attention during hockey training.

The danger of team sports is that a more insecure child disappears into the group and is overshadowed by overconfident children, especially if a child has not yet well developed these basic skills. With Kung Fu as a foundation, children can also apply the learned skills if they later, or simultaneously, want to practice other (team) sports.

Experience the art of Kung Fu? Sign up for a free trial class at KEI Kung Fu Amsterdam!

Prefer Kung Fu classes or hockey classes in Amsterdam? KEI Kung Fu wants everyone to get to know the Academy in Amsterdam and Kung Fu, therefore we offer free trial classes. Are you unsure about a trial class for your child? Then read on and find out what advantages Kung Fu classes offer compared to hockey and other sports.

At KEI Kung Fu we start from within and the focus is not only on the physical, external element

What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu is an ancient martial art originating from China. Contrary to popular belief, Kung Fu was not developed by the monks in Shaolin. However, these monks did have a positive influence on it. For the monks, three pillars were always central to their way of life, and these three pillars still form the basis at KEI Kung Fu today: balance between mind, body, and spirit.

With the arrival of Chinese people in Europe, and of course through the fame of Bruce Lee and his teacher Yip Man, Kung Fu has become an integral part of the Western world as well. A popular style within Kung Fu is Wing Chun, characterized by short and fast movements. Legend has it that Mrs. Yim Wing Chun developed this style for physically less strong people. The style is suitable for everyone, regardless of age and gender. Learn to know and control your own body to defeat stronger opponents.

Development of life skills at KEI Kung Fu in Amsterdam

Children become more aware of their body and movements around the age of 6. Therefore, at KEI Kung Fu, we advise starting Kung Fu before this age, from their 4th year. In this way, we influence the child’s unconscious and create certain physical habits that, as a child grows older, become automatisms. We make them unconsciously competent.

It is important that young children (4 to 6 years) enjoy Kung Fu. Therefore, at the monkeys class, we focus on physically strengthening children in a playful way, unlike traditional Kung Fu. For older children (6 to 11 years), the focus is on other elements, as children of this age are capable of learning more complex movements. During the lessons, the focus is on the development of discipline, self-confidence, and improving verbal skills.

The relationship between Kung Fu and hockey

Although Kung Fu and hockey seem to have little in common, there is certainly a connection between the two sports. This connection mainly lies in the fact that a child who plays hockey benefits greatly from training with Kung Fu.

Strong posture, self-confidence, and explosiveness

Both in hockey lessons in Amsterdam and in Kung Fu, a lot of contact is made. And although the type of contact is not the same, Kung Fu makes a child stronger as a soccer player. We work with children on their posture and teach them to stand firmly on their legs, an element useful both as a defender and attacker.

Additionally, there is the mental aspect. Children develop more self-control, self-confidence, and perseverance through Kung Fu. Skills that also come in handy on the hockey field when a child is not playing their best game or gets into conflict with another child.

Finally, there is explosiveness, or the use of your body energy. On the hockey field, this energy must be used for a quick sprint. During a Kung Fu lesson, this energy is needed for the short and fast movements that characterize Kung Fu. By using your breathing correctly, a child can improve their endurance. Again, a skill that can be applied during hockey by practicing Kung Fu.

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