Kung Fu vs. Padel Lessons in Amsterdam

The popularity of padel lessons in Amsterdam has increased enormously recently. Therefore, we find it interesting to explore whether there are similarities between padel and Kung Fu and what the major differences are. But first to the basics, because where does the sport come from and what are the main elements of the sport? Padel is a relatively new sport and originated in Mexico in the 1970s, invented by a wealthy businessman. Because he did not have enough space at home to place a tennis court, he invented a similar sport. The field was smaller than a tennis court and therefore he decided to play with a wooden racket instead of a tennis racket. The sport is a combination of tennis and squash and is always played with four players.

Both Kung Fu and padel lessons in Amsterdam are suitable for children and can be played from the age of 4. Both sports pay attention to the motor development of the child. In padel, the focus, especially in the first years, is on hand-eye coordination. Kung Fu improves children’s motor skills in a playful way, for example by jumping over sticks or rolling under each other. In addition, both sports also pay attention to cooperation. Cooperation is ‘key’ during playing padel for improving performance. This cooperation also improves the child’s communication skills. Cooperation in Kung Fu is reflected in the form of complex exercises where children must work together to successfully complete the exercise.

The only way to find out which sport suits your child better is to let your child try it out. You can also, as a parent, think about which skills you find important for your child. For example, padel helps increase your child’s spatial awareness and teaches your child to think strategically. Kung Fu, on the other hand, pays more attention to the inner aspect of your child. Perseverance, practicing body language, and self-confidence, as well as attention to self-defense and anti-bullying.

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. That is why at KEI Kung Fu we advise starting Kung Fu before this age, from their 4th year. In this way, we influence the unconscious of the child 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. That is why at the monkeys 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, because 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, among other things.

Want your child to get acquainted with Kung Fu? Sign up for a free trial lesson at KEI Kung Fu Amsterdam!

KEI Kung Fu wants everyone to get to know the Academy in Amsterdam and Kung Fu, which is why we offer free trial lessons. Are you unsure about Kung Fu or padel lessons in Amsterdam for your child? Then read on and find out which skills your child learns through Kung Fu.

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