Kung Fu vs. Soccer Lessons in Amsterdam

Kung Fu and soccer lessons 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 soccer 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.

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 with its origins in China. Contrary to what people often think, Kung Fu was not developed by the monks in Shaolin. However, these monks did have a positive influence. 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 now become indispensable in 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. Get 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 able to learn more complex movements. During the lessons, the focus is on the development of discipline, self-confidence and improving verbal skills, among other things.

The relationship between Kung Fu and football

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

Strong posture, self-confidence and explosiveness

Both in football 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 football player. We work with children on their posture and teach them to stand firmly on their legs, an element that can be used well both as a defender and as an attacker.

In addition, 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 football 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 football field, this 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, you can improve your endurance as a child. Again, a skill that can be applied during football by practicing Kung Fu.

Experience the art of 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 football lessons in Amsterdam for your child? Then read on and find out what advantages Kung Fu lessons offer compared to football or other sports.

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