Training in any martial art but especially Shaolin Gong Fu is
unlike any other activity your children will ever undertake. It requires the
student to develop physically (Technique, Power, Flexibility, and Stamina) and
spiritually (discipline, confidence, self-awareness, control, respect for
others and ourselves). For young children (6-12) in the western world
environment (US, UK, EU etc.) is impossible to devise a curriculum that covers
all these areas.
The “Preparation”
class offered by the Shaolin Temple UK – Cambridge Branch class focuses only on
the following.
1. Techniques
a.
5 traditional stances
b.
1 small form
c.
Correct Fighting Stance
d.
Hand and Leg exercises to prepare students for
punching/kicking/defence movements
2. Power
a.
Speed & Jumping Drills
3. Discipline, Self-Awareness, Confidence
a.
5 min Mediation/Relaxation to finish the class
b.
Breathing exercises as resting breaks
In all these areas we will use traditional techniques, games
and mind-games so the children enjoy the class and slowly become accustomed to
train at the level required to improve and get stronger and more confident. Every
child is different so it is difficult to predict in advance how long it will
take a student of this age to be able to move to the next level. In our
experience 2-3 terms is the average. Children who progress well will be
required to demonstrate to the teacher and their parents what they have learnt
in order to advance to the next level. When children in the Cambridge class
qualify to train in the “Foundation”
class we will expand this note to cover the level. In the meantime please do not
hesitate to contact us with any questions.
How to help your child improve:
ü Ask him/her which exercise they found easier to
do. Suggest going out in the garden and practice or show the exercise to you so
you can practice too!!
ü
Ask him/her which exercise they think they could
not do very well. What do they think they did wrong? Can they try slowly to do
it correctly? Alternatively encourage them to ask the teacher next time for
help.
Basil Hartzoulakis (PhD) – Shaolin Temple UK - Cambridge Branch Coach