Teaching Kids Martial Arts: Recommendations

With the recent push in Bullying Prevention in public schools many parents have turned to martial artists for solutions.  While martial artist fill this need I think it’s important to discuss which arts I feel are most beneficial to children.  Besides being a Full Instructor in JKD/Filipino Martial Arts, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having 5 years of Aikido training, and an additional 12 years of training in Japanese shoot wrestling I am also a child/adolescent clinical therapist.  I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and an instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention under the Crisis Prevention Institute.  I work with students who have social, emotional, and behavioral issues.  My experience in developmental psychology, violent behavior, de-escalation, and martial arts training provide me with a strong conceptual framework in adapting specific martial arts systems to needs and behavior of children.

While bullying is not the focus of this article I would like to state that martial arts by itself does not provide the skills needed for kids that experience bullying.  A strong set of social skills (awareness, using humor, self advocacy, prevention, etc.) are much more effective than any physical intervention and have been backed by evidence and research.  Martial arts can provide three elements for a child; confidence, community support, and self protection as a last resort.  Confidence coming from self accomplishments and not the abilty to fight.  Community from adults and other peers showing support and care.  Self protection from the physical aspects of training.

With so many martial art programs to choose from today we are overwhelmed with advertisements and choices to make.  Here are my recommendations based on my research, experience, and personal preferences for my own children.

Karate / Tae Kwon Do / Kung Fu / Wing Chun (Traditional Arts)

Pros: Learning forms and building on them is based on self perfection. Small  goals with lots of work effort provides accomplishments that elicit positive self esteem.  Failure is seen as practice which builds resiliency in children.  Rank systems provide a competition with ones self which strives for constant improvement.  Wearing a uniforms makes everyone “uniform,” providing a sense of equality and community.  The non physical aspects and philosophies of these arts have powerful meanings in daily life that can be transformative and life balancing. (Meditation, viewing gentleness as power, self reflection, enemy as misguided, etc.)

Cons: Techniques are based on punching and kicking which is violent for children.  Although these arts may have beneficial philosophies the nonverbal aspects of the art are usually not emphasized as much as the physical.  These arts may teach the use of fighting as a last resort but many children’s developing brains have not yet formed the complex ability to discern between concrete thoughts and abstract reasoning, making it more likely that they will act upon the primal instincts of punching and kicking than the moral instincts of walking away from a fight.  All human being specifically children will do what they rehearse most.  If you practice striking in a conflict situation then that behavior is what is reinforced during a real conflict.  These arts often use a more authoritative approach to teaching rather than a collaborative approach which increases cognitive rigidity and reduced independence and self inquiry.

Recommendation:  While their are benefits to having children participate in these arts I would not recommend them for children under 12 years old.  Exceptions can be made if the instructor of the art is unconventional and is aware of the conditions that I have addressed. (ex. Practicing the verbal skills needed in a confrontation rather than emphasizing the techniques, focus on being a better person, etc.)

Wrestling / Brazilian JiuJitsu / Judo (Grappling Arts)

Pros: Children naturally gravitate towards grappling.  A primal instinct for children to role around, jump, and play with parents is an essential part of bonding.  This provides children with a natural template for learning wrestling.  Wrestling, BJJ, and Judo (grappling arts) provide a system of self defense that is less violent than traditional arts.  There is no striking.  Grappling arts employ off balancing and holding techniques that are much safer for both individuals involved. While their is no focus on esoteric philosophies, grappling arts do push fairness and code of sportsmanship.  Grappling art techniques work in real scenarios and that effectiveness comes through with real action.  Real action or hard work builds accomplishments which in turn increases self esteem in children.  Grappling arts have no forms.  It forces children to develop their own inner game plan which helps children develop internal planning and formal thought.  Failures are seen as mistakes but recoverable mistakes which develops resiliency in children.

Cons:  Some forms of wrestling (ex. Greco Roman) and Judo involve severe throws and slams.  This can be very dangerous to a child’s fragile bone structure and developing brain. Brazilian JiuJitsu focuses on submissions and the hyper-extension of a child’s small joints is very dangerous.  Also BJJ has chokes which leads to asphyxiation or the inability for oxygen to reach the brain.

Recommendation:  Given the physical conflict situation in a child’s world, where a child has to use some physical force to defend themselves, wrestling would be a highly recommended art to apply.  A child can take down another child, hold the child in a defensive position, and call for help while maintaining control.  All this while not extensively hurting their opponent, being emotionally under control, and gaining a sense of esteem for defending oneself because the techniques taught in grappling are proven in matches.  It has been my experience that practioners of grappling arts develop and even display of emotion (not anger and not gloating) during a physical conflict situation.  The conflict is seen more as a familiar obstacle to be overcome until they are in the dominant position. Even smaller children can defend themselves effectively against a bigger child who has no grappling experience.  Most of the grappling arts can be “toned down” to de-emphasize hypertension of the limbs and and take downs that art less damaging to the opponent, all this while still maintaining the arts effectiveness.

Capoeira

Pros: Capoeira is fantastic exercise for children.  Capoeira is based on dancing movement, music, and having fun.  It develops a child’s balance, understanding of body movements, and self expression.  Capoeira is done in a group and sparring is refered to as “play.”  There is a great sense of community and belonging which is important in a child’s development.  Capoeira is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and much can be learned about the culture through participation in the art.

Cons:  During sparring sessions which is really “mimicked” sparring Capoeira movements are often wild and unpredictable which could lead to serious injury.  While Capoeira may be fun it’s effectiveness as a martial art it is questionable.  Unrealistic techniques provide false hope for real self defense.

Recommendation: I see Capoeria more as a club than a martial art.  If your looking for something fun for your child to participate in while learning a cool skill, Capoeria is a nice alternative to gymnastics, dance, or sports.  If your looking for self defense look somewhere else.

Aikido

Pros: Aikido is a “gentle” art.  It’s philosophy is deep seated in being kind and seeing the world as a place that we “all” live in.  Exposing children to philosophies that teach understanding in the face of conflict develops well balanced youth.  Aikido teaches to go with the force and to see enemies as misguided.

Cons: Aikido techniques focus on locks and throws which can be damaging to small, developing, ligaments, muscles, and bones.  Children will find that aikido techniques are very difficult to utilize in self defense situations because there is a high level of “cooperation” when practicing them.  The techniques provide a false sense of security.  During practice a child is able to throw a full grown adult with ease but unable to accomplish anything close to this in reality.

Recommendation: Aikido is great for children because it practices nonviolence and peace.  The art goes out if the way to teach how not to hurt your attacker.  I would recommend Aikido to older school aged children who are not in great need for “realistic” self defense.  It’s a beautiful art to learn.

Fencing

Pros:  Fencing is an art highly based on instinct and intelligence.  It is safe, nonviolent compared to other arts, fun, and strategic.  Engaging body and mind is highly beneficial to children.  Children learn best through “doing”  while cognitively processing the activity they are engaging in.  Fencing teaches sportsmanship, pre-planning, and fairness.  Fencing encourages self esteem, goal development, and success based on effort.

Cons:  Fencing isn’t considered “self defense,” although the principles can be used in self defense (forward shuffle, interception, poste – raposte, etc.)

Recommendation: Fencing is a really great art to teach children.  The combination of sportsmanship, strategic skill, and intellectual engagement is highly beneficial to children.  In addition it’s really fun!

MMA / Boxing / Kickboxing / Muay Thai / Jeet Kune Do / Filipino Martial Arts, Rapid Assault Tactics, Krav Maga, Reality Based Systems

* I would not recommend these arts for any child under 13.

Personally this video makes me sick!

If you agree or disagree with me I would love to hear your opinion and debate about it with you.  Please let me hear from you.  Thanks.

Instructor Chris

Smarter Self Defense
www.SmarterSelfDefense.com

If I created a pro fighter...

Reblogged from mmareportz:

I was thinking about this just now and I want to take a moment and have some fun with this. Nowadays, a fighter has to be well-rounded if he wants to succeed in the cage and one day, fight for (and win) a world title. MMA has come a long way since 1993 where it was all about being good at one thing, to the days of Pride FC where the best fighters were excellent at one particular discipline but had some functional knowledge of one or two other arts.

Read more… 112 more words

What is the perfect fighter?

JKD in a Nutshell

Here is JKD broken down for you.

Non Telegraphic Movement - not letting your opponent know when or with what tool you will be attacking with.

Strong Side Forward - We stress the use of our strongest and most coordinated weapons in the lead position.  It can do the most damange in this position.  We use the lead hand mainly for offense.

Longest Weapon To The Closest Target - We attack to the nearest target. JKD uses the lead hand for punching and the lead leg for kicking.  The majority of the time it is the lead leg (longest weapon) to the knee (closest target). The rear tools are further away and take longer to get to the target and can be countered more easily.  Applying this principle allows you to intercept!

Non Classical Movement - We do not employ the use of set or fixed training forms or patterns. They do not accurately represent realistic fight situations. We employ drills that keep the relationship between the opponents alive, fluid and mobile.

Use Of Broken Rhythm - Humans set patterns.  If you watch a fighter you will see the pattern he/she uses prior to executing a particular technique.  Fighting with broken rhythm makes you unpredictable.  It allows you to catch your opponent when they are not set, thus making it harder for them to defend or counter your attack.  For example, speed up suddenly, slow down suddenly, and/or insert a brief pause or delay in the series of movements. In counter attacking, you can hit on the half-beat to break an opponent’s rhythm and interrupt their attack. If you hit the opponent before he completes the first strike, you’ve hit on the half-beat.

Adaptability - Fights are abstract and are constantly changing. One must be able to adapt to these changing situations. You cannot be bound by a “system.” You must be free to use whatever works and to express yourself without limitations.  Can you fighting standing up, on the ground, off a chair, with a knife, with a stick, two opponents, with a hurt hand, in a suit, etc.

Use Of Feints and False Attacks - Feints are actions that make an opponent think an attack is being launched against them. The object is to divert their attention from your final or intended point of attack. False attacks are intentionally made to fall short of a target and to draw a defensive reaction from the opponent. This will help you discover how they will react to your movements and is a set up for other types of attacks.

Interception - Your opponents forward movement provides you with the opportunity to hit him first by intercepting his forward movement.  This is best accomplished by controlling the distance so your opponent has to move towards you to get to you. The interception is a defensive situation with an offensive tool.  Your defense is your offense.

Centerline - Imagine a line  that runs down the center of your body.  Your eyes, nose, chin, throat, solar plexus, groin, and balance run along this imaginary line.  The goal is to occupy your opponents center line while simultaneously defending your own.  Strikes going down the centerline are difficult to see and defend against.

Alive Footwork - Footwork helps you deliver your weapons more efficiently.  It also is your major defensive tool.  It can put you in a position to hit, or it can take you out of position from being hit. Distance, rhythm and timing are controlled with footwork, which should always be alive, fluid and mobile.

Focus on Low Line Kicking - High kicks are slower, easier to defend, more telegraphic and you need to be very limber to execute them. Low line kicks to the groin, knee and shin are quite effective and much safer to execute. They are also faster, harder to defend, less telegraphic and your balance is not as compromised.  You wouldn’t punch someone in the foot for the same reasons you wouldn’t kick to the head.

The Five Ways of Attack -  In JKD we classify them as:

Single Direct Attack/Single Angulated Attack - SDA is a single motion which moves with no effort to conceal it, directly to the target on the most economical route. SAA is an attack that is launched from an unanticipated angle that is achieved by moving in such a way as to create an open line into which to strike.  Ex. Bolo punch or shovel hook.

Attack by Combination - An offensive attack made up of two or more movements in a natural progression that lands on single or multiple targets. Attack combinations can be comprised of hand to hand, hand to foot, foot to hand and foot to foot strikes.

Attack by Drawing - The goal when using attack by drawing is to “draw” the opponent into a committed attack by baiting them into what looks like an exposed target.  Doing so give you the opportunity to easily counter. 

Progressive Indirect Attack - You use an initial false attack or feint to draw some type of defensive reaction from your opponent. After you get the attempted block or parry you deceive that defensive motion by quickly shifting lines and hitting to an open target. Progressive means you will cover at least half the distance between you and your opponent by moving forward on the initial false attack. Indirect means to hit your intended target by indirectly attacking another target first. 

Hand Immobilization Attack - Taken originally from Wing Chun and later modified, “trapping” is an effective tool against systems that block first, then hit. This is an attack that will momentarily immobilize or “trap” one or both of the opponent’s arms, allowing you to strike into an open line. Any attempt to tie up your opponents hands is consider immobilizing.

Funny Martial Arts: Tennis Ball + Groin = Pain!

 

Instructor Chris
Smarter Self Defense

www.SmarterSelfDefense.com

Funny Martial Arts: Funny JKD

 

Instructor Chris
Smarter Self Defense

www.SmarterSelfDefense.com

Rapid Assault Tactics

Put this together. Tell me what you think?

Bruce Lee’s “Counter Time”: A Cousin of the Interception

JKD practicioners are well versed in the concept of Bruce lee’s Incerception.  Even the average classical martial artist may know about Bruce’s ideas on interception, but how many of you have heard Bruce speak of “Counter-Time.”

Before I plunge into the concept of Counter-Time (CT) let me establish two other JKD concepts associated with CT that Bruce wrote about extensively; Interception and Riposte.

Interception – an interception is a method in which your opponent moves towards you and with the correct timing you are able to make contact or “intercept” your opponents movement (and thought) by suddenly moving forward with an attack. Bruce states it as ”When the distance is wide, the attacking opponent requires some sort of preparation. Therefore, attack him on his preparation of attack; To reach me, you must move to me. Your attack offers me an opportunity to intercept you.”  This means intercepting an opponent’s attack with an attack of your own instead of a passive block.  Hence the name Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist).  It is a strategy Bruce picked up in wing chun, as well as European épée fencing.

Riposte

Riposte is a fencing term.  The riposte is an offensive action with the intent of hitting one’s opponent, made by the fencer who has just parried an attack.  Often put in combination as parry then riposte (parry and then immediate attack) all in one fluent motion.  Bruce utilized this motion with his lead right hand against the lead attacking punch or rear attacking punch.  It is very fast!  It’s almost as if he draws you in so he can parry and hit you back.

Counter Time

Counter time is intercepting the attempted interception.  It consists of drawing a stop-hit, parrying it and countering with a riposte.  Take for example your movement towards an opponent.  This forward movement may draw them to intercept with a lead jab for instance.  If you do not fully commit your motion forward and are aware that your opponent will fully commit with a jab you are in a position to counter-time his jab by intercepting yourself or by riposting.  Bruce states it as such “In counter-time the artis draws the counter attack by one of the various me and at his disposal, i.e., step forward, beat, take the hand.  Then he will attack with a lunge after having parried, beaten, or taken the hand (hand immobilization).”  Counter-time is the ultimate chess game in fighting.  You bait your opponent into acting so you can take advantage of it.

 

Here’s how to practice:

1.  Student stamps foot to indicate a false attack.

2.  Teacher stamps forward to indicate his interception.

3.  Student intercepts teachers forward movement or parry’s forward movement and ripostes.

Instructor Chris

Smarter Self Defense
www.SmarterSelfDefense.com