Understanding the Intellectual Needs of children aged 7 to 14 years old when teaching Martial Arts. A parents guide to TMA Classes

Children learn and grow in stages, some children either accelerate compared to their peers, or are growing at a slower pace than normal, therefore it is hard to pinpoint the exact ages and stages of development. However, Tring Martial Arts Academy instructors are trained in the various stages and levels of child development and recognise through our experience since 2005 that child growth and development can be categorizes into four main age groups. The four age groups are: 3 & 4 year olds 5 & 6 year olds 7 to 9 year olds 10 to 14 year olds Within each age group, children show growth and development in four fundamental categories: Physical Intellectual Emotional Social Within each category, children show distinct characteristics that define their stage of development. That’s where Tring Martial Arts Instructors can help. We can help a child to foster proper growth and development because we understand what to expect, and what-not to expect in each particular category, and in turn helping them to learn and grow in a more age-appropriate manner. We use various skills, games, instruction and learning methodologies honed over more than a decade of martial arts instruction to foster a greater sense of achievement within each child, empowering them with the right tools for growth, rewarding them for their efforts and allowing parents and carers to understand that they are continuing to learn despite their individual development needs. This blog article will discuss the Physical Education of children aged 7 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years old. 7 to 9 Years Old Children They are extremely bright, but they typically have a hard-time concentrating during distractions. OUR EXPECTATIONS – we expect that this age group at some points during our classes will: Initially lose focus if there are other, more “interesting” things going on around them Lose focus on things or commands that go over their head Forget simple commands mainly because they try to “over-think” the activity OUR GOALS in each class are that the children should: Demonstrate CONCENTRATION by focusing on the task at hand despite other distractions Not giving up on tasks that initially appear difficult Retain simple information without trying to put excessive thought into it 10 to 14 Years Old Children They are extremely smart, their critical thinking skills are top-notch, but their decision-making skills are typically the exact opposite, and is why most adults treat them like a child. OUR EXPECTATIONS – we expect that this age group at some points during our class will: Hold back on intellectual challenges that are either too easy or too hard Not apply proper fine mote skills mechanics on physical techniques (sometimes looking for the easy-way or the cheat / hack) Not understand their intellectual capacity as it applies to learning a large amount of detail in a short space of time OUR GOALS in each class are that children should: Apply FOCUS and effort on the simplest activities Demonstrate PRECISION by applying accuracy into their movements Demonstrate VERSATILITY by showing the capability of learning at an accelerated pace Please see our other Blog articles where we discuss the Physical, Social, Intellectual and Emotional Education of Children at Tring Martial Arts. The Instructors at Tring Martial Arts are experts in child development and we recognise that some children will perform above or below the expectations of their age group, and since 2005 we have trained ourselves and our staff to educate everyone considering their emotional, physical, intellectual and social needs. Contact us today on 01442 795001 or see our website.