Little Dragons

A child-orientated version of Jeet Kune Do to teach life skills, stranger danger and to stop bullying.

The Jeet Kune Do Little Dragons program provides life confidence skills, and martial arts training, to youth in Connecticut, empowering them to be the best version of themselves possible.

Bruce Lee was born in the Year of the Dragon, more specifically in the Hour of the Dragon and quickly became known as the “Little Dragon” growing up. From a young age, Bruce Lee found himself in situations many of today’s youth can relate to: bullying, street fighting, searching for ways to boost self-confidence and self-awareness to prepare for life in the real world. Enter, martial arts. At 13, Bruce acted on his sincere desire to start training in martial arts. The rest...is history. Bruce Lee is widely considered the most recognized martial artist of the 21st century.

Our kids program teaches self-defense, discipline, respect, attainment of goals and team work.  It is our wish that the children learn self-development, critical thinking skills, the value of exercise and attribute development.

A psychological study found that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibility, a decrease in the willingness to take foolish risks, and a higher sense of self-esteem. This is why millions of parents are using martial arts as a supplement to their children's education. Our reward system improves children's self-esteem The belt system is the key to building esteem. When kids earn their belts it gives them a great sense of accomplishment that really improves the way they feel about themselves. Our program teaches children discipline We have a trained staff of patient instructors who love to work with children, but are also very clear about limits. We enforce good rules of behavior in class, and we expect the same good behavior at home and in school. Our activities channel children's aggression Many doctors have prescribed our school because of the positive outlet it gives the kids for all their energy. Our program teaches children essential self defense skills Our program teaches practical, proven self-defense methods. We also teach the kids that the moves they learn in class will work, so they don't go home and try them on their family members or neighbors! Martial Arts is a fun, fulfilling workout for adults Our adult students really appreciate the difference between martial arts training and standard exercise programs. Our workouts are a great way to get in shape! Martial arts is like an exercise program with a bonus: you learn to defend yourself while you get in shape. Our classes relieve stress Martial arts classes are well known for their stress relieving benefits. The emphasis on mind-body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard, health club type exercise programs. Our classroom practice sessions give you confidence The confidence building part of our program is what students appreciate the most. Nothing can take the place of the security in knowing that you can defend yourself if you have to. What we teach you could save your life At our school, everything we teach is reality based. Our instructors work very hard to ensure that most any situation you might encounter is covered in the classroom under very safe learning conditions, so you will be prepared. Our program is a lot of fun The reason our program is so successful is because we make the classes fun and exciting. We learned a long time ago that if people are having fun they can learn much faster. Matra Taekwondo School - Jakarta Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Andre Tuwaidan, Director & Head Instructor Physical, Mental, and Social Benefits For people new to the martial arts, the benefits of martial arts training might not be obvious. Some will think, sure, it's a great workout--just look at that "Ty Bo" guy. And of course it's good for self-defense, with all that punching and Kicking. But the benefits of martial arts training, especially for children and teenagers, are much more than simple physical improvements. Martial arts benefits span a spectrum of physical, mental, and social attributes, all of which are learned and improved through martial arts training. Physical benefits include the following: * * Physical fitness * * Personal security Mental benefits include the following: * * Learning abilities * * Goal setting * * Discipline Social benefits include the following: * * Friendship * * Self-esteem * * Respect * * Calming Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Kung fu started as a way for studious monks to get physically fit. A Buddhist monk, traveling from his native India to what is now southern China, encountered a temple full of sickly monks--some who were spending so much time studying that they were neglecting their physical health. This place, the famous Shaolin Temple, soon became the wellspring of martial arts knowledge for much of Asia. 1. Cardio, Strength, Balance Martial arts, taken as pure exercise, develops cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength. Martial artists also enjoy a heightened sense of balance, as well as learning specific skills to avoid injury (like learning how to fall properly in throwing arts like aikido and jujitsu). The benefits of physical fitness for kids are well-documented. According to the American Council on Exercise, physically active children have fewer chronic health problems than kids who are sedentary. Regardless of which martial art your child studies, moving the body in martial arts techniques is great exercise. While not as calorie-consuming as its more fitness-oriented renditions, like cardio kickboxing or Tae Bo, martial arts classes exercise all joints and muscle groups. Classes usually begin with warmups, then stretching, followed by intense exercise and a subsequent cooldown. Regular training causes incremental improvements in fitness. 2. One Alarming Statistic: There's also specific physical benefits unique to the martial arts. For example, aikido's founder Morehei Ueshiba stated that the rolls and somersaults in aikido were beneficial to internal organs. These rolling breakfalls, used to prevent injury when being thrown by a partner, come in handy when riding a bicycle or skateboard as well. The American Council on Exercise states that by the time they reach high school, 63% of children are no longer physically active. 3. Non-Virtual Fighter With all the virtual things to do these days, getting kids to embrace a physical fitness regimen is often hard work. Often kids would rather spend their time sitting in front of the TV exercising their thumbs at PlayStation, or risking carpal tunnel on instant messaging, than working up a good sweat. In martial arts classes, they're acquiring useful skills while exercising, and the novelty of learning something from an exotic culture often holds their attention. 4. Personal Security and Self-Defense Martial arts are perhaps best known for increasing one's fighting ability. After all, that's what we see in the movies and on television--the good-guy martial artist kicking some bad guy butt. However, these skills for personal security aren't just used for fighting. "I do this so I don't have to fight..." For kids who are preyed upon by bullies, or reside in neighbourhood where street violence is common, the ability to defend themselves allows them peace of mind. In almost all cases, they never have to use their martial arts techniques on someone. Their increased awareness and presence deters violence. In effect, by understanding and mastering a higher level of the force continuum, they can acheive their goals by using lesser levels of force. To Win Without Fighting is Best For example, basic martial arts training always involves learning how to avoid physical damage in a confrontation--whether by blocking a punch, evading a strike by moving out of the way, or checking the incoming limb before it can reach full-speed. Often, trained martial artists don't need to harm their opponent--their adeptness at evading attacks lets them be in control, and frustrates their attacker. Martial arts training also involves awareness of how attacks occur. In training to spar, students learn how to detect the beginning of an incoming punch or kick: the subtle weight shift to a support leg, or a change in focus in their opponent's gaze. Translate such awareness to the street, and kids learn to watch what's in a stranger's hands--is it a weapon? They learn to size up a potential opponent, and decide the best countermeasures--perhaps it's better to cross the street before you pass that shady-looking character. These "combat-oriented" benefits of martial arts training are most often never used for combat. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 1: Physical, Mental, and Social Benefits For people new to the martial arts, the benefits of martial arts training might not be obvious. Some will think, sure, it's a great workout--just look at that "Ty Bo" guy. And of course it's good for self-defense, with all that punching and kicking. But the benefits of martial arts training, especially for children and teenagers, are much more than simple physical improvements. Martial arts benefits span a spectrum of physical, mental, and social attributes, all of which are learned and improved through martial arts training. Physical benefits include the following: * Physical fitness * Personal security Mental benefits include the following: * Learning abilities * Goal setting * Discipline Social benefits include the following: * Camaraderie * Self-esteem * Respect * Calming We'll cover each of these attributes--benefits of martial arts training--in this article. We'll also discuss special benefits for girls, which make martial arts training for young ladies even more important. Naturally, these benefits also apply to most adults as well. However, developing these attributes early in life contributes to a healthy, happy adulthood. That's why it's even more important to get those kids kicking. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 2: Physical Fitness Kung fu started as a way for studious monks to get physically fit. A Buddhist monk, traveling from his native India to what is now southern China, encountered a temple full of sickly monks--some who were spending so much time studying that they were neglecting their physical health. This place, the famous Shaolin Temple, soon became the wellspring of martial arts knowledge for much of Asia. Cardio, Strength, Balance Martial arts, taken as pure exercise, develops cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength. Martial artists also enjoy a heightened sense of balance, as well as learning specific skills to avoid injury (like learning how to fall properly in throwing arts like aikido and jujitsu). The benefits of physical fitness for kids are well-documented. According to the American Council on Exercise, physically active children have fewer chronic health problems than kids who are sedentary. Regardless of which martial art your child studies, moving the body in martial arts techniques is great exercise. While not as calorie-consuming as its more fitness-oriented renditions, like cardio kickboxing or Tae Bo, martial arts classes exercise all joints and muscle groups. Classes usually begin with warmups, then stretching, followed by intense exercise and a subsequent cooldown. Regular training causes incremental improvements in fitness. One Alarming Statistic: There's also specific physical benefits unique to the martial arts. For example, aikido's founder Morehei Ueshiba stated that the rolls and somersaults in aikido were beneficial to internal organs. These rolling breakfalls, used to prevent injury when being thrown by a partner, come in handy when riding a bicycle or skateboard as well. The American Council on Exercise states that by the time they reach high school, 63% of children are no longer physically active. Non-Virtual Fighter With all the virtual things to do these days, getting kids to embrace a physical fitness regimen is often hard work. Often kids would rather spend their time sitting in front of the TV exercising their thumbs at PlayStation, or risking carpal tunnel on instant messaging, than working up a good sweat. In martial arts classes, they're acquiring useful skills while exercising, and the novelty of learning something from an exotic culture often holds their attention. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 3: Personal Security and Self-Defense Martial arts are perhaps best known for increasing one's fighting ability. After all, that's what we see in the movies and on television--the good-guy martial artist kicking some bad guy butt. However, these skills for personal security aren't just used for fighting. "I do this so I don't have to fight..." For kids who are preyed upon by bullies, or reside in neighborhoods where street violence is common, the ability to defend themselves allows them peace of mind. In almost all cases, they never have to use their martial arts techniques on someone. Their increased awareness and presence deters violence. In effect, by understanding and mastering a higher level of the force continuum, they can acheive their goals by using lesser levels of force. To Win Without Fighting is Best For example, basic martial arts training always involves learning how to avoid physical damage in a confrontation--whether by blocking a punch, evading a strike by moving out of the way, or checking the incoming limb before it can reach full-speed. Often, trained martial artists don't need to harm their opponent--their adeptness at evading attacks lets them be in control, and frustrates their attacker. Martial arts training also involves awareness of how attacks occur. In training to spar, students learn how to detect the beginning of an incoming punch or kick: the subtle weight shift to a support leg, or a change in focus in their opponent's gaze. Translate such awareness to the street, and kids learn to watch what's in a stranger's hands--is it a weapon? They learn to size up a potential opponent, and decide the best countermeasures--perhaps it's better to cross the street before you pass that shady-looking character. These "combat-oriented" benefits of martial arts training are most often never used for combat. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 4: Learning Abilities Martial arts training doesn't just improve physical attributes. One of the more renowned benefits of martial arts training is the mental workout. Focus...is Key Learning to execute the complex and foreign techniques of martial arts requires extreme mental focus. Students need to concentrate under pressure; whether they're directing energy into a difficult board break or ensuring that a technique is executed crisply and correctly. Students often find this focus is applicable to academic studies as well, citing improved concentration and focus, even under stress as in college entrance examinations. Martial arts training also requires extensive memorization of terms and techniques. Many martial arts terms are in a foreign language--it's not uncommon for young students to be able to count in Japanese or Korean as easily as in their native tongue. Kata, or pre-arranged sequences of techniques, must be memorized--not only to replicate each technique in the proper sequence, but also with correct execution and with an understanding of its implementation in combat. Aiding such learning is the repetition used to ingrain martial arts techniques into students' muscle memories. These instructional techniques: repetition leading to memorization and then testing the implementation of that knowledge (for example, through belt exams, kata interpretation, or sparring), are adaptable to academic settings as well. Learning martial arts is learning made fun. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 5: Goal Setting Many martial arts divide the various stages of ability into ranks. In styles derived from Japanese and Korean martial arts, the ranks are often denoted by colored belts, ranging from the white belt of a new beginner to the black belt of a senior student. Advancing One Step at a Time The requirements for each belt level are defined in detail and represent incremental improvement in that martial art. Successive belt ranks require more difficult and comprehensive knowledge, and represent new challenges to overcome. Kids learn to take on new learning in chunks; by dividing up all the knowledge needed to master a martial art into sections, they can take on each section as they become able. Upon passing the tests required to receive the next level, they can look forward to the next belt level, and so on. Learning to tackle complex and comprehensive bodies of knowledge by breaking them down into smaller portions is a skill that can help outside the martial arts as well, whether it's learning to swim or learning calculus. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 6: Discipline The regimented nature of martial arts instruction fosters a deep sense of self-discipline in students. One can't become a legitimate black belt overnight, and so students learn that their worthy goals will require patience, hard work, and dedicated study over several years. The message is that if it's worth anything, it's worth working hard for. Martial arts training has become popular for children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) because of the training moderates some ADD traits. Martial arts training teaches students self-control and concentration--in order to perform a technique correctly, students must focus intensely on their task. Furthermore, the self-confidence gained through martial arts training lets ADD kids feel able and "normal", not burdened by the stigma of being labeled with a "deficit." Discipline, to many people, is all about doing what you must do even when you don't want to do it. Martial arts training instills such discipline by showing a path of rewards for hard work, and the benefits of doing that extra few reps. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 7: Camaraderie Martial arts students feel a strong sense of camaraderie with their fellow students. This feeling of fellowship is based primarily on shared experiences and surpassing of challenges, but is also based in tradition. In historical times, instructors taught the martial arts only to those students the instructors deemed worthy. To endear themselves to the instructor, prospective students would often have to perform menial labor or perform the most basic techniques for hours--showing that they were humble, patient, and honest. Today, most students don't need to undergo these tests before they can start training, but the sense that the martial arts are special, and learning martial arts is a special privilege, remains. Many martial arts classes are held as a few parents have noted, "like the old one-room schoolhouse". Although kids of different ages and belt levels are segregated into their own smaller groups, most children's classes are held with all kids together in the same room. Kids at a lower rank can look over at the senior students practicing their forms--even when the lower-ranked kids haven't yet learned those techniques. Martial artists feel a sense of esprit de corps with other martial artists--and particularly with students of their own style. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 8: Self-Esteem Self-esteem is largely based on a student's self-worth; if students feel capable, able, and confident, then they enjoy a healthy self-esteem. Martial arts training builds self-esteem by providing small challenges that build incremental successes. Students learn that they can overcome the challenges as they improve in their training. Many martial artists note that before they began training, they were awestruck and amazed by the seemingly superhuman feats that their instructors or senior students were able to perform. Yet after just a few months of study, they progress to a level where they too can do things they would have thought impossible. Challenges--like breaking a board--are surpassed and students feel a surge of pride in themselves and their abilities. As a result, they feel capable and alive. Also, the physical security provided by martial arts training builds confidence--students do not have to worry any longer about the bully at school. This confidence enables students to feel better about themselves and their reactions to conflict. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 9: Respect One thing newcomers to the martial arts notice immediately when visiting a school for the first time is the numerous expressions of respect. "There's all that bowing," they might remark. Showing respect is intrinsic to the martial arts, and is a core facet of the cultures from which many martial arts originate. Students show respect to each other, their instructor, and even to their school upon joining each class session. Sometimes it's a simple bow, in other styles it's a salute of some kind. The gesture encompasses several messages: gratitude, for the learning the student receives, and respect, an acknowledgement of the other person's abilities. Regardless of the ritual, almost all martial arts teach students to value age, rank, expertise, and experience. Respecting those who know more than you do (greater expertise), and have proven it (higher rank) shows that you are worthy of them teaching you their knowledge. This respect for instructors and senior students can often carry over to classes in regular schools as well. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 10: Calming and Stress Reduction The martial arts are very calming--a trait that may seem contradictory to those who just see the martial arts as violence. Most senior martial artists are the coolest, calmest characters around. Work It Out Martial arts classes, because of their intense workouts, allow students to release nervous energy until they are drained from the exertion. Working up a good sweat has always been a great way to diffuse anger. Adding punches and kicks, especially against a heavy bag or foam shield, is even better. Shout It Out Some martial arts use a ritual shout, known as a kiai in Japanese styles, or kihap in Korean styles, made at the moment of attack. While the shout is meant to improve one's focus and breathing when delivering a technique, or to startle and frighten an opponent, it also serves to release the student's tension and nervous energy. Many martial arts include meditation as part of the curriculum. Meditation, or training the mind to achieve a calmer, empty state, allows martial artists to relax fully. Experienced martial artists exhibit calmness outside of the training hall as well. This inner peace is due to several factors, but is probably a result of experiencing stressful situations when learning self-defense or sparring--and overcoming them. The confidence gained through mastery of martial arts techniques also lends itself to keeping calm in stressful situations. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 11: Girls While the reasons for studying martial arts apply to all kids, there's special reasons why girls should learn martial arts. Girls often don't have the same avenues as boys for developing self-confidence or exhibiting mastery. Boys are channeled into sports at young ages, finding spots on Little League baseball teams or pee wee football squads. Without similar sports opportunities, girls are left with just academic, social, and family settings to build assertiveness and self-esteem. Martial arts techniques are often easier for young girls to learn than young boys--a girl's natural flexibility is an advantage over boys the same age. In some arts, upper-body strength, usually a male advantage, is not as important as lower-body strength, usually a female advantage. As a result, girls can enjoy a unique pride in their abilities--they can think, "if I can do as well as a boy in karate, I can do as well as a boy in math class." Invented by...a Girl Girls can take pride that some martial arts were even invented by female masters. The origin of pentjak silat, the national martial art of Indonesia, is due to a legendary peasant woman. The story is that the woman went to fetch water for her household, but stopped to watch a tiger fight a large bird, the animals both dying from their wounds. Her husband, angry at her for forgetting her chores, found her and tried to strike her, but she easily evaded his attack and struck back using the techniques she learned from the animals' battle. Eventually, she taught her husband and the art continued on throughout the centuries. Another martial art, wing chun kung fu, is named after it's most renowned practitioner, a young girl who learned the art from a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui. Wing chun is perhaps best known as the first martial art of Bruce Lee--meaning, that the martial art first learned by Bruce Lee was invented--and passed along--by girls. Assault and Rape Prevention Lastly, girls need a particular focus on self-defense. Techniques and awareness learned through martial arts training can help girls avoid assaults before they occur and defend themselves if an assault takes place. With the seemingly prevalence of abductions in modern times, it makes sense for girls to learn at least basic self-defense and rape prevention techniques. Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 12: Summary The martial arts offer so many benefits for kids that it seems unbelievable that some parents don't want their kids in the dojo. But thanks to unfavorable impressions of violence on television or in the movies, the martial arts has taken a bad rap. The solution is to go out and visit the schools in your area. Talk to the instructors. How do they feel their programs benefit kids? Talk to other parents. Have their kids changed for the better because of their martial arts studies? Yosh Ashizawa, a semiconductor industry executive, has two young sons currently studying taekwondo. "Martial arts has given the boys added discipline," says Ashizawa. "With three boys in the house, things can get pretty unruly, but taekwondo training has definitely helped." Ashizawa, himself a second-degree black belt in hapkido under Grandmaster Han Jae Ji, is extremely positive about the benefits of martial arts training. "I think it's essential," he remarks. If you're still not convinced, seek out additional information through the resources on this site. Discover what the martial arts have to offer you, and your kids. If they benefit as I have, they'll welcome the start of a fantastic lifelong journey, increased self-esteem, physical fitness, and inner peace. Welcome to the Exciting World of Martial Arts! From our children's programs to our martial arts fitness programs, our instructors are dedicated to helping you and/or your family achieve your individual goals. Why are Martial Arts so Popular? Martial arts are so popular because no other activity can provide the same results as martial arts for each individual participant. Whether your goals are self-confidence, self-defense, personal development, fitness, flexibility or to earn a black belt, our school will take you there. Martial Arts are Great for Children Parents today are recognizing that the public school system is not enough. Millions of parents are bringing martial arts, as we teach here, into their children's lives to supplement their education. Carleton University, in a study reported in Psychology Today (January 1985), found that children in martial arts have a lower level of anxiety; an increased sense of responsibility; a decrease in the willingness to take foolish risks; a higher sense of self-esteem; higher level of social intelligence; and were less likely to be radical. Parents report these five important benefits their children in our school experience: 1. Our reward system improves children's self-esteem Martial arts are not like team sports because the emphasis is on developing the individual's self-esteem not the team's winning record. The belt system is the key. When kids earn their belts it gives them a great sense of accomplishment that really improves the way they feel about themselves. 2. Our program teaches children discipline One of the things parents appreciate most about our classes is the improvement in their child's self-discipline. We have a wonderful staff of patient instructors who love to work with children, but are also very clear about limits. We enforce good rules of behavior in class, and we expect the same good behavior at home and in school. 3. Our activities channel children's aggression Many doctors actually prescribed martial arts for treatment because of the positive outlet it gives the kids for all their energy. 4. Our confidence classes enhance children's self-esteem We believe confidence is one of the most important things we can give kids. That's why every class we teach has confidence-building drills included. 5. Our program teaches children essential self-defense skills Our program teaches practical, proven self-defense methods. We also teach the kids that the moves they learn in class will work, so they don't go home and try them on their sister, or neighbor. Our Programs We a have number of different programs to offer even the busiest students. From our martial arts for children and pre-school classes to our martial arts fitness, and black belt programs we have a program for everyone. Our Instructors Rather than tell you about our championships and black belt rankings, we prefer to focus on our students. Certainly, we're proud of our instructor's accomplishments. But, we're more proud of the achievements of our students. Our instructors understand that the student's individual progress is the most important focus of their attention. That's why our instructors continue to be students themselves. They take classes, attend seminars and continually work to improve their ability to help our students reach their goals. If you want your child to be in a POSITIVE and SAFE environment and acquire skills from kickboxing then you came to the right place. OUR UNIQUE KIDS PROGRAM develops FOCUS, COORDINATION, DISCIPLINE and CONFIDENCE in our young students. And best of all.. it's FUN! The KIDS GUNG FU/ KICKBOXING consist of eight levels which prepares young students to enter the JR. JEET KUNE DO class. We help our young students understand how to defend and attack proficiently against an assailant. Our goal is to help each and every student work as a team and put them in a class to excel their training. That's why we separate the beginner from the intermediate and advance class. Students typically complete the course and achieve full rank after their 2nd year. To further expand the knowledge of the martial arts, after 8 months of training they begin to spar and exercises become more intense. If we want our children to protect themselves, we need to give them encouragement, guidance and discipline so they can stick to the plan of becoming an excellent martial artist. We have to implement this in their daily lives so they know to prepare for class everyday, just like if they were attending their regular school. That's why the parent plays in important role in supporting their children ALL THE WAY through the course. The JR. JEET KUNE DO class works the same way but at a more comprehendible level. As you know your child will be entering an advance class. We further explain the the contents and principles of Jeet Kune Do which allows the young student to fully express themselves. More focus and time is put into their workouts. Strikes, movements, exercises, energy, sparring, equipment training and even reading play a big part in your child's training to void themselves of technical views and patterns. After completion of this course the student will receive a certificate of achievement and graduate to our Jr. Instructors Program. This will give your child a head start acquiring skills and experience from teaching. Our unique program offers the best type of street defense for your child. Give us a call for a consultation. FOR KIDS Parents: Want Your Kids To Be Happy and Healthy? Try our children's program risk-free for 30 days. I f you don't agree martial arts is the best activity for your child; we'll refund your tuition! Martial arts classes have been proven to produce happier, more well-adjusted kids*. When your child participates in our kid's martial arts program, they'll benefit from: * Better Grades * Increased Confidence Improved * Self Control * Strong Character * Positive Attitude * Physical Fitness Our Program Teaches Discipline At Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts Academy we love to work with children, but are also very clear about limits. We enforce good rules of behavior in class, and we expect the same good behavior at home and in school. Channel Children's Aggression Many doctors s have prescribed our school because of the positive outlet it gives children for all their energy. Improves Self Esteem The belt system is the key to building self esteem. When children earn their belts, it gives them a great sense of accomplishment that improves the way they feel about themselves. For children and teens martial arts is a way to learn self-control, self-respect and self-discipline while at the same time developing honesty and trust, but most importantly having fun. With the pressures kids face every day they need a positive environment in which to mature and grow. McVicker's Martial Arts provides that environment. Through our program your child's concentration, coordination and fitness level will also increase. The skills they learn will help them enter society with more confidence and enthusiasm. Courage: Your child finds the courage to move outside of his comfort zone. He wills himself to take on more difficult martial art moves and skills. He becomes no longer afraid of being afraid. He learns to hold responsible no one but himself. He suddenly sees his life as a constant, never-ending journey of life-giving improvement. In short, with a deep breath, he refuses to become a victim of fate. He puts an arm lock on his own destiny. Staying power: Your child finds joy in improving his/her physical stamina. He/She can walk farther, run longer, and practice skills until they get them right. In turn, children learn not to give up, to stick things out. With the help of teachers/instructors, your child begins to strive harder and longer to reach goals. Even if he/she fails they will persevere. They learn to not let self doubts get in the way of finding ultimate solutions. This results in a keener focus. He learns to make eye contact with his teacher (and not just in martial arts.) He pays greater attention to what each teacher says. He knows and accepts where he stands. These are just a few of the powerful, energizing values your child will get from our kids program. In short, you can look forward to your child developing: Powerful Self Control: He/she refuses to give in to negative peer pressure. They will have a deeper respect for rules and authority. Improved Focus: He/she will learn what's needed, along with the skill to "zero in" on critical tasks at hand. Normal, yet time-wasting, childhood distractions won't get in the way. Fearless Self Confidence: Watch as your child finds the courage to open any door life has to offer. Martial Arts not only provide a child with an outlet for excess energy but also for gaining self-confidence, developing a healthy respect for others and an ability to protect themselves. Most of the martial arts systems taught today are methods of self-defense and, ultimately, emphasize avoiding conflict through self-control, self-discipline and improving self-confidence. The most important thing they'll learn is "respect" for themselves and others. Class sizes are small and are taught in a safe and fun environment. Our Junior program is for kids between the ages 7 to 12 years old. Classes are twice a week and run for 45 minutes. Parents are encouraged to watch the classes. We have two Professional Instructors on the floor for every class. We focus on physical skills, intellectual skills, emotional skills, social skills. Classes can be paid on a month to month agreement. No long term contracts. Belts are earned at McVicker's Martial Arts. No hidden belt testing fees. The kids are trained in the most effective martial arts. Call today and try a Free no obligation trial week (812-460-0958). Give the gift that last a lifetime. Morné Swanepoel of JKD High Performance Street Fighting is proud to have launched a children's Street self defence coaching series and vol.1 is now available and with Volume 2 in production. In this volume, Morné takes the children through all the ranges of combat i.e. * Basic Kickboxing * Basic Clinching/Stand up wrestling * Basic Ground Fighting The children are exposed to various performance games and training methods, isolated sparring drills & equipment training & more ... The viewer is exposed to realistic sparring by the children. The children spar under supervision and are encouraged to wear protective gear and most important to have loads of fun! All the children in the production are interviewed and the viewer can witness first hand what kids training in combative arts think and experience. Statistics show that only 32% of kids aged 6 - 17 meet minimum standards for cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. 40% first graders have at least 1 coronary artery disease risk. 20% of children aged 9 - 11 said they have been on a diet. 13% of adolescent boys and twice that number of their female peers say they have dieted. --- according to Dr. Tom Seabourne (Kids fitness and wellbeing specialist) Morné has been teaching children for almost 20 years. Morné has adjusted the JKD High Performance Street Fighting Combat Athletic & Conditioning Drills to suite the children's emotional and physical developments. Morné takes a personal interest in coaching children to develop confidence in standing up to bullies. Morné has always had a sense of duty to protect the children. This program not only teaches them practical self defence techniques and training methods, but also coaches them in fitness. At JKD High Performance Street Fighting our children are seen as young combat athletes. Morné ensures that his classes are fun and because of the practical applications they are shown, they relate it to their everyday environment. YOUTH JKD EDS with the help of child psychologist Dr. Scott Dollinger Psy. D., has created a special child's JKD program. The program is called: The Quest: Self-Mastery and Self-Defense Skills for Today's Child, which focuses not only on child self-defense, but also incorporates life and school skills. JKD FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD/ADD "The Quest" JKD program also has a special curriculum for children with ADHD/ADD. This class is run in association with Dr. Scott Dollinger Psy. D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 14 years experience working with youth and over 20 years of martial arts training. These classes are kept small intentionally to maximize individual attention and teaching. Please call for details.