It’s easy to take young kids’ activity levels for granted since it always seems like they’re bouncing off the walls on a perpetual sugar high, but participating in a disciplined sport early in life has so many benefits.
Firstly, understanding their bodies better and knowing their limits, as well as how to safely push past them with guidance. Also, learning to commit to a sport early on teaches discipline and patience – especially when kids feel tempted to skip a class, it is up to us parents to hold down the fort and calmly but resolutely persuade them to keep up their commitment. Lastly, if you subscribe to the belief that 10,000 hours of practice is what makes a master, then starting kids early in any sport they express interest / talent in will give them a leg up on those hours.
Taozi Tree Yoga‘s upcoming Kids Yoga Series is a great way to introduce kids to the gentle yet strong art of yoga. “Too often, kids are impacted by the fast-paced, stressful world in which they live. Kid’s Yoga classes benefit children physically, by enhancing flexibility, strength, and coordination and mentally, by introducing basic mindfulness techniques, so that their concentration improves and they can stay calm.” Plus, there’s a one time pop up class that’s perfect for your kids to try it out before deciding if they want to commit to the 6-week long series starting September and October. Check out the poster for more details.
For parents of more rambunctious kids (like my own), a more active option could be Krav Maga Junior classes that are currently ongoing at a cool downtown location in MuscleDog gym (Liang Ma Qiao). For the uninitiated, Krav Maga is the official hand-to-hand combat system of the Israeli Defense Forces and popularly regarded as one of the most practical street fighting styles around. Here in Beijing, Krav Maga Global (KMG) certified instructors Jimmy, Amy and Flo lead hour-long kid classes every Sunday. Here’s what they have to say:
With classes suitable for all children from the ages of 5 to 14 (separated based on appropriate age groups), the KMG Krav Junior program is considered the most comprehensive self-defense and anti-bullying program available in the world today.
The program covers all aspects of self-defense training for kids and teens, from the physical and technical aspects, to the educational aspect (self-control, violence prevention, stranger danger, functioning under stress, etc.), to simulation training.
Our goal is to promote awareness, confidence and discipline in kids through a structured syllabus in a fun environment to offer children the opportunity to learn valuable life skills.
Speaking from personal experience, my kid is always run ragged after the hour-long class and eager to show me the self-defense techniques he picked up in class. From a physical education standpoint, he’s also learned how to break his fall should he be pushed, how to tuck and roll and bear crawl, among other motor skills.
To sign up or for more details, scan the QR code and speak to Coach Flo.
Here’s to our kids’ fitness!
Images: Pexels, Taozi Tree Yoga, Shu Qi
