If you see a need for a tip that has not been covered here feel free to email the suggestion, or question to Mr. Lance Schutjer.

 

Home page / Kids Corner     

Section I:  Kids Videos

Section II:  Tips for Kids

 

 How often should my child practice their forms?

The more your child practices his/her forms the more they will feel comfortable with them.  The main thing to keep in mind is don't let your child get frustrated, but at the same time you should be encouraging them to practice daily.  Once or twice through their form should be sufficient.

 What can I do to assist my child through their form?

Every form has a static pattern.  If you understand the basics of your childs form you can give them visual ques to coach  them through their form.  For example, the white belt form looks like a large plus sign "+"  The form starts out with a block to the left and then stepping forward punch.  This pattern is repeated through the whole form.

  • Place some scotch tape on the floor in the same pattern as the form.   Your child will stand right in the middle of the "+"  From there they can use the tape lines to more easily identify what direction to turn.
  • Use our online resources to educate yourself and your child.  Watch the White Belt form first and then use the above tip.  Seeing and then performing the pattern using the tape lines will greatly reduce the learning curve of each new form.
  • If you watch the form close enough you can identify which direction your child should turn.  In the white belt example your child is standing in the middle of  the plus.  You already know they have to turn to their left, your right.  Tell your child to begin their form and immediately point to the direction they should turn to and block.  Once they have finished the second movement, step forward and punch, you then point in the direction they should turn to next, your childs right - but you would point to your left.
  • When in doubt about a form please ask for assistance.  The instructors at MWA would be glad to show you how to coach your child through their form.

 Is there a safe way to practice my childs breaking routine?

Yes, there are several ways to practice a breaking routine without experiencing the pain and dissapointment of not breaking the material.   First, don't have your child practice on real wood to start with.  A child's technique typically requires a lot of practice, before they are capable of breaking through a pine board.  Consider the following material suggestions:

  • X-Ray's are a great way to practice hook kicks.  They make a loud sound when struck properly.
  • Copy paper makes a great & inexpensive target.  Just place a large dot in the center of the paper and hold it like you would a board.  It doesn't hurt for your child to hit, but the satisfaction is still their when they go through it.
  • Target has a great little rebreakable foam "Black Belt" board for under 5 dollars.
  • Century MA supply has several options for rebreakable materials ranging from 3 dollars to 60 dollars.
  • For the younger tots you may consider using Legos.  See Kelly's video for an example (Kelly has a blast "breaking" her legos)

 My child seems skiddish / gun-shy when attempting to block a strike.  What can I do to help overcome this issue?

Most children will shy away from an incoming strike, even in a controlled environment.  One way to encouage your child is to practice with them.  They know mom, or dad, will not hurt them, so use that perception to your advantage and have your child block your incoming punches.  Just keep a few basic things in mind - keep it slow - keep it simple - NEVER make contact - and always encourage their progress.

 

Section III:  Getting ready for testing

 

 What should I do to prepare my child for their testing?

Childern feel more comfortable during a test when they have a clear expectation set of what they will be tested on.  When your child is ready to test you should encourage them and help them through their testing requirements.  Some of the basic things to cover with your child are:

  • The MWA Student Manual - There is a section in the manul with basic questions to cover.
  • Does your child know their form?
  • Does your child know their one-steps?
  • Have your childs testing form filled out and ready to go for testing.  You can also use this as a "cheat sheet" of thigns to cover with your child.

 What should I do when my child passes to the next rank?

Celebrate with your child!  Make the testing experience a big deal - after the fact.  Regardless of their performance you should always encourage and uplift your child.  Testings are openly stated to be a fun experience - however, your child may "sweat-it" until the testing is over.

 

Things to keep in mind when progressing through the ranks.

  • Your child will now have an additional form to practice.  They should, however, continue to practice all of their old forms.  Previous forms and one-steps will be covered again when they test for their next rank.
  • Practice the new form in the same manner as you did with the old form, use the on-line video resources and the "tape-on-the-floor" method to work through the new form.
  • Let your child progress through the ranks as they feel comfortable and able.  Testings come up periodically, but they are not a requirement for your child to test if they don't feel comfortable at the time of the testing.  We want to concentrate on skill and quality, not on how fast we can make a black belt.

* Phone:  (641)-832-8031 * St. Ansgar Middle School Gym * Mr. Lance Schutjer