Martial arts for children (my way)
Healthy body and spirit
Starting at 4 years old, the small child undertakes the study of martial arts, which is respectful of their young body and spirit. All the exercises have been adapted to the age and health of each, in the spirit of martial arts.
Self-confidence
The core of its teaching is that we understand that we are our first and last support. As the child confronts the difficulty of the exercises, with the assistance of the teacher, he discovers within his or her “self” the resources he or she needs to overcome the challenge. The pride and the joy that follow bring the self-confidence and self-esteem which enable the child to go forward with a firm step.
School for the “Man Cub”
My teaching aims pushes the child to discover himself the qualities that will make of him not a champion, which is a short-lived state, but merely and simply a human being, which lasts a lifetime.
School of joy
“School for a lifetime,” as Jean-Lucien Jazarin wrote, martial art is also a school of joy, for on difficult roads happiness is a strength one cannot overlook.
Respect
It is a wonderful discipline for children. It enables them to live through every day situations having in mind respect for others and for themselves. In a joyful climate, your child discovers that he or she can study the techniques and have fun with new friends at the same time.
A pedagogical method
In creating martial arts, some masters resolved to renew and translate an element of a warring culture into a way for an ” era of light.” They set out to change tools of destruction into a pedagogical method, their goal being to develop a high standard of human qualities.
Direct experience
I teach the four year-old, taking care of his mind and body. The teaching evolves as the child grows. Neither combative nor competitive, it delivers direct experience and lets the child make up his own mind and build his own character.
Kinomichi’s way
In the 1940s, a master of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu changed the name of his art to Aikido. This is the way of Japanese martial art masters. Compared to other martial arts Aikido dedicates its spirit to peace, to establishing peace. The child learns that going toward others might mean something other than conflict and aggression. Touching and pushing one another can be done peacefully and joyfully.
Playing as a means
The teaching of martial arts has improved with each generation by adapting to the pupil and the time; our method has grown on the basis of observation and experience. The originality of our classes is the atmosphere of “play” that allows the child to discover, build up new experiences and meet unexpected situations.
Reacting smoothly
We create an environment that stimulates the child’s imagination and his ability to react and adapt to demanding situations.
Participating eagerly
The lesson is full of fun. Children are expected to participate eagerly – they understand that the goal is to discover that they are able and capable. The exercises begin with movements they execute spontaneously. From there, we move onwards toward more elaborate gestures.
Body language
Ideal is attained when the art becomes natural, when techniques are done as part of a body language.
Benefits of bilingual study
At the American Church in Paris, the benefits of bilingual teaching are not to be estimated. For non-French children, our lessons are an opportunity to mix in and more easily adapt to their new environment in France. They will speak French in order to make new friends. Joyful communication leads to joyful learning.
NGUYEN Thanh Thien
