Children & the SJN Academy
The SJN Academy continually monitors and improves training opportunities for its younger members. We strive to offer specialist tuition for children between the ages of 5 years to 11 years in our 'Peewee' groups. Our 'Kids Karate' is taught with an emphasis on competition development. All clubs have affiliations with the P.K.A. or the I.A.K.S.A.
Type of training
We do not teach children traditional Martial Arts on the basis of the dangers encompassed in them such as open handed techniques and due to the child's loose joints locking, especially when working with more excitable children, could be detrimental or even dangerous.
The training process
Training involves a simple period of fun and Martial Arts orientated skills to develop a child's co-ordination, self-awareness and discipline. Each standard class lasts approximately 3/4 hour, which maintains the child's attention.
The class is split into 3 separate learning/training processes, again to maintain a child's interest and reduce any boredom associated with repetitive learning. These sections also allow the tutor to provide a drink and toilet visit without disruption to the class and also to ensure that no child is left alone for any period in a corridor or toilet facility. All members are expected to obtain from the club and wear safety equipment whilst training.
Training is based on learning kicking and punching techniques to establish co-ordinated movement and motor skills. There is no contact in this class; a separate class for sparring is provided for those more established members as an addition to the end of the session.
Training progression
Your child will be able to move into higher age group classes when they reach 11 years of age. The format of 'Cadet classes' is totally based on team and individual training for sport competition; all participants are taught 'semi contact' and evolve as respectful individuals with personal confidence and self-control. The majority of the Cadet's training emphasises focus pads, bags and/or kick shields.
Training venues
While the SJN Academy runs children's clubs adjacent to the Adult's classes (usually prior to the adult's clubs), our policy is to take the benefits of training in this exciting sport to those interested in them. In recent times our Academy has continued a process of running independent classes in rural areas. We have successfully included Martial Arts training into many schools, colleges and after school clubs and have a policy of running children's classes in low populated areas as courses on request (subject to interest).
Tutor information
All tutors are CRB checked (disclosure Scotland in the case of Scotland), have basic First Aid minimum and are conversant with the Academy's Child Protection Policy.
Instructors are regularly tutored and participate in ongoing training courses.
The SJN Academy accepts children with special educational needs such as dyspraxia and Aspergers syndrome and has access to training tutors in understanding children (and adults) with educational needs.
