Ever wondered what goes on behind the dojo doors when our youngest martial artists are in class? You may watch from the outside, but let us tell you what it’s like on the inside. Pull up a mat, because we’re about to give you a light-hearted peek into the wonderful, energetic, and often hilariously unpredictable world of teaching karate to children at Warrior Spirit Martial Arts.
Most people will never fully understand what it’s like to try and explain a complex philosophical concept to a room full of people who are simultaneously trying to tie their belts, go for a pee and kick you as hard as they can in the thigh to show you they’ve been practicing roundhouse kicks at home? Yep, even though we have pads and punch bags, they still prefer to sneak up to the instructor and give them a thwack! Trying to demonstrate a kick to a class when you have a dead leg is not uncommon!
Welcome, my friends, to the wonderfully bewildering world of teaching karate to children!
Our dojos are filled daily with the thud of young feet and the surprisingly mighty shouts of “Kiai!”, and a level of energy that could probably power a small village (if only we could figure out how to harness it). Teaching adults is easy in comparison, they generally understand that “line up” doesn’t mean run around or climb on your best mate next to you. Kids? Kids are a beautiful, unpredictable, and an utterly delightful rollercoaster.
The beginning of class is a time to get everyone to take a moment of calmness. Minds are firing on all cylinders from the day at school and our first challenge is to encourage everyone to sit still, close their eyes, and find a few moments of peace. It’s meant to ‘defrag’ our minds. For the younger ones, this often means a brief moment of angelic calm before the energy levels go absolutely stratospheric! We’re talking zero to 100 on the enthusiasm scale in approximately 0.5 seconds flat.
Once our meditation is done, we recite the student creed as a group and then it’s go-time! The kids are here to learn, and they bring an incredible amount of zest to every session. Kicks, blocks, strikes, and grappling are integral to our training. Watching a tiny human attempt a perfectly poised front kick with the gusto of a seasoned pro (and occasionally land it sideways) is a joy in itself. We might be aiming for precision, but sometimes, their unique interpretations of a move are pure comedic gold. And let’s not forget the occasional impromptu dance-move mid-drill – because, why not?
They’re on a journey. Many will continue training throughout their lives and take a lot from the martial arts. Some may eventually give back too, becoming instructors themselves. Progress takes time, and starting young is the best time, and the most delightful time to enjoy it with a more gamified approach that brings fun and laughter along with every improving skill.
The Symphony of Unintended Comedy
Let’s be honest, some days it feels less like teaching martial arts and more like attempting to herd a flock of particularly enthusiastic, sugar-fueled kittens. You’ll carefully demonstrate a perfect Shuto Uke (knife-hand block), and in return, you’ll get a magnificent array of interpretive dance moves, a few cartwheels (because why not?), and at least one child who’s suddenly fascinated by a loose thread on a pad that must be pulled.
And the questions! Oh, the glorious, logic-defying questions. Of course our mantra is that there is no such thing as a silly question, but some of them are priceless!
The Art of Distraction (and Redirection)
The attention span of a young child is a fleeting, magical thing. One moment, they’re laser-focused on their stance, the next, a child has put a cone on their head and it’s clearly the most interesting thing to have ever existed. Our instructors have become masters of redirection, seamlessly incorporating said cone into the lesson, putting a cone on their head too, or just waiting for the novelty to wear off before attempting to regain command of the tiny troops.
Then there’s the “Sensei, can I go to the toilet please!” declaration (at least 15 times per class), usually delivered with the dramatic urgency of a Shakespearean monologue, typically just as you’re explaining the most crucial part of a kata. Timing, as they say, is everything.
Ever wondered what happens to a class of 25 kids when you tell them to get a quick drink of water? Us too! Thankfully we have helpers, who have developed the same instincts as a border collie, to go out into the wilderness and round them up and bring them back to the mats.
The Power of the Kiai (and its many interpretations)
The kiai, or spirit shout, is a cornerstone of karate. In a kids’ class, it’s also a fascinating study in vocal range and enthusiasm. You’ll hear everything from a barely audible squeak that sounds suspiciously like a mouse asking for cheese, to a window-rattling roar or scream that could rival a seasoned opera singer. And sometimes, mid-kiai, it morphs into a giggle, because the sheer joy of making a loud noise is just too much to contain. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
But Amidst the Glorious Chaos
For all the giggles and the moments when you’re trying not to laugh out loud at a particularly creative interpretation of a kick, something truly magical happens. You see that flicker of understanding in their eyes as a technique clicks. You witness their beaming pride when they finally tie their own belt correctly (a monumental achievement, trust us). You watch shy children find their voice, and boisterous ones learn a new level of focus.
You see them developing discipline, respect (for themselves and others), friendships formed, and a quiet confidence that blossoms week by week. Those “Aha!” moments, the high-fives after a well-executed (or enthusiastically attempted) move, the sheer determination on their little faces – that’s the gold.
Teaching children karate isn’t just about punches and kicks. It’s about planting seeds of perseverance, self-belief, and respect. It’s about channelling that boundless energy into something positive and empowering.
So, yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, it’s sometimes like trying to conduct an orchestra where every musician has their own unique interpretation of the sheet music. But it’s also incredibly fun, deeply rewarding, and a privilege to be part of their journey. Beyond the delightful chaos and impressive energy, something truly special is happening. While mastering physical techniques is key, we place immense importance on cultivating strong character, discipline, and a positive mindset in our students. Our Student Creed is a cornerstone of this, guiding our younger warriors on their journey. We’re not just teaching them to move; we’re helping them develop vital life skills like confidence, kindness, mental resilience, self-control, defence, concentration, and respect. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a child, who might have been nervous on their first day, stand a little taller, speak a little clearer, and show genuine focus. We’ve seen firsthand how karate helps children with ADHD, and other neurodiversities, improving their focus and concentration. No instructor ever forgets when a student who used to be shy in class suddenly volunteers to lead the whole class in the Student Creed and absolutely belts it out – it’s a jaw-dropping moment and one of our all time favourite wins!
As instructors, we’re not just teaching moves; we’re often part-time cheerleaders, puzzle-solvers, and more often than not expert belt-tyers (yep – it gets a second mention – it’s a real thing – some kids have belt-a-phobic bodies and no matter how tight that belt starts out, three wiggles and it’s on the floor again).
So, while you might hear a bit of joyful noise and see some impressively imaginative techniques from our younger students, rest assured that serious learning and development are always at play. It’s a fun, friendly environment where beginners are always welcome. The journey of learning karate goes far beyond physical techniques, and watching our young warriors grow into their best and strongest selves is truly the most rewarding part of the job.
It’s lovely to hear parents tell us we’re ‘fantastic’ and ‘brilliant with the children’, especially when we’re looking slightly dazed, but with a massive grin, after a kids’ class, now you know why. Sometimes the compliment is hidden in the phrases “I don’t know how you do it”, “you’ll need a lie down after that”, “you are so patient”…..sometimes we do need a lie down after!
We’ve just survived (and loved) another round in the beautiful, bewildering, brilliant world of children’s karate.
