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By Terry Bryan
Adapted from the American Black Belt Academy's Instructor's Manual
A. Little Dragons: Ages 2 to 8 years
Everything is new to a child of this age. They explore the world around them through their senses and physical movement. Their senses (sight, hearing, touch) are just beginning to develop and will continue until about the age of twelve. Not until this age will the child be able to integrate its senses (to use its senses together) to understand and respond to the world around him or her. Therefore, remember that what the instructor says or shows may not be absorbed by the children in the way the instructor intended. The instructor is required to use patience and a variety of approaches in working with Little Dragons.
As a child perceives the world through their immature senses, so do they also respond to the world through verbal and physical movement that is still immature. Their listening and verbal skills are in the rough. Studies have shown a correlation between the development of speech and physical movement development. In other words, as a child develops new physical skills so will its speaking skills increase. The physical motor skills taught in karate along with constant verbal instruction and feedback are a great boost to a child's overall development.
Motor skills are learned in a progressive manner. A child learns to sit, then stand before walking; to walk before running; or run before jumping and landing; then turning, bending, stretching, twisting, pushing and pulling. Many of these terms are taken for granted by older people. A good instructor must remember that these concepts are new for Karate-Tots and, for the young student to produce the activity, is a challenge. The child gradually becomes more aware of its body and how it moves. He, or she, also grows in verbal and reasoning skills at this age. It enjoys games and role playing. More complex skills that depend upon the integration of mind and body begin to develop, such as; throwing, punching, patting, kicking, catching, and evasion techniques.
The instructor will notice a wide degree of developmental differences between children of the same age. This is normal and the instructor should be willing to work with a child, accepting them at their individual level.
B. Junior Students: ages 8 to 12 years
More integration of the senses and motor skills has developed at this age but is not complete. At this time movement patterns can be expanded and refined, mainly because the student is aware of the position of their body or the 'feel' of a movement that allows them to modify the action as needed. They have more understanding of verbal cues and how to physically respond to the instructions. They can intellectually understand the purpose of a karate move and also develop more quality to refine the move. The skills learned in the previous stages act as the foundation for the new and specific ones introduced from now on. Again, remember that children will come with a wide degree of skills and backgrounds due to individual development and different background experiences. Juniors are able to retain and memorize needed requirements but will need constant review and practice. They thrive on games, stories and having fun with karate but also like the realism. They can understand the importance of learning to defend themselves. However, the power and intensity necessary for karate will still be a challenge at this age.
C. Teens: ages 12 to 16 years
Development of skill can easily be obtained at this age. The instructor should work the teen for refined skill and power at this age. The teen student is intrigued with the application of skills at this age because of their ever growing intellectual reasoning. The student is able to make great strides into becoming an accomplished athlete. Hard work can be demanded of them. However, the motivation must be there. And at this age, the student will have their own desires and interests that they wish to pursue which at an earlier age were more determined by the parents. Much of the teen's motivation will center around social involvement at the dojo. They desire to do activities with their friends and for karate to keep their interest they must have friends with which to participate. With the onset of puberty and adulthood, there is a great change, not only physically but also in behavioral, emotional, sociological and intellectual ways. The instructor should include in the teen's training opportunities for social interaction, competition, attainment of goals, and making friends as well as a challenging, strenuous workout that challenges the body and the mind.
D. Adults: ages sixteen to adult
This is the prime age for the complete athlete to mature. The student is physically and intellectual developed and able to integrate these aspects into their karate training. Refinement of skills can be developed to the ultimate along with power, intensity and speed. They are able to develop strategies for competition and perform under the pressure and stress that comes with competition. This student will also have a lot to give back to the Dojo and may wish to contribute in assisting other students or helping in other aspects of running the school.
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