The benefits of Martial Arts for kidsHEALTH

The benefits of MARTIAL ARTS FOR KIDS

An increasing number of boys and girls are taking up Martial Arts as their junior sport. But what are the benefits and is it right for your child? We chat to Simone Todd, General Manager at Infinity Martial Arts, to find out.

W H A T M A K E S M A R T I A L A R T S A GREAT ACTIVITY FOR KIDS?

Martial arts is a great activity for kids because it teaches them how to use their bodies with discipline, technique and effectiveness. It is a great way to teach kids what healthy boundaries are. When they interact with each other, they learn to apply techniques safely and step outside their comfort zone in a healthy environment. And, it is equally good for both boys and girls.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS?

There are many benefits, but the three main ones are: increased confidence (knowing how to act safely in a dangerous situation); increased respect (learning to act appropriately in a class setting), and increased fitness (martial arts can be physically intense).

WHAT ELSE MIGHT KIDS LEARN?

Martial arts offers kids plenty of lessons you might not realise! Kids learn how to set goals – the belt grading system gives kids an extra incentive to train frequently and pay attention in class.

Kids learn how to fall over safely and prevent injury – certain techniques like breakfalls help kids to fall safely, on and off the mats.

Kids also learn how to become leaders – students who demonstrate a high effort in class will often be asked to lead warm-ups and demonstrate techniques to the class.

WHAT STYLE DO YOU TEACH?

We teach BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) with a focus on technique, safety and self-defence. BJJ is a modified style of Jiu-Jitsu with a heavy focus on ground-grappling, takedowns and submissions. MMA is a hybrid of countless martial arts, which involves striking, grappling, wall grappling and takedowns. These styles are suitable for kids (under focused care and supervision) and allow them to gain confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone. Kids get to find out how strong and disciplined they can become, and how much they can grow and improve, by just showing up and trying their best.

W H A T H A P P E N S I N A T Y P I C A L CLASS AT INFINITY?

A typical class at Infinity usually runs from 30-45 minutes (depending on the age group) and is broken down into three parts: warmup, practice, and games/sparring. Before they begin, students are lined up (in belt order) and bow to their instructor. They will then warm-up with strength and fitness drills such as push-ups, star jumps and squats. Once warm, the students are shown a technique, paired with a partner of a similar size and age, and practice the technique together. We always make sure that our teaching style is accommodating to complete beginners and we closely monitor the students to make sure they are on their best behaviour and using the correct technique. Finally, we will end the class with some supervised sparring or a game.

W H A T A G E D O C H I L D R E N S T A R T , AND WHAT AGES DO YOU TEACH?

Our classes begin at just 2 years old! The age ranges we teach are: Fun and Fitness (ages 2-4), Playful Pandas (ages 4-7), Mighty Monkeys (ages 7+).

W H A T T I P S D O Y O U H AV E F O R P A R E N T S W H O A R E T H I N K I N G A B O U T S T A R T I N G T H E I R C H I L D IN MARTIAL ARTS?

Don’t think twice. One of the biggest regrets we hear from students is, ‘I wish I started this earlier’. Martial arts has improved the lives of countless children, helping them grow into their own character. You don’t know whether your child will love it unless they try it! For more information about the programs at Infinity Martial Arts or to find your nearest centre, visit www.infinitymartialarts.com.au.

TIP: Anything is possible, there is no right or wrong. Just have fun!

HORIZON

FESTIVAL 2020 A Forest in My Pocket D o you remember the ‘Choose your own adventure’ stories from your childhood? Well, things have come a long way since create a little home for Morio in the backyard. A Forest in My Pocket uses print-at-home images (or you can find the first print as an then, and this year Horizon Festival has teamed up insert in this magazine) that come to life via with illustrator and animator Helena Papageorgiou augmented reality using the EyeJack app. You to create a magical, augmented reality adventure simply print the series of three images, place for children - A Forest in My Pocket. them around the house and use the app to

With a little help from parents, your child will guide your child through this magical wake to a beautiful surprise under their pillow – adventure. a message from Morio who has been looking for You can also record the animation through someone special to help him make a home. the app and save it on your device. “Someone who has a skip in their step, sunshine in their smile and magic in their dreams!” Give it a try and share a photo of your Using a smart phone or tablet and the EyeJack app, Morio will guide your child on a trail of discovery to find magic throughout your home, gathering everyday items to help them child’s magical world, or your recorded animation, on social media using the hashtag #horizonartfest for the chance to win a deluxe picnic from Grazing Acres delivered to your home!

HOW TO: • Print the three black & white images in A4 • Download the EyeJack app onto your phone or tablet (a tablet is preferable). • The night before, hide the first image under your child’s pillow or somewhere they’ll find it in the morning. • Hide the second image in the kitchen. • Hide the third image in a spot outside where you think your child would like to build Morio’s home. • When they wake up, help them open EyeJack, tap on A Forest in my Pocket | Horizon Festival 2020 and tap LAUNCH AR. • Aim your device at the image and the animation will begin to play. Let the magic unfold!

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED: • Scissors • Tape • BlueTak or plasticine • Pegs • Recycled cardboard • Plastic containers • String • Newspaper • Fabric

THE EXPERIENCE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 1 JULY 2020 | HORIZONFESTIVAL.COM.AU/FOREST-POCKET

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: HELENA PAPAGEORGIOU : The adventure was created by Helena Papageorgiou, a video producer, animator, projection artist and illustrator. From concept to screen, Helena tells stories through movement, image and illustration. | MISCHA LONG : The voice of Morio is narrated by Mischa Long, an artist, designer, performer and teacher who has spent more than 20 years working with Polyglot Theatre, a globally renowned company that creates, produces and tours theatre for children.