# How I Teach Filipino Martial Arts to Children - Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/ - Published: 2015-07-20T21:12:00-04:00 - Author: Brian Johns ## A couple of caveats: This is **not** about WHAT I teach, or WHY I teach children. This covers **HOW** I teach [Filipino Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com//2016/09/07/blog-what-are-filipino-martial-arts/) to children, and this post mainly focuses on the 5 to 8-year-old age range. Moreover, I will focus on the **technical** aspects of [teaching children](https://brianejohns.com/2015/04/01/blog-its-real-and-its-spectacular/) based on my experiences. ### If your experiences differ, I’d like to hear how you teach children! Over the years, I have learned that several teaching methods are essential to success in teaching Filipino Martial Arts to children. In no particular order, here are the ways: ## **(1) One move/step at a time.** I taught 5-year-old Joaquin part of _heaven/redonda sinawali_ for the first time last week. As he had only recently started but showed signs of being a quick learner, I decided to teach him this sinawali. I focused on the first move to get his stick from one side to the other. We did this several times. _The first move that Joaquin learned. We did several repetitions of this before adding the 2nd move._ _Then Joaquin progressed to the second move. We did “1, 2″ a few times. The kid caught on quickly._ _Lastly, Joaquin learned the third move. This is a bit tricky, and I’ve had to learn how to coach kids through this. Kids respond to different instructions. Some get it when they hear “hit and bounce back.” Others do better with “hit and go under.”_ The first three moves are enough for the younger kids to absorb in one class. In the next class, I’ll coach them through the next three moves, going from the left side to the right side. For the older kids (7 and 8-year-olds), generally get the entire sinawali sequence down in one class.  In any case, my experience has been that **breaking material down** is key to learning success. As they learn each piece, they become more confident about their physical literacy skills. I use this approach in virtually everything I teach. ## **(2) Appropriate Terminology For Children.** Over the years I’ve learned that terminology can trip kids up. A good example is that kids got confused over the difference between “_jab_” and“ _reverse punch_.” The confusion continued through several classes. As an experiment, I decided to change the terminology of these two techniques to see if they made any difference. I replaced “_jab_” with “_front punch_” and “_reverse punch_” with “_back punch_.” BOOM! They got it right away, terminology-wise. When they are in a ready position, they know which hand is in front and which is the backhand. Are they pros at punching? Not by a long shot. These are 5 to 8-year-old kids and learning how to move their bodies. They are pretty enthusiastic and quick learners though! While not terminology related, I have adjusted instructional phrases to get the point across with a fair bit of success. ## **(3) Constant reminders.** They need constant reminders. A good example is footwork during the basic block, check, counter drill. As shown in the gif above, I employ basic one-step footwork. I step with the right foot against angle 1 and the left foot against angle 2.   _**I have drilled this MANY times with the kids.**_ Yet, it’s common to see a child do this without footwork. Often, I’ll stop and say“ _let’s start over and **MOVE YOUR FEET**!_” They’ll nod and proceed to move correctly. I will continue to remind them over and over until they get tired of reminders! I knew I was getting through when Lauryn, in a recent class, said to me “don’t remind me to move my feet. I’ll do it!” So, constant reminders are a big part of this class but an important part of an instructor’s toolbox. ## **(4) Reinforcement through games.** Some martial arts instructors oppose games in any way, shape, or form. They often say that classes should be run traditionally, implying a preference for old-fashioned“ iron” discipline. Huh? Kids get bored if you’re “_all work and no play.” Consequently, learning becomes less fun. I often_ reinforce their martial and physical literacy skills through games at the end of class. A typical game is “Simon Says.” Lately, we’ve been focusing on the angles of attack in this game. Nathan, my assistant instructor, and I throw every trick at them. An example would be for me to execute angle 1 while saying “give me angle 6.” The kids have learned to listen to what we say instead of copying our moves. We’ll often throw in the sinawalis, footwork, punches, kicks, blocks, pushups, jumping jacks, wall squats and other primary material during “Simon Says.” The kids eat it up big time and get a good workout simultaneously! ## **(5) Contests.** Tell a kid to do 10 pushups, and the results may go either way. They may either do a great job or just go through the motions. _**Mention the word “contest” and BOOM; you get something else entirely.**_ I’ve been amazed at how competitive 5 to 8-year-old kids can get, and I’ve taken advantage of that to stress **good form**. For example, I’ll announce a pushup contest. I will tell the kids that the winner will be chosen based on their form. Note that I do **not** pick a winner based on the number of pushups they execute. I’m looking for **GOOD FORM** in any contest I announce, whether it be angles of attack, sinawalis, pushups, jumping jacks or whatever comes to mind. Based on my experiences, I use contests liberally to emphasize the importance of good form, focus, concentration, and fun! ## **(6) One on One.** This is important. I try to work with every child during class. This way I can monitor their progress and see if they’re ready for the new material or to reinforce existing material. I encourage Nathan, my assistant instructor, to do the same. This is a great way to ensure the continued progress of each child in class and that they are executing techniques correctly. ![](https://i2.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Screen- Shot-2020-06-13-at-9.40.31-PM.png?fit=1024%2C769&ssl=1) Teaching a student block, check and counter In summary, all the above worked well in teaching 5 to 8-year-olds. My teaching is constantly evolving, and I’m always thinking of ways to improve myself as an instructor. While I’m a better instructor than I was several years ago, I feel I still have much to learn and experience is the best teacher! I  focus on the technical aspects since my true aim is instilling real confidence in the children through competency in physical literacy and technique. If I can’t teach them good technique, they will only have false confidence, and I will not have done my job as an instructor. My goal is for them to become confident, solid teens and adults. ## **Over to you, what would you add to the above list? Let’s hear your comments!** ## Additional Reading * [Too Young to Learn Filipino Martial Arts?](https://brianejohns.com/2015/06/08/blog-too-young-to-learn-filipino-martial-arts/) * [From Pixels to Stick Fighting](https://brianejohns.com/2023/11/15/from-pixels-to-stick-fighting-the-video-game-generation/) * [The 10 Best Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com/2015/10/29/blog-the-10-best-martial-arts/) * [It’s Real and It’s Spectacular](https://brianejohns.com/2015/04/01/blog-its-real-and-its-spectacular/) * [7 Ways I Teach Children Filipino Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com/2015/10/08/blog-7-ways-i-teach-children-filipino-martial-arts/) ### Share this post: * [ X ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?share=twitter) * [ Facebook ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?share=facebook) * [ LinkedIn ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?share=linkedin) * [ Threads ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?share=threads) * [ WhatsApp ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Email ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20How%20I%20Teach%20Filipino%20Martial%20Arts%20to%20Children&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2015%2F07%2F20%2Fblog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children%2F&share=email) * [ Print ](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/20/blog-how-i-teach-filipino-martial-arts-to-children/#print?share=print) ### Like this: Like Loading… ### _Related_