Introducing the internationally acclaimed Core SKILLZ program!
Most people consider ages 7 to 9 to be the "golden age." They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, but they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. This makes the teacher-student relationship stronger than ever. However, they still lack basic skills. And although they are highly intelligent, they struggle to keep up with students ages 10 and older. Providing them with their own curriculum that accommodates their adventurous attitude and youthful nature while building skills is effective at this stage of development.
Development Stages in the Core Skillz Program
Here is an overview of the developmental stages of children aged 7 to 9:
- Physical – They typically have poor motor skills, so they haven't yet demonstrated proficient technique. Furthermore, they still tend to stumble when their body is in motion, so advanced movement is still mediocre.
We expectthat they will initially struggle to demonstrate good technique in blocks, strikes, kicks, and stances. We also expect that jumping, turning, and changing feet may initially appear imprecise.
The goal of our program is to encourage them to perform technical blocks, strikes, kicks, and stances while applying force. We also aim to increase speed and demonstrate better technique through movements.
- Intellectual – are extremely bright, but usually have difficulty concentrating when their attention is distracted.
We expectthat they will initially lose focus if other, more "interesting" things are happening around them. We also expect them to forget simple commands, mainly because they are trying to analyze them.
The goal of our program is to encourage them to focus on the task at hand despite other distractions. Our goal is also to encourage them to remember simple information without overthinking it.
- Emotional – they are wonderfully stable and love challenges, but they tend to feel excessive anxiety when they overthink something
We expectthat they will demonstrate emotional stability most of the time. We also expect them to initially show excessive anxiety when put in front of a group and tasked with performing tasks independently.
The goal of our program is to help them persevere through challenges, especially when they initially feel like giving up. We also help them face their fears.
- Social – They love interacting with others, especially adults. However, they typically dislike when something is unfair and will be determined to point it out and be heard.
We expectthat they will initially interrupt when they feel something is wrong. We also expect them to demonstrate great determination in trying to get their point across.
The goal of our program is to help them develop the ability to properly solve problems and challenges without disrupting the overall flow of the classroom.
Skill development
By understanding the developmental stages of children aged 7 to 9, we were able to select 8 age-appropriate skills that make up the Core SKILLZ programme:
1. AGILITY
2. TECHNIQUE
3. COURAGE
4. FLEXIBILITY
5. INTENSITY
6. DURABILITY
7. SPEED
8. CONCENTRATION
1. Each class is dedicated to one of the above skills (in order)
2. Each class includes a warm-up; a short discussion on the mat about the skill; then three exercises to develop that skill; and then a checkpoint to see where you are with the skills for the day.
3. We finish the class with stretching and then some fun.
4. We repeat the same pattern for each skill so that we cover each of the 8 skills in a month.
5. When children reach the age of 10 or complete all three levels of the Core Skillz program, they are ready for the next program, Extreme SKILLZ for 10-14 year olds.
As you can see, this isn't your typical martial arts curriculum! We incorporate research and development into an age-appropriate curriculum. Best of all, the Core SKILLZ program will equip your child with skills they can use in every area of life!
