The concentration span of children is said to be their age plus three in minutes. If this is the case then what we need to do is include a change in routine every 10-15 minutes or so in our classes to maximise the ability of our students to stay on task. Games are a great opportunity to inject short breaks into our classes which will fulfil this objective.
Wrestling-type games are probably the best 'short break' that can fit into almost any style of martial art class. By contrast the use of relays are probably the most common diffusion technique used but are also the longest to set up and run. Following are some hints on ways to improve how these are structured and some non-martial examples to include in your repertoire.
RELAYS
Relays tend to be the backbone of kids games in most dojos. They offer the opportunity to revise techniques and kihon in an informal and fun way. However even relays can go awry. The following are a few hints to avoid some of the more common pitfalls.
- Separate teams according to grade or age depending on make up of class. Why? You can set technically more difficult tasks for the older kids and it means the younger kids or lower grades will still be “competitive’.
- No more than 4 in a teamWhy? No time for the kids waiting to get bored or disruptive.
- Only do one technique/activity then stop; then choose another technique/activity and stopWhy? Young kids (under 6's) can only remember how to do one thing at a time. It also gives more end points so you can structure the game for everyone to feel like winners.
- It doesn’t have to be only a formal techniqueChild can bounce a ball, run through hoops, be a kangaroo, bring a sheet and let them crawl under the sheet to the end etc. And do technique
- Must finish sitting formally to win.Focuses the student on getting ready while the others competing. Keeps you in control.
Non-Martial Art Relay Games
- Ninja crawl, animal moves (hop, jump, slither like ...)
- Place a piece of paper on your chest and run to the end of dojo with only your momentum holding the paper on.
- Passing an object over/under/left/right of team
- Balloon/ball between two team members - must run to the end of dojo and back using only your combined body parts to hold object in place
WRESTLING TYPE GAMES
Limit the time with each partner to a few minutes. This reduces competition and increases the fun. Also rather than do just one wrestling game, chose a “suite” of wrestling games that build on each other. They have been listed in the order in which they could build on each other.
Arm Wrestling
Sitting Elbow Wrestling
Lock elbows while sitting on the ground. Back to back, pull to the left to tip opponent
Palm Push
Facing each other, put palms of hands together and push. Try to make your opponent move their feet.
Hand Wrestling
Put right foot against opponent's foot. Grasp right hand in handshake grip. Pull your opponent off balance.
Knee slap
Students squat facing each other and have to slap the side of their opponent’s knee. No holding hands! Remember to warn them about the possibility of banging their heads together if they're not careful
Toe Tapper-Opponents
Stand facing each other at arms length. They place their palms on each other's shoulders. Using quick footwork they try to touch their partner’s toes with their toes in order to score points. Emphasize to students that they must try to lightly touch each other. The hands may not be used to pull or push, they only delineate space. There is no stomping allowed! Students are allowed to stop the match if they feel their partners are not adhering to the rules, by using a predetermined cue.
Head tap
This is not as bad as it sounds! Two versions. In pairs each student holds one wrist each. The object is to tap (lightly) your partner’s head. The more relaxed you are the easier it is to score on your partner. Once they get the idea do the same exercise with your eyes closed.
Turn Over
One player lies on their stomach, arms at their side. The other student tries to pull or push them over on their back.
Leg Wrestling
Lie down beside partner - opposite head to foot, on back, hip to hip. Raise inside leg three times and then lock it around partner's legs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Derek Scott (2008) Judo Games. Lulu.com ISBN-10: 1847996108
Elizabeth and David Lee (2002) 101 Games and Drills for Martial Arts. Amacsports Ltd.
Future Kidz/Karate Kidz Manuals
REFERENCES
Jun Shihan Gil Alstein, Central Florida Seido Juku Karate
Kyoshi Bu Windsor, Aoraki Mount Cook Seido Karate
Australian Sports Commission (1995) Give it a Go:Including People with Disabilities in Sport & Physical Activity ISBN 1-74013-049-9
Bedford, Wilma and Robinson, Jenny (2001) The Great New Book of ‘Life. Be in it’ Games. Rebound Associates Pty Ltd Melboune ISBN 0-646-27013-3
Landy, Joanne & Keith Burridge (2002) Kids with Zip: a practical resource for promoting active children ages 3-12. ISBN 1-74009-739-4
Pepin Press (2007) Kimono (Agile Rabbit Editions). Pepin Press. ISBN-10: 9789057681004
Alison Todd - Alison's background is many and varied. Her love of soil and plants is probably only eclipsed by her strange fascination with Japanese ...
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