Mini Ninjas
Classes for children from 5 years old to 7 years old
Welcome to the ZKS Martial Arts Mini Ninja programme, a dynamic and engaging curriculum designed specifically for children in Key Stage One aged 5 years old to 7 years old. Our programme is meticulously crafted to align with age-appropriate content and developmental goals found in academic settings, providing a comprehensive approach to physical education and personal growth.
Why Choose ZKS Mini Ninja?
- Structured Yearly Syllabus: Our Mini Ninja programme is structured across the academic year, ensuring consistent and progressive learning. Each term focuses on key martial arts skills, balancing technique, fitness, and self-discipline.
- Development of Core Skills: The syllabus is divided into three main
terms:
- Striking Term: Children learn basic striking techniques such as making a fist, fighting stance, straight punches, and kicks. They also develop coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
- Throwing and Grappling Term: This term introduces fundamental grappling techniques, teaching children safe ways to fall, roll, and perform basic throws. It emphasizes understanding grips and maintaining balance.
- Self-Defence Term: Combining elements from the previous terms, this period focuses on situational self-defence, developing a child's ability to stay safe and defend themselves effectively.
- Age-Appropriate Content: Our curriculum is tailored to the developmental stages of Key Stage One students. We focus on spatial awareness, coordination, balance, functional strength, stability, and communication skills.
- Emphasis on Structure and Discipline: We instill a sense of order and respect through clear boundaries and parameters, helping children focus on learning while fostering a disciplined mindset.
- Fun and Engaging Warm-Ups: Warm-ups include animal drills and fitness games that improve strength, balance, and coordination, setting a positive tone for each session.
- Preparation for Junior Levels: Our Mini Ninja programme not only equips children with essential martial arts skills but also prepares them for advanced training as they move up to the Junior MA syllabus.
What Parents Can Expect:
- Holistic Development: Our programme supports physical, mental, and social development, making it an excellent supplement to academic learning.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: Safety is our top priority. All activities are conducted under close supervision, ensuring a secure environment for all students.
- Life Skills: Beyond martial arts techniques, children learn important life skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, and respect for others.
ZKS MA Mini Ninjas Syllabus
What we expect from our Mini Ninjas:
In our ZKS Martial Arts Mini Ninja programme, TT (Tested Techniques) and AT (Additional Techniques) play integral roles in shaping our students' learning and progression. TTs are fundamental techniques that all members will focus on throughout the term, preparing them for the mini assessment at the end.
These techniques form the core foundation of their martial arts skills, ensuring proficiency and understanding before moving on to more advanced challenges. ATs, on the other hand, are tailored for members who have demonstrated readiness and mastery of TTs. These additional techniques provide opportunities for enhanced skill development and further progression, offering new challenges that build upon their existing knowledge and capabilities. Together, TTs and ATs create a structured pathway for our students, fostering continuous improvement and achievement in their martial arts journey.
Winter Term: Striking
Tested Techniques (TT)
- Making a fist
- Fighting stance
- Horse stance
- Guard (knuckle minimum above chin line)
- Straight punches
- Wedging block
- Front snap kick
- Inside crescent kick
- Belt tying
Additional Techniques (AT)
- Moving forward, backward, and around in a circle in fighting stance.
- Roofing block
- Hook punch
- Front push kick
- Ducking
Aims by the end of the Winter term
- Should be able keep guard up
- Understanding left and right
- Be able to tie up belt
- Be able to move in stances in touch sparring and normal sparring
- Being able to put on their own equipment Gi, Gloves, Gum shield in a timely manner
Spring: Throwing and Grappling
Tested Techniques (TT)
- Backwards break fall
- Backwards roll
- Shrimping/shoulder walking
- Side break fall from press up, both sides
- Grips, sleeve and lapel
- Turning wheel from knees (low)
- Low outside leg reap from knees
- Side control
- Guard/T-Rex arms
- Back mount/Teddy bear
- Turn over from turtle
- Belt tying
Additional Techniques (AT)
- Duck under the arm
- Forwards roll over dominant side
- Outside leg reap from standing
- Top mount
- Side control escape
Aims by the end of the Spring term
- Should be able to perform body skills
- Understanding grips and basic balance breaking
- Understanding forwards pressure
- Be able to keep posture and structure while having pressure applied
- Being able to see that the student is trying to apply technique rather than just bulldozering through a partner.
- Being able to dress themselves for class and tying up belt
Summer Term: Self Defence
Tested Techniques (TT)
- Backward roll from a gentle push
- Side break fall from press up
- Shrimping/Shark/Itchy back dinosaur
- Arm duck under from double wrist hold
- Top mount
- Top mount escape
- Wrist grab escape
- Bear hug defence
Aims by the end of the Summer term
- Should be able to perform body skills
- Be able to keep structure when being pulled or pushed
- Be able to connect basic movements together
- Understanding they should never give up and always try
- Knowing rules for competition
Join Us Today! Enroll your child in the ZKS Martial Arts Mini Ninja programme and watch them grow in confidence, strength, and character. Our expert instructors are dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational experience that will benefit your child in all areas of life.