Mini Ninjas (Ages 5–7)
School Year Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
ZKS Martial Arts’ Mini Ninjas program is a structured, fun-filled journey designed to help children thrive—both on and off the mat. Through three carefully crafted terms across the school year, we help children aged 5 to 7 develop real martial arts skills while improving balance, coordination, confidence, and social awareness.
Why Join Mini Ninjas in Bucks & Herts?
- Structured Yearly Syllabus: Three 12-week terms aligned with the academic calendar: Striking (Winter), Grappling (Spring), and Self-Defence (Summer).
- Development of Core Skills: Each term builds coordination, balance, technique, and confidence in a safe, fun environment.
- Age-Appropriate Content: Designed specifically for Key Stage One learners, focusing on movement, spatial awareness, functional strength, and communication.
- Structured and Disciplined Approach: We set clear expectations and boundaries to help children focus while developing discipline and respect.
- Fun, Engaging Warm-Ups: Every session starts with games and animal drills that promote agility, strength, and a playful mindset.
- Holistic Development: We support your child’s mental, physical, and social growth, preparing them not only for martial arts but life beyond the mat.
- Safe & Supportive: All sessions are closely supervised by expert instructors to ensure a nurturing and secure environment.
- Pathway to Juniors: Mini Ninjas graduate with strong foundations, ready to enter our Junior MA syllabus. with confidence.
What Parents Can Expect
- Term Overviews: Stay informed on what your child is learning and why it matters.
- Mini Homework Challenges: Reinforce learning and keep kids active between sessions.
- Celebration Opportunities: Parents are invited to watch in our parent open days.
- Life Skills: Self-discipline, focus, perseverance, and respect are taught alongside technique.
End-of-Term Assessments
At the end of each term, Mini Ninjas demonstrate their progress through a fun, age-appropriate assessment. Children receive feedback and recognition, and many progress toward their next belt—boosting pride, motivation, and ownership of their journey.
Our young Mini Ninjas learn to build Confidence and self-discipline from our class
content.
What We Expect from Our Mini Ninjas
At ZKS Martial Arts, we use a progressive framework built around two tiers of learning: Tested Techniques (TT) and Advanced Techniques (AT). This ensures every child grows in skill, confidence, and understanding—at the right pace for them.
Tested Techniques (TT) are the core skills all Mini Ninjas learn during each term. These are the essential movements and concepts that form the foundation of martial arts. By the end of the term, students are assessed on their ability to perform these techniques with confidence, focus, and control.
Advanced Techniques (AT) are introduced to students who show mastery of the TTs. These skills are more complex and serve to challenge students further, giving them the opportunity to expand their capabilities and develop a deeper understanding of martial arts.
This TT/AT structure:
- Provides a clear and achievable learning path
- Encourages all students to master the fundamentals before progressing
- Offers additional growth opportunities for those ready for more
- Keeps every session inclusive, purposeful, and adaptable
By maintaining this balance, we support every Mini Ninja in building discipline, resilience, and skill—step by step, term by term.
Winter Term – Striking
Focus: Coordination, striking technique, balance, and body control
Tested Techniques (TT):
- Making a fist
- Fighting stance
- Guard
- Straight punches
- Front snap kick
- Belt tying
Advanced Techniques (AT):
- Movement drills: forward, backward, circular
End-of-Term Goals:
- Keep guard up and understand left/right
- Move in stance during touch sparring
- Put on own Gi, gloves, and gum shield
- Tie belt independently
Spring Term – Throwing and Grappling
Focus: Safe falling, rolling, grips, and ground control
Tested Techniques (TT):
- Backwards break fall
- Backwards roll
- Shrimping (Itchy back dinosaur)
- Side break fall
- Basic grips (sleeve and lapel)
- Turning wheel from knees
- Side control and guard
- Back mount and turnover from turtle
- Belt tying
Advanced Techniques (AT):
- Forwards roll
- Top mount and side control escape
End-of-Term Goals:
- Confident in body movement and control
- Apply grips and maintain posture under pressure
- Attempt techniques with purpose—not just strength
- Dress and prepare independently
Summer Term – Self-Defence & Application
Focus: Practical self-defence, confidence under pressure, and light competition
Tested Techniques (TT):
- Backward roll from push
- Side break fall from press-up
- Shrimping drills
- Top mount and escape
End-of-Term Goals:
- Stay structured under pressure (pushes or pulls)
- Link movements into fluid responses
- Understand rules for light sparring and competition
- Demonstrate perseverance and calm in challenge scenarios
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.