Children’s brains are like sponges: they soak everything up and always need new stimulation. Enrolling young kids in extracurricular activities can provide them with a structured way of learning outside of school and a community of peers to support them. However, finding the right fit according to their specific learning style, developmental needs, and temperament is no easy feat. Martial Arts Training is an extremely popular choice, with over 3 million children in the U.S. participating according to recent statistics, and for good reason. The emphasis on discipline and self-respect in martial arts culture combined with a child-oriented format gives kids the perfect outlet to work on behavior, make friends, and get their energy out. 

Youth Curriculum  

   Martial Arts attracts all types of children. Those who do well in a classroom, and those who don’t. Those who make friends easily, and those who struggle. Those who learn visually, and those who benefit from a hands-on approach. The youth Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum at the Forged Self-Defense uses a fast paced and varied mixture of activities to make sure everyone is learning skills and having fun, no matter how their brain functions. Line drills in which instructors hold pads for students to work a technique, before sending them off to run through an obstacle course, is a staple drill to keep energy high. Group activities encourage students to work together and learn each other’s names, so no one is left out. Games incorporating techniques and fitness make sure students get their exercise in and energy out so they are happy and tired by the end of each class. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and hands-on, so students are never bored or stuck in one activity for too long. 

Values 

            On top of drills and activities targeted at developing skills like listening, teamwork, and intensity, instructors sit down with the class in a circle towards the end of each class for a “mat chat” to talk about martial arts values such as self-discipline, respect, and gratitude. The kids are encouraged to participate and offer their own interpretations of the topic to show their understanding. Veteran students can often define these complicated concepts in their own words and explain how to use them in everyday life. 

            Since the best time to form habits is in childhood, Forged instructors teach students the right habits to build to succeed in life. Sometimes the mat chat topic of the month is “the mindset of a champion”, or “why should we treat ourselves with respect?” To reinforce these core tenets, students perform both traditional martial arts customs such as bowing to their partners to pay their respect, as well as new traditions such as responding to the call-back “Put your hands in the air and say ‘We’re awesome’!” 

            The effects of this teaching can be seen in how Forged Self Defense students treat one another, and the progress new students make after just a few months. When a student receives their first belt, they are part of a team that they both want to support and earn the support of. Above all, the Forged instructors try to teach that the goal of Martial Arts is not a black belt, but everything they learn on their journey to the black belt and beyond.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

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Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

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