Illinois Martial Arts Academy

In the Children’s Martial Arts classes, 5 to 7-year-olds have fun while gaining confidence, body awareness, and basic self-defense skills. Along the way, these students “learn how to learn” by developing group interaction skills, self-discipline, focus, and respect for others. Classes are designed with consideration for the shorter attention span of younger students. Leaping, ducking, rolling, and dodging skills are all taught as methods of avoidance in addition to other extensive “Stranger Danger” skills. Elaborate obstacle courses and games have been created to best teach these skills in a fun way that keeps the energy high and the learning fun and exciting.

For students ages, 8 to 12, the Illinois Martial Arts Academy teaches a system of skills that are essential to handle the unique circumstances and situations that children of this age group frequently confront. As an example, we focus heavily on “Bully Proofing” techniques that teach them the difference between physical and emotional assaults and how to appropriately react given the situation. This provides them with the skills and the confidence to handle situations that may present personal danger. Individuals in this age group are still forming their core personalities and habits. While they are old enough to start forming their opinions about life and relationships they are still naturally receptive to the presentation of life lessons. Therefore we feel strongly that it is essential to offer training that encourages and supports positive outcomes to circumstances that come their way in life. Youth students can receive all the benefits of martial arts training in a powerful environment that cultivates positive personality attributes and interpersonal skills.