Ibuki and Kids

[orisha66]

Osu!
Even though i was 9 when i first started training, since i have gotten older and teaching, i have found that kyokushin is more of an adult karate like goju. Not too kid friendly. I have checked out the Kyokushin Kid warrior DVD to get some ideas, but was unsuccessful.
To teach styles like shotokan, TKD, shorinryu, seems to me to be simpler styles to teach children at the ages of 4 - 8. So as my kyokushin Kids, my tots...as they grow...and i am starting to get lots of them, my question and ever growing problem thought is...

How old does a child have to be before learning real Ibuki. As far as kids go, is it safe to teach them Ibuki and Sanchin? Ibuki is very complex when it comes to kids. When i teach the kids Ibuki, i show a very basic breathing exercise (in the nose out the mouth teeth 2gether with a chssssshh sound - sort of like DUNE).
Does anyone have input on my growing enigma.

[kyokushin4life]

I thought it was a topic on our member ibuki

[homer_simpson]

In my opinion, you can teach them the proper mechanics of ibuki and sanchin, just so that they know what ibuki and sanchin are all about and how to do them properly. However, focusing on hard training (such as ibuki and strength training) for children is somewhat pointless as there will be very little progress and the children may find the training boring.

Instead, it may be best to focus on speed, flexibility, and techniques when teaching children. Later, when they get into their teens, you can start focusing on ibuki and others.

In the dojo where I train, the children there love to play with body protectors, shin pads, and boxing gloves; and they love doing kumite while wearing those. I think it's a great way to get them started in kyokushin.

[koji112091]

I think you should introduce them to it so they will be slightly prepared when they get old enough. If they can practice kata then they can practice breathing exercises. The skill might not be there but there's no way to get it if you don't practice. OSU!

[orisha66]

Originally Posted by homer_simpson

In the dojo where I train, the children there love to play with body protectors, shin pads, and boxing gloves; and they love doing kumite while wearing those. I think it's a great way to get them started in kyokushin.

Thanks for your input, this is the EZ part, never will have a problem with anything thats action packed. its mainly, as you said Simpson...the slow tensed movements are boring to them. I have seen that some organizations perform the sanchin kata with a timing speed similar to Tensho or Hangetsu, is this because of that same reason or is that just differant variations.
(maybe this part should be in the kata threads)

[seienchin]

It's just gotta be fun. I used to get the kids to try to make fun of my ibuki - to impersonate it. much eye-rolling, much laughter. In the end, one bright little spark decided that it just had to sound like a cappucino machine. and he suddenly got it!

Once they have the sound, then you can get them to start doing one-finger pokes to the abs with a partner, to get the technique working.

I don't think age is a barrier after about six. but keep it reasonably light-hearted. Then they soak it up like little happy sponges.

[ksan]

Originally Posted by kyokushin4life

I thought it was a topic on our member ibuki

LMAO

I wonder what you thought when you read it

[Johnnie]

ahahaha this reminds me of a funny story of when i taught kids classes but thats for another rainy day.

I believe that there is no age barrier to start kyokushin itself but complex katas such as ibuki and tensho are hard to understand for younger children. Hence we don't grade our kids up if we feel they are not ready to tackle the slow but important excercises in kata. I found that at about the age of 9 to 10 the kids could focus more. They seemed to be able to grasp the understanding of the kata motions, not just the motions themselves. THe breathing excercises should be fine for the 9 to 10 year olds. younger and they all fall down in fits of laughter.

The secret to kids classes, kep it fast and try to keep it fun and a bit relaxed. And ALWAYS try to remember the kids names. They will see you as more of a mentor/friend/sempai that way.
osu

[orisha66]

Muchas Gracias Johnnie
I think that is what i was looking for.