Pandas Expectations
Panda Jitsu is basically martial arts based fun & games for 3s, 4s, 5s & 6s
This is real martial arts fundamentals sneakily hidden in fun games, specially designed for younger minds, delivered by qualified experienced martial arts experts. It’s fun, rough and tumble and gets kids ready for real martial arts.
We play 5 or so games/activities about 5 minutes duration and we have over 50 games we play on rotation. Inner Circle Panda Jitsu program is based entirely on game play. This has been proven to be the absolute best way to engage children learners and build quality skills.
Panda Jitsu games have been designed, delivered, refined and perfected by properly qualified instructors, accredited coaches and professional educators with year upon year of successes.
Uniforms consist of a plain white t-shirt plus longer than knee length, non-restrictive black pants. A belt will be supplied when you join the club.
- There are no gradings.
- Students get a stripe on their belt after 10 lessons.
- There are no certificates or trophies.
When Pandas do activities that resemble martial arts, their technique usually starts off completely wrong. Parent are often concerned about this however, we deliberately do not try to prefect technique for every child in every session. We use a high spot method and correct fractional technique error over time. Incorrect technique is not rewarded not even recognised, but improvements are. This age group children are notoriously difficult when it comes to self discipline. Don’t worry. We got this!
We use simple instructions, “see and do” learning and peer group pressure to help ease little ones into good behaviours.
We generally ignore moderate poor behaviours and reward compliance. We’ll occasionally use gruff or loud noises but this is less for discipline than it is for desensitisation to aggressive environments.
If your child is deliberately and repeatedly violent or disruptive, they might be sent for a time out. This is a normal part of learning.
The time out period is up to the child. As soon as they have discussed the matter with their parent they are free to re-join. This is not meant to be a penalty but a learning opportunity for the child.
There might be lots of screaming and running and bumping and it might look a little unstructured, however this is the best way to engage and it creates the fun element that young minds need for retention and skills development.
Starting young ones early in martial art thinking means they'll end up stronger more confident and able to handle a broader range of adverse situations and in the short term they'll learn some protective behaviours and reflexes.
We broach sensitive subjects such as stranger danger, bullying and abduction in ways that will eventually give your children skills they need but won't cause undue anxieties.
You will see your child improve over time and consistent attendance is the best way to build skills.
When your Panda starts getting bored, their on mat behaviour might change.
This is normal too. it’s time to move them up into the next group. Real martial arts!
First night wear longer than knee length unrestrictive pants and a loose fit plain t-shirt. If you're doing Pandas for more than 1 night or longer than a trial period, go for black pants and a white t-shirt . (Any colours will do for first goes). Bring a water bottle.
Parents are definitely allowed on the mat with children and should participate as normal without too many instructions to the child. Your child will copy. Don't worry, they'll tell you when you are no longer needed.
If your little one is reluctant to go on, try not to encourage them too much. I know that sounds strange, but its better to phrase it as " You are allowed to join in anything that looks like fun, if it looks too hard, come sit with me and watch" (Make sue they are watching). Some children will take several sessions of mostly watching whereas some jump right in and don't want to go home. They will all get there with patience and tolerance and the benefits are of very high value, so it's worth the wait.
Thank you for starting your little ones early.
We only get one chance to do this bit right,
Remember, the gift of self defence is priceless.