Review of Martial Arts Games for KidsWith both a martial arts background and a degree in Physical Education, I admit to being skeptical when I read Martial Arts Games for Kids by Aaron Perry. I found some excellent games for education and maintaining student interest, loyalty and promotion of your martial arts school. I also found some points in the book I believe could be improved. Read on ....
tags: martial arts games, teaching self-defense to kids, children martial arts classes, getting students,promotion
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The Writing ItselfI have to admit, I've been in sales related fields over 30 years. Aaron Perry knows how to write good sales copy. Not only that, he has the martial arts knowledge and the ability to transfer his knowledge and experience to his fellow martial arts instructors. I believe this skill was taken into consideration as he developed these martial arts games to help ensure learning, loyalty and even advertising via word of mouth and game days amongst his students and his students guests.
I Kept a Suspicious Attitude As I Read Martial Arts Games for KidsWith a background in physical education, I'm very picky about games being associated with the activity, in this case martial arts. When my son was six, I took him to observe several martial arts schools and observed the children's classes. Every single one of the martial arts classes for children did the same thing.
* Warm-ups unrelated to martial arts or self-defense training. By the way one of my methods of teaching physical education classes stated children have such a high metabolism they do not technically need to “warm-up” before engaging in a physical activity.
* Relay races of various types unrelated to martial arts or self-defense training. In these relay races students spent most of their time standing behind another student looking at the back of his or her head than they did engaging in or watching the activity. So much for any benefit of observation.
* The last fifteen minutes or so were spent executing actual martial arts drills. Unfortunately, per my sales experience, it's the last 15 minutes the parents remembered, thus remained satisfied with their child's progress. I cannot state for certain the parents remained satisfied as I never inquired about the martial arts schools turn around or retention rate.
As both a professional educator and parent, I was appalled at what I considered to be a waste of time for the students as well as a waste of financial and time investment for the parents.
I Admit to Becoming Impressed As I Read Martial Arts Games for KidsI realized Mr. Perry took associating a game with the activity he was trying to promote, martial arts, seriously in his book.
Martial Arts Games for Kids include games to increase:
Physical Condition
Coordination
Strength
Balance
Accuracy
Techniques
Stances
The sections were divided similar to public school lessons plans. Each martial arts game explains
* Number of players
* Equipment
* Procedure
* Modification suggestions
* Benefits of the martial arts game
He even includes a frequently asked questions section along with advice on how to slowly incorporate games into your martial arts schools curriculum. There's martial arts school marketing suggestions such as game day. Students bring a friend for this naturally and Mr. Perry offers a way to control the number of people who show up for this promotional event.
When I Finished Reading Martial Arts Games for KidsI admit I was impressed. However, all lesson plans and activities could be improved upon. For example, Mr. Perry made no mention of having smaller groups to increase actual activity. I would have also liked to have seen mention forming any lines need for the activity in such a way as students could observe their fellow students participating.
Note to Those Who Believe Martial Arts and Games Should Not Be CombinedOur goal as educators, is to transfer knowledge to our students. Games is an effective tool in achieving this goal. Games are used in all types of classroom and physical topics to enable and reinforce learning.
Whether or not your students take martial arts seriously does not depend on whether or not you play a game which your students may enjoy. Games are only and should only be a part of your martial arts schools curriculum.
Whether or not your students take martial arts seriously and do not abuse the knowledge which you transfer to them, depends on you and your attitude, not whether or not you allow them to enjoy their lessons in a variety of ways, thus wanting to continue to learn even more.
ConclusionI recommend Aaron Perry's Martial Arts Games for Kids which comes with a monthly newsletter. Get more information on this must have martial arts alternative learning book by clicking here
http://kirkhamsebooks.com/MartialArts/MaGames.htm
And now Mr. Perry has agreed to release a sample newsletter Just visit the page above for details 
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