Developmentally Appropriate Instruction

Ages 8-12

During the pre-teen years students begin to develop increased focus and physical coordination. In a martial arts class, these new found abilities mark a change in both the direction and the methodology of teaching.  Play is replaced with repetitive skill set practice and an emphasis is placed on cognitive development. Students are expected to learn, understand, and live the tenets of their class including; courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.  Martial arts become a vehicle for helping to teach positive values and ethical standards of conduct.

 At this age students move into the standardized rank structure of the art which they are taking. All belts are earned through hard work, dedication, and practice. Although time in grade is a minor consideration for promotion, it is the successful accomplishment of skill sets that allow the students to progress in rank. No student is ever promoted without first being invited to and completing a skill level appropriate examination. For details about the skills required for each rank, please see the PDF booklet: Roadmap to Black Belt. A link can be found on the left side of the page.

 Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts is a strong supporter of helping children grow through positive reinforcement. The Search Institute has identified building blocks of healthy development—known as the 40 Developmental Assets—that help young children grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Martial Arts help to build many of these assets in young people. For more information on the Developmental Assets go to: http://www.gohchy.org/  to the http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets, or contact your child's school.