The Kids Kung Fu class at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy
Kung Fu is hard work. Literally. When translated from Chinese, the characters translated to “skill through effort” most parents don't realize that when they sign their kids up for kung fu lessons they really are signing them up for work. Hard work! Kung Fu was first developed as a system of Self Defense therefor it still has all four skills that are inherit in all self defense styles. These 4 different skills are striking, kicking, joint locking, and throwing. The 4 different skills are practiced by either learning a form or partner drills. Our hand trapping class teaches the striking part of kung fu. The children partner up and work on their blocking and striking skills. We first teach them various blocks and strikes coming from different angles. We teach them how to block the punch coming in, then counter by trapping the partners hand, and punching back. Hand trapping helps with reaction time and learning how to block a punch that is coming in. Another class that helps children learn the striking, blocking, and kicking part of Kung Fu is our forms class. In our forms class the children learns and memorizes a series of movements put together. In other martial arts styles they call this a Kata. When teaching a traditional form it is much more than just movements. In kung fu every movement in a form is a self defense move. We sometimes take a part of the form and teach the children on how the move is used in a self defense situation.
It is only when students become proficient at using all 4 skills of Kung Fu(Striking, Kicking, Locking and Throwing) that they become effective fighters
Joint locking also known as Chin Na teaches children some self defense moves if someone is grabbing them. The children are taught various wrist escapes and joint locks. They work with a partner and learn how to flow their joint locks from one lock to the other. By learning all of these aspects students are able to integrate and combine their different skills of marital arts and become a well rounded fighter.
Our two sons, Joshua and Matthew, have been training at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy for almost a year.
They take the family class and the tumbling and rolling classes regularly, which they really enjoy.
We were interested in enrolling the boys in the school after researching online to find a perfect fit for our family. What we wanted most in a school was one that promoted self discipline and self confidence in their students. We were happy to find a school that focuses on helping people become better from the inside out rather than focusing on rapidly advancing through a belt system for bragging rights.
Matthew started classes with much apprehension since he was having difficulty relating to new people and new situations. We actually couldn't get him into the Kung Fu studio even though he kept telling us privately that he really wanted to go. With the patience and guidance of Kevin, Renee and the rest of the instructors Matthew eventually broke through his shyness and is doing great. He's much more talkative now and his self confidence is very much improved.
Joshua has benefited from improved physical coordination and strength which helps him to be a more well rounded person. Both of our boys enjoy coming to class and we definitely feel that the program at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy is making a positive impact in our children's lives and will continue to help us lay a solid foundation for their continued development into fine young men.
The Alsagoffs (Yasin, Rachel, Taryk and Quinn)
The decision to enroll our entire family in the Kung Fu school has been one of the most positive experiences for us all.
On top of watching both our sons grow in character, confidence, discipline and respect for themselves and others, we’ve also had the added bonus of sharing a closer bond with them- a facet that is priceless in an age of alienation. In just over a year, we have seen changes in ourselves, which we hope, would last a lifetime. Besides the ability to defend ourselves should the need arise, we have also noticed a remarkable improvement in our overall fitness and health. And as parents of a child who is recovering from cancer, this has definitely been the most valuable aspect of the program. Last, but not least, one of the more commendable things about training under Sifu Kevin Kawada and his school is the way he takes a vested interest in each individual’s development. Not once did we feel like just another number. There is always a sense of belonging in a school that truly cares for its members like kin. We would highly recommend this to anyone who is ready to change their quality of life for the better both as individuals and as a family. This is one decision you’ll make that you won’t regret."