Teachers make a tunnel out of flexible pool noodles. Kids have to stand ion a line and take turns crawling on their bellies through the tunnel.

This can also be done with a ball or anything the kids can hold with two hands. In this exercise using the noodle keeps their hands busy so they use their core to pull themselves up.

Different martial arts styles will have different names and techniques for sitting formally. Here the kids are taught "seiza". By giving them clear instructions of where their hands, legs and eyes should be they have something to strive for.

Giving little kids a noodle to hold onto helps them to keep focus on the stretches. TIP: Avoid using wooden weapons, foam covered escrima are a good alternative if you don't have noodles.

Using a rope ladder laid out on the mat is a great obstacle course for kids! Give them different instructions each time they start over!

Using a hoola hoop to help with balance skills. As the hoop comes over the child they are told to jump out of it. This is a favorite - listen to the comment as the kids line up at the end! TIP: Hoola hoops are a great, inexpensive way to add color and fun to games and obstacle courses.

This is also great for teaching self-control. Kids are told to try to stay in the hoola hoop while each tries to push the other out. They are specifically told that the face is off limits-a good thing to be mindful of as they play with other children. TIP: Have the kids shake hands after each rou...

Having the kids sit in a karate seiza position (see video #24) gives the kids clear directions how to be seated so they can focus on the teacher. A simple counting chart can be used over and over again.

Kids do kicks while reciting the alphabet ( with a little help from teachers!) That's 26 kicks and their A,B,C's! TIP: Be sure to tell them where their hands should be. By their face, on their waist, etc.

A creative way to teach kids to work together! They are all "contained" in a hoola hoop that each is holding. They move together to the next hoop and have to work together to switch hoops, and move onto the next one. We'll keep working with them on this!

Practicing the basic strikes that are learned in our next program of classes (the "bigger" kids) gives the little ones the ability to easily move in to your next program. When one student loses focus the instructor reminds her exactly what to do. No long discussions!

Floor stretches while making and ice-cream sundae! Keep adding ingredients for each stretch. TIP: Let the kids participate by asking them to add to the sundae.

Slow down jumping jacks to teach the kids. Using sound effects is a big hit!

Very simple instructions are given: 2 punches then run to the back of the line. The kids are learning to take turns, but also notice they are learning to stay at a safe distance and not crowd in.

Doing partner work is best when you have an assistant to help out. Kids hold on to the knot of the balloon while the partner holds onto the ballet bar and kicks. The switch!

The instructor tells the kids to pick up a certain foam letter and hand it to over to be punched out

Not everyone can win every time! Learning to follow the rules and still be a "good" sport. Someone might cry at being told to sit down because they think it is a punishment: this is where you have to remind them to cheer on their fellow students and remind them how a black belt would behave!

Kids learn to sit, watch and wait for their turn PLUS learning their ABC's!

Whether you're teaching martial arts or arts & crafts, it's important for the kids to know how to sit still and listen.

When one student was misbehaving at home and using his martial arts on the playground, his mom let the instructor know. The consequence was losing his belt.
After checking with mom to make sure his behavior improved, the instructor rewarded him by giving his belt back.

This short clip can keep toddlers busy for a while! It takes balance and coordination to jump with two legs together - and for these guys - a long distance!

Starting with one technique and adding up to two more develops focus as they need to remember which technique they are supposed to do.

Kids love balloons!! Focusing on kicking then catching the balloon, tots learn self-control: if they kick too hard they can't catch it!

This is always a hit! First balancing on the wobbly pads and then using all those muscles to roll really develops coordination!