This anthology isn’t a typical “How To” book for teaching martial arts to children. The eight chapters included tend not only to the physical aspects of the instruction of skills, but give special attention to the essential nature of children, their body and minds, and the effects their train have on socialization. In addition, some authors write specifically on the special needs of children with autism, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorders.
As young children learn about the world over time, what activities they do influence their outlooks and influence their behaviors. Will enrolled into a martial arts class make them aggressive and perhaps violent? Or, will they learn how to have self-control and obtain skills that bring about conflict resolution?
Many martial arts instructors are highly skilled in self-defense. As Dr. Webster-Doyle shows, martial arts instruction should also nurture the students’ minds to be responsible for what they are learning. Unfortunately, many instructors may not be so prepared for providing a balance for teaching the physical as well as the mental aspects. Dr. Barnfield’s chapter is clear on how instructors are models of behavior.
The chapter by Dr. Van Rheenan illustrates how traditional marital arts instruction can benefit children in way outside the dojo. What they learn in the studio—discipline, respect, effort, etc.—can be applied to ways of behavior at home and at school.
Two chapters focus on children with special needs. Dr. Cooper’s writing looks closely at attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorders. He clarifies just what these disorders entail so instructors can better understand their students and proved the best possible instruction. Josh Paul’s chapter is similar, but focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorders and includes a technical section of Aikido-based practices for the dojo.
Parents and instructors will benefit from the content provided in this special anthology since it focuses on children as students of martial arts. The former will see the potential a martial arts school can offer to their children. The later will find ways to improve their instruction.
