Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many Games should be included in a single lesson?

2. Should these games be used in every lesson?

3. Is it best to do the same game for a month or two, or always use

different games in every lesson?

4. What happens if a kid gets hurt during the games?

5. Should the kids be encouraged to play these games at home or at school with

other kids who are not learning Martial Arts?

6. How often should Game Days be hosted?

7. Should there be a limit on the number of guests when hosting a Game Day?

8. How much should enrollment be for kids in a Martial Arts School?

9. Can Kids of different sizes, ages and experience play these games together?

10. Should Game Days be a free event or an added charge?

11. Do I have to teach all these games? Some of them don't suit my Martial Art

12. Why do you say that a parent or outsider should be the judge when needed?

13. Do you have more games for wrestlers?

14. Are you interested in some games that I am already using in my school?

If you have any questions please send them to… questions@martialgames4kids.com

1. How many Games should be included in a single lesson?

I suggest 3 or 4 per lesson. Games can be quick breaks in between instructional learning to help demonstrate the principles of your teaching.

A Game to start class as a warm-up

One or more Games during the lesson

An End Game to finish the lesson on a high note which makes the kids want to come back again.

2. Should these games be used in every lesson?

Yes! These Games are functional as well as fun. They are designed to improve and accelerate the kids learning. These games don't distract or dilute your teaching. These Games will add value to your lesson plan and profits to your business.

3. Is it best to do the same game for a month or two, or always use different games in every lesson?

It is best to introduce new games every couple of weeks. Teach the game, then use it 3-5 times, then replace it with another game. In a month or two bring out an old favorite and watch the kids eyes light up when you say they are about to play something they love but haven't done for a while.

Keep game changes staggered so that you are not changing all the games at once. Only introduce one new game per lesson because the first time you teach it will take the longest.

4. What happens if a kid gets hurt during the games?

These games have been tested in many schools and are safe to play. Like all games and activities something occasionally goes wrong, just like tripping on the footpath or hitting your funny bone on a table. There are no guarantees in life but with proper supervision there should not be any serious injuries. If the kids appear to be getting out of control stop the game immediately.

5. Should the kids be encouraged to play these games at home or at school with other kids who are not learning Martial Arts?

Definitely. This is where you get the benefits of teaching these games to kids. When kids play these games they are also practicing elements of your Martial art in their own time. You will see the rapid improvements in foot movements, blocking, balance and coordination.

The other advantage is that the kids are now your marketing machine promoting your Martial Arts School to all of their friends. They will show their friends what they are learning and how much fun they have in class. Do you think this makes it easy to sign up new students on the first visit? You bet it does.

6. How often should Game Days be hosted?

Game Days can be hosted as often as you like although I recommend spacing them out to every 2 months at a minimum. If they happen too often they will not seem as special and the kids will only turn up now and then. If the Game Days are only 4 or 6 times a year then you have more time to promote them and the kids get excited with the anticipation.

7. Should there be a limit on the number of guests when hosting a Game Day?

This depends on your goals. Obviously you need to have an idea of expected numbers prior to the Game Day so you can provide enough people to supervise the day. Game Days are designed to give you two major benefits. Firstly it is a day for your current students and their family to get together and play together. Secondly it is a lead generator where your current students can bring new potential students along to have a fun day and most likely join your school. Many schools have had to start turning away interested kids because they have filled their classes to their capacity. What a great problem to have.

8. How much should enrollment be for kids in a Martial Arts School?

Your prices for teaching are up to you. I don't believe kids classes should be any cheaper than adult classes as it is actually more work training kids. I suggest looking at other schools in your local area and setting your prices at least 10% higher than the most expensive successful school you can find. If you don't believe you can teach as well or better than your opposition then you shouldn't be teaching.

9. Can Kids of different sizes, ages and experience play these games together?

Some Games yes, some games no. As a general rule, Games that rely on skills like Sensei Says and Follow the Leader can be played by all. Games that require strength, size or speed are best played with groups of similar size and experience to avoid possible injuries.

10. Should Game Days be a free event or an added charge?

Game Days should be a free event but it is best to have allocated tickets for students and their guests. This will help control the number of kids turning up on the day. Remember that the benefit of this event is to attract new students. The long term income of a new student far out weighs the cost of hosting a Game Day. If you want to raise some money while hosting the Game Day you may want to run a food and drink stall for event, kids need to drink when they are running around and most parents like a coffee or tea while watching or playing with the kids.

Note: Do Not have alcoholic drinks at the Game Day as it is a Family Event. Disneyland doesn't serve alcohol and it hasn't stopped them from being a huge success.

11. Do I have to teach all these games? Some of them don't suit my Martial Art

Yes and No. It is up to you to decide which games are most beneficial for your students and which best suit your Martial Art. Although the benefits of these games differ for kicking arts, boxing arts and ground fighting arts they are useful and beneficial for everyone. Over the course of time try to use all the games a couple of times to see how they help your students. Obviously start with the ones most suited to your Martial Art.

12. Why do you say that a parent or outsider should be the judge when needed?

You are the Instructor and you need to be the good guy/girl to the kids. The easiest way to avoid taking sides or looking like you are playing favorites with your students is to ask one of the parents to act as the judge when playing competitive games.

It is also good to involve the parents in your lessons to make them feel part of the family. We have gained many Adult students from doing this.

13. Do you have more games for wrestlers?

I am currently working on another manual which is designed more for grappling, wrestling and submission arts. This manual will give you games to build core strength, flexibility, a strong neck, tactile sensitivity and a strong grip for young kids. If I have your email, I will let you know when it is released.

14. Are you interested in some games that I am already using in my school?

I am always looking for new and better ways to improve the training of kids in Martial Arts. If you have some games that you would like to share with other instructors then please send an email to suggestions@martialgames4kids.com

If your games are used in any future manuals or shared in the "Martial Games or Kids Newsletter" I will be sure to include your name and give credit for your contribution.


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