Parents Blog - What to expect when teaching martial arts 10 to 14 year olds

Stages of Development 10 to 14 year Olds

Physically:

They typically have great technique and agility, but they can be lazy which leads to sloppiness.

Expectations:

· Sloppy on things that are easy physically.

· Goofy on physically challenges that are initially challenging.

· Lack in awareness of how to build upon their strength.

Goals:

· Demonstrating DEXTERITY to even the smallest details to the task at hand.

· Apply effort to challenging tasks such as building MOMENTUM in their jumps and spins.

· Demonstrating STRENGTH by applying power and mechanics to exercises.

Intellectually:

They are extremely smart. Their critical thinking skills are top-notch, but their decision-making skills are typically the exact opposite, and that is why most adults treat them like a child.

Expectations:

· Hold back on intellectual challenges that are either too easy or too hard.

· Not apply proper fine motor skills mechanics on physical techniques.

· Not understand their intellectual capacity as it applies to learn a large amount of detail in a short amount of time.

Goals:

· Apply focus and effort on the simplest activities.

· Demonstrate PRECISION by applying accuracy into their movements.

· Demonstrate VERSATILITY by showing the capability of learning at an accelerated pace.

Emotionally:

Thanks to science, they are typically all over the emotional spectrum. This is more prominent in boys than girls.

Expectations:

· Hold back if they are not emotionally engaged.

· Lose focus if they are not in a good mood.

· Show attitude when embarrassed.

Goals:

· Apply intrinsic motivation and realize their true potential by applying proper INSTINCT in what they do.

· Engage with extreme effort despite obstacles.

· Show good decision-making skills by having the proper REACTION when put under pressure.

Socially:

They care about what their peers think. They also understand that character plays an important role in who they are as a person.

Expectations:

· Initially hold back if they are uncomfortable as a defense mechanism.

· Prefer to work with their friends, which can lead to immaturity on tasks that are too simple or over-challenging

· Prefer not to be in the limelight and receive constant praise in front of others.

Goals:

· Have VISION by seeing the bigger picture in life by applying their skills into everything they do.

· Show maturity when working with their peers despite the task at hand.

· Take praise and recognition as a signal that they are on the right path.