Little bear is martial

Little bear will be sparring in a competition in February. There are all the safety gear and it is set up to be as careful as possible. It is strictly for his age group (4-5, other ages will be sparring in the competition but not with younger/older people) and all those supervising are lovely and steady.

I think it will be really good for little bear. He may finally find out how it feels not to be first! And it will be a good experience as it develops so that if he is attacked at any stage then he has some resources, developed in careful situations.

Yes, I am absolutely terrified!

Very nervous Sybil

Little bear went to martial arts today, and came back with a head protector. The gloves are on order. They are going to be starting sparring.

I am absolutely terrified, but I do have complete trust and faith in the instructor who is very gentle and patient with the little ones, so I am sure it will be the right thing.

Still terrified

Little bear is a ninja

Actually, little bear is a little ninja which is what his class is called in Martial Arts. And he has just passed his first grading. He has a yellow belt, and a big smile.

I am sooooo proud of him.

And tonight he learned, 'reverse fist'. And I noted that the teacher could easily kick above her head.

My little Ninja

Little bear went to a martial arts class yesterday. As he is an only child, and he is grossly indulged when it comes to attention if nothing else, I am desperate to get him into structured activities.

So yesterday we went to the British Military Martial Arts, which are classes run by former members of the British Military and have all the checks etc.

Little bear was sweet. He was the only one there for that class, which is tailored for 4-7 year olds, and blossomed under her attention. He did press ups in an age appropriate way - roaring like a lion! He stood to attention, he bowed, he stretched and did age appropriate sit ups (it was all very gentle and fun) and then the instructor showed him how to do a punch and a kick (front jab, reverse punch and leg raise apparently). Watching a four year old carefully trying to punch a mark on a cushion was so sweet.

The instructor was also very strong on discipline. When little bear forgot to shout when he punched he had to do two frog jumps and say 'ribbit'.

So, £26 per month plus £60 joining fee when he gets his suit (child related expenses now mounting up) and once a week he will go and do martial arts. He loved it.