KIDS HAPKIDO CLASS AGES 7 TO 12
MORE THAN JUST "SELF-DEFENSE"
While self‑defense is important, our children’s classes are designed specifically to instill confidence, discipline, and respect through positive coaching, tons of encouragement, and a powerful mentoring relationship between your child and their instructor.
In our classes, your child will develop fundamental life skills including self‑confidence and self‑esteem, well ahead of their peers. Psychological studies have shown that the positive benefits provided by martial arts, and specifically the style of martial arts we teach here at Portland Academy of Self Defense, relate directly to a child’s ability to deal effectively with real life situations. Improved coordination, memory, attention spans and self-control are just a few of the recognized benefits.
Your child will learn to make positive choices, avoid conflict, show respect towards others, and inspire those around them through their positive example. Our classes truly lay the groundwork for your child’s future success in life.
CHAMPIONS ARE ALWAYS VICTORS - NEVER VICTIMS
In our children’s classes, your child will learn the importance of being responsible for their behavior, and learn how to defuse conflicts before they become physical, even when provoked by others. We teach children to find their "inner voice", and stand up for themselves with confidence. As a result your child will know how to avoid intimidating or provocative situations because they will know they can defend themselves if they need to. This knowledge is more “powerful" than any bully or troublemaker they may face.
Finally, your child is taught that they only use their training as a last resort, to protect themselves (never for "showing off" or attention.) In the event your child is forced to defend themselves, they will know how to do so with the least amount of force necessary to protect themselves, without injuring others. Often all that is required is a confident attitude, and strongly asserted phrase like, "STOP, I AM NOT GOING TO FIGHT. I DO NOT WANT TO HURT YOU!" to completely end the conflict.