Martial Arts for Children

There is much more to learning a martial art than learning how to fight! Martial Arts for Children was written to illustrate the benefits that safely conducted and supervised martial arts training can offer to young people. Starting with physical fitness, the book introduces basic exercises that stress the need for a healthy mind and a healthy body. Safety in practice, supervision, targets, uniforms, and ranking are all covered, and the reader is introduced to the exciting art of "free fighting" or sparring. Martial Arts for Children provides an overview of various popular martial arts to help you choose one, should you want to train formally. The book explains how-through regular practice-it is possible to improve concentration and increase confidence, particularly in situations in which there is a need for self defense. Martial arts training is both demanding and fun, and is an absorbing and rewarding journey of adventure and self-discovery for any young person.

Amie Rose Rotruck - Children's Literature

Martial arts commonly practiced by children are explored in this book from the "Martial and Fighting Arts" series. Chapter one, "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body," briefly explains different types of and the value of learning martial arts. Beginning moves are both described and illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams. The importance of safety is also emphasized, then a description of the Shaolin Temple and its influence on martial arts follows. Chapter Two, "Choosing a Martial Art," describes different martial arts, including progression, basic movements, and a brief history. Chapter Three, "Safe Free-Fighting," describes basic movements used in sparring. Chapter Four, "Self-Defense," explains moves that can be used for self-defense. Numerous diagrams and color photographs illustrate the movements used in different martial arts. A glossary and description of equipment is also included in this must-read for any child interested in martial arts. 2003, Mason Crest, Ages 10 up.