akes perfect
training tip 2
number games
Kids don’t often enjoy practising things they
are not confident with. One sure-fire way
to get them practising is to make a game
of things. Number games require at least
two people, so if they do not have a training
partner, they can provide you and your child/
children with a great bonding experience.
What do they entail? Number games can
vary, but the essence is to:
• Pick a number of karate techniques and
give them a number.
• Start from ready stance (heiko-datchi)
and after each technique, quickly move
back into heiko-datchi.
• As a number is called out, the child must
execute the relevant karate technique.
• Start the numbers in order until the child
remembers the technique for each
number. Then start mixing the numbers up.
• Start with only 4-5 numbers, but after
they’re competent with this number, add
more.
• Start with a slight pause between numbers; then speed up the count.
• Allow them to pick a few techniques
and then you choose a few (choosing a
few techniques they struggle with).
• The goal is to see how long the child can
last before making a mistake.
The Benefits Of Numbers Games:
Focus: In general, karate training involves
explaining what is to be done, then counting
through. As number games mean kids don’t
know what technique is to come until a
number is called, it develops their ability
to focus.
Reaction Time: Number games
develop a child’s reaction time and
reflexes.
Fun: By choosing a few difficult
techniques, it gets them to
practise the techniques they
need to work on most in a fun
manner.
Variety: By varying the game
every few minutes, not only
will it work up a sweat, it will
find them practising almost
all of their karate techniques
– those they like and dislike.
Example:
1 =Step forward left leg with a left arm
lunge punch.
2 =Step forward right leg with a right arm
lunge punch.
3 =Left leg side kick
4 =Right leg side kick
5 =Step to the right with a right arm head
level block
6 =Step to the left with a left arm body level
hooking block
7 =Do a tuck jump in the air
8 =Turn around and execute a right arm
punch behind you
9=Turn around and execute a left leg front
kick behind you
10=Drop into sumo stance and execute 3
fast punches.
SHIMBUN | 21