suggestions 4 transitioning a kids Hapkido class to kung fu

[water_tigress]

Greetings to all....this is officially my first post but I've been a 'lurker' on this forum for several yrs It's one of my favorites.

Am hoping there are some folks out there who can make some helpful suggestions as to how I can effectively transition over an existing kids Hapkido program to my Hung Gar program. I've been teaching for a while but the last 5 yrs have focused mainly on ages 5 and up. I've had great success in developing a program for my youngest students to build a good foundation in the traditional arts but now am faced w/ a new situation of taking existing Hapkido kids and transitioning them to our style.

I feel pretty strongly about keeping their existing techniques and meshing them into my curriculum since it's rooted in Chin Na. One aspect that the facility wants to keep in tact is the belt ranking/testing scene, which is totally out of my realm. I've got some ideas on how to develop this so kids/parents still have that achievement of goals element in tact but was wondering if anyone on this forum has any helpful ideas.

Thanks in advance! ..... RTW

[Daifong]

The challenge here, is to have already stratified all Hung Kyun skills into a standardized ranking system, and to integrate the fundamentals of Hapkido into a concise, and effective curriculum.

Since this is a kids class, I am assuming Hapkido white-yellow belt rank requirements are standard fare. That's great!

Of course Hung Kyun should practice footwork, blocks, strikes, kicks, locks, chokes, throws, rolls, and falls...who shouldn't?

Hap Ki Do is one of the most well-rounded, and versatile arts in the world, that is why most Hong Kong movie stunt men have been trained in it. It's their foundation, choreographers blending in the "animal styles" to give their product "flavor".

Now, on the Hapkido students part, Hung Kyun can offer many things as well, but you've still not mentioned what your Hung Kyun program consists of, how seasoned are the student groups, or how familiar you are with what they already do, but it sounds like when that instructor leaves, "Hapkido" is over with entirely, and everything they know becomes "Chin Na" (unless you simply keep a "Hapkido Basics" section).

Anyway, these kids are already going to miss their teacher. If you don't know Hapkido, but try to teach them anyway, it could get "complicated". Also, some things that make Hapkido work can skew your Hung Kyun result, and vice versa.

Bottom line, they won't be working for advanced Hapkido techniques or rank, so I believe you'll be at your best if you find out just how important that is to everyone involved, that you aren't obliged to fulfill the other instructor's responsibility, but instead have maximal leeway and support to take your own responsibility, and in your own way.



Best,

Michael

[water_tigress]

Michael....thanks for your insight! And I’ve already anticipated some of the things you’ve pointed out. The other instructor has given these kids (6 yrs and up but divided into two age groups) a great foundation w/ his art. He was more concerned about finding a replacement already working w/ kids and could foster the universal ‘code of ethics.’ I’ve been monitoring his classes for several weeks and did a dry run for 1 week when he took off for vacation. Fortunately, what he’s taught them is similar enough to the basics I teach.

The kids don’t know what to make of the basic stances and angled footwork yet. Explaining long range punches was totally new to them but a few grasped the concept of keeping arm’s distance between them and an opponent. Showing how kicks are similar but just slightly different in regards to striking surface (heel vs ball of foot and knife edge of foot), keeping them low, angled made sense to them.

I explained how their art’s locking and grappling techniques are really no different so it will be relatively easy to keep their basics in place. He’s also introduced them to Wing Chun’s 11 point strike combination, which they all love to practice. Pulled out Iron Palm bag (full of beans since these are kids) so they could work on getting the feel of hitting and catching something pliable. Want to emphasize blocks and introduce them to a little bit of body conditioning, too. They are already familiar w/ low side kick that is actually a block w/ their shin, much like Muy Thai technique so I can build upon that for more body conditioning.

Most of the kids are white belts, a few green so I just have to adapt to coming up w/ testing requirements that makes sense. That’s my biggest challenge. The other challenge is to make a smooth transition for these kids because they do love their teacher as well they should since he’s given them a great start. He’s told me that he will come by when his work/school schedule allows. I do anticipate a few might drop out but then I have other kids who will be joining these classes to extend their current training w/ me.

Thx again for your input, sir.....RTW

[ginosifu]

Water Tigress:

Transitioning anyone from another style is difficult. May I ask how many kids do you have? What is the highest Rank? How long has the highest Rank trained with the Hapkido instructor?

What I would do is start everyone out with your basics. Make sure to let those higher ranking Hapkido students learn a bit more information than the beginners (they might feel bad if they become the same rank as the beginners).

How does your curriculum flow? Do you use forms for the kids? What forms do they learn?

Let me now

ginosifu

[water_tigress]

Ginosifu....there are about 18 kids, most are ages 6 - 12. Two are older, up to 14 yrs old (one is blue belt). This program is about 2 yrs old and is offered in a gymnastics business. The students who've been training the longest will get more than the rest, as you suggested. I think they can handle it pretty well.

The basics I teach are stances, punches, blocks, kicks, some body conditioning (keeping in mind these are kids and still growing). I'm a stickler when it comes to teaching kids the WuDe, some history and geography, proper etiquette, and a little info about traditional medicines (Tiger Balm, Kwan Lung oil, Jow).

All ages will be taught Tan Tui (10 Springing Leg, a form woven into my family's curriculum), which I teach in my other classes (ages 5 - 15) due to the first couple of 'steps' components being familiar enough for these transitioning students' existing skills. The oldest female mentioned the first step (Coherent Steps) was boring and slow but I expected as much since the kids mostly think kung fu is all about wushu style. I've already had to comment that what they have seen on tv/movies is very different from what I've studied and teach, making sure they understand that every style of MA's is not necessarily better than another but just different and that every practitioner gravitates to whatever style they feel fits them best if they continue to train.

Once a student puts in the time, learns their basics, learns a few of the first steps of Tan Tui, then I would introduce HG's minor forms like Tan Da (Short Strike) and Hu Te Chang (Butterfly Palm) and use this to advance a student accordingly. But kids being kids, I would be surprised if any of them stick w/ it long enough to get this far.

This will be a challenge for me since I've never been faced w/ taking over an existing program for transitioning but I'm sure I'll learn a lot from the experience. Thx for your response! I'll post to let everyone know how I handle my trials and tribulations w/ this particular class

[ginosifu]

[water_tigress]

Excellent suggestions, Ginosifu! Trying to balance out hammering into them good basics vs. boredom setting in is another challenge for me. I normally teach Asian kids and these particular classes are mostly American kids, so I will have to take a different approach than my normal routine of teaching.

Much obliged for your input, sir!...RTW

[Daifong]

Well, Tam Tui is definitely not Hung Kyun, but you are in luck, as Tam Tui and Hapkido are an ideal compliment. With kicks and longhands, how is anybody going to get in close enough to touch you? Plus, the straight-line Northern footwork (Yat Ji Ma) is much smoother and more agile for a kicking style.

Although most Tam Tui does contain a few Kam Na lines, its design is to be combined with a Kam Na section, as the prerequisite foundation skills are mastered.

It would be easier to help if next time you just say, "I'm teaching the kids Tam Tui", and just leave it at that.



Best,

Michael

[Bamboo]

Hi Water_tigress,

You wrote: "I normally teach Asian kids and these particular classes are mostly American kids, so I will have to take a different approach than my normal routine of teaching".

Can you please explain how your approach is different between teaching Asian and non-Asian kids?

Any one else find it necesary to do so?



Thanks.

[ginosifu]

I taech Asian (Chinese Americans) kids and then there is all other American kids.

Average American kids:
Most of them get bored quick and they have a difficult time remembering techniques linked in a pattern. I break things down more form them into single pieces that are easier to remember. I also let them grapple alot (Chinese Shuai Chiao). I usually do not start any form work until Junior age (9-12).

Chinese American Kids:
The only difference between these and the average American kids is you can teach Chinese kids Forms and they can absorb them a bit easier. I don't know if their parents push them to train and practice at home. All kids get bored and will beg their parents to quit unless you make your curriculum exciting for them.

ginosifu

[water_tigress]

[ginosifu]

[water_tigress]