martial arts for children and young people, exercise classes for little kids and toddlers. lots of fun and confidence building. We can now offer parkour .
Exercise classes for little children that are exciting supportive and child centred. classes are small groups and parents are encouraged to get involved. its a lovely time for parents and their kiddies to share in their learning, bravery, socialising and confidence. "I Wanna Be a Ninja" / Little Ninjas at Active Bodies Centre
Developed exclusively by Shodan Julie Poulter, "I Wanna Be a Ninja" /
Little Ninjas is a programme of exercises, activities and fun games with a self defence theme. The programme is based on the ancient Japanese martial art of Budo Taijitsu, which incorporates Ninjitsu and other disciplines. The programme helps girls and boys of all ages become more self-confident and socially active. The key elements of the programme are:
• Focus
• Control
• Teamwork
• Balance
• Memory
• Self-Discipline
• Fitness
• Co-ordination
• Fun! "I Wanna Be a Ninja" / Little Ninjas is different to other children's martial arts training because we work with each individual child's age, skills, abilities and personality. There is no sparring or one to one competition involved in the programme, nor do we compare one child against another. Instead, we measure each child's success in terms of "What could you do then? And what can you do now?"
The programme works in 3 stages, and children move to the next level when they are ready, not just because a grading system or teacher says they have to! Classes take place here at the Active Bodies Centre, and also at The Zone, Huddersfield. "I Wanna Be a Ninja" / Little Ninjas
Stage 1 – Ninja Tots
Suitable even for the very youngest girls and boys, Ninja Tots uses gentle exercises, fun and games to develop children's basic martial arts skills without them even knowing! Parents are encouraged to share in their child's learning experience, as they take their first steps in martial arts training. Ninja Tots classes have been carefully designed to help our youngest students build their balance, confidence, physical fitness and co-ordination – but most of all to have lots of really good fun! Stage 2 – Little Ninjas
Little Ninjas is the next step, and is suitable for girls and boys aged 4 and upwards. Your child does not need to have attended Ninja Tots to begin Little Ninjas – they will soon pick up the skills they need. The classes work on the same key elements, and use games and fun activities to develop the founding skills used in Budo Taijitsu. There is no grading system or competitive element in Little Ninjas classes – the key is to try your best and have fun as you develop your skills and confidence. After each class your child collects a sticker on their reward card, collecing and counting the stickers shows your child how far they have come on their learning journey, and encourages them to feel positive and proud of their achievement too. Once your child reaches a level of proficiency, Shodan Julie Poulter will ask you and your child if you would like to move on to the next stage, Hattori. There is no pressure to do so – many children continue in Little Ninjas classes because they enjoy them so much, while others can't wait to take the next step on their learning journey. Stage 3 – Hattori
The term Hattori loosely means "young people in training" and is the next step in the "I Wanna Be a Ninja" / Little Ninjas programme. Girls and boys in the Hattori classes continue to learn the key elements of Budo Taijitsu, but in a more structured way. Members of the class are encouraged to see themselves as a team, and together they work on stances, rolls, kicks, punches, and take downs. The art of Budo Taijitsu encourages students to:
• have awareness of situations
• to use an opponent's strength against them
• to apply what they learn
• to be able to deal with aggressive behaviour in a calm and controlled manner
• to have the confidence and self-control to fight only when absolutely necessary
At all stages of your child's learning journey, we are working with their individual skills and abilities, and making sure everyone has plenty of fun too! Hattori students can now begin to progress through belt gradings; crucially though, and unlike some other martial arts training, Budo Taijitsu does not use competitions or set children against each other in a sparring scenario. Instead, we continue to encourage students to work together, develop their own skills, and to look at how far they have come on their own learning journey – to put it simply, "What could you do then? And what can you do now?"
Hattori students become members of the Bujinkan Kouryuu Dojo, which is based here at Active Bodies Centre. Your child will wear a belt and uniform, and must be insured to take part in Hattori classes. Find out more about "I Wanna Be a Ninja"/Little Ninjas – Call 07738208586 or email [email protected]
ABOUT ME - Shodan Julie Poulter
My background is in Youth Work and Martial Arts. I am a qualified Youth Worker, I have many years' experience working within schools and with young people, and these skills, together with my martial arts training, have helped me develop a unique portfolio:
• Business owner of the Active Bodies Centre, Huddersfield
• Personal Safety and Self Defence instructor
• Creator of the "I Wanna Be a Ninja"/Little Ninjas children's training programme
• Event organiser, specialising in bespoke children's birthday parties
Everything I do - from providing the best party experience possible, to training the youngsters who attend my Little Ninjas classes – is underpinned by a philosophy of respect and understanding. I put the care, wellbeing and development of young people first, and this is what makes the Active Bodies experience so different. Qualifications and Experience
• Nidan in Bujinkan Budo TaiJitsu (2nd Dan)
• Over 15 years' experience as a qualified Youth Worker
• Over 10 years' experience working within schools
• Mother of 4
• CRB/DBS checked
• First Aid Certified
classes are During the day week days at active bodies centre, we have a lovely soft matted room with special equipment just for kiddies. please get in touch via. [email protected]www.activebodies.org.uk or ring 01484 541804 mobile no.. 07738 208586 ask for Julie. We also do classes for kiddies aged 4 and over and little siblings on Monday at 4pm. (CRB checked and qualified youth worker Black belt in Budo TaiJutsu. and mummy of 4)
