First techniques, with a teacher
Ready when: Dojo manners and the stance line (b1) done.
What the coach teaches
Making a fist; the stepping punch (oi-zuki); blocks with the bony part of the forearm (rising, inward, outward, downward), small and controlled, back to the guard each time; the front kick (mae-geri) with the ball of the foot; each moving forwards and backwards.
At home, safe only
Dojo manners and the stance line (b1), Balance and flexibility games (b2) and Near, middle, far: distance games (b5); no strikes or kicks at home.
Ask the club
The grading syllabus (Shotokan or another style), the minimum months between exams, and the child protection policy.
What you can see from the side
The child keeps the guard and returns to it after each technique.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The instructor passes the first grade's basics.
Stop and get a coach when
Pain in the wrist, knee or hip.
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