By Master Milad
The short answer
- Yes. At four, kids can learn to listen, take turns, kick, punch and balance, and they go home proud of something they did themselves.
- The class just has to be built for four: short, fun, once a week. That’s Little Ninjas.
- Not sure? Your first class is free. Book it
Parents ask us this a lot, usually while their four-year-old is climbing the furniture. Fair question. Here’s what a four-year-old can really do on the mat, and what can wait.
What a four-year-old actually learns
Four-year-olds aren’t tiny black belts. They’re four. So we don’t teach them like the big kids. In Little Ninjas the wins are smaller, and they come every class:
- Listening the first time.
- Waiting their turn.
- Kicking and punching a target, with a big yell.
- Standing on one foot long enough to kick.
Sounds basic. It’s also most of what kindergarten asks of them. Kids who practise it on the mat get a lot of reps at it.
Why once a week is enough
Little Ninjas is 40 minutes, once a week. At four and five, that’s plenty. Short classes fit short attention spans, and one class a week keeps them excited to come back. At this age, wanting to come back is the whole game.
Progress they can see
Little Ninjas earn stripes every week. The stripes add up to tip belts on the way to their first colour belt. A four-year-old can’t wait months for a reward. They can wait a week.
What about three?
Usually too young. Most three-year-olds aren’t ready to follow a group class yet, and that’s completely normal. Swimming, the playground, running around the yard: all great. Come see us at four.
Do they spar?
No. Little Ninjas and Tigers don’t spar at all. Sparring starts at green belt in the Kids program, with full gear. (Why sparring builds courage)
What if they cry or won’t join in?
Some do. At four, that’s normal, and it usually passes faster than parents expect. Let them watch for a minute. Most kids join in once they see the other kids having fun. (My child is shy. Will they be OK at their first class?)
Five, six, seven?
Five-year-olds can go either way. Little Ninjas is ages 4 to 5. Tigers is ages 5 to 7: twice a week, 45 minutes, with kicks, blocks and patterns, plus the habits that carry into school. Not sure which fits? Bring them to Taekwondo 101 and we’ll place them in the right class.
What do they wear the first time?
Comfortable clothes. The uniform comes when they join, and it’s a gift.
About the author. Master Milad Bahrami opened Endurance in Port Moody in 2014, and today it’s three schools: Port Moody, Burnaby and Port Coquitlam. Read his story
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