Hapkido Dragons 

  

Hapkido Dragons is a programme that focuses on developing both the physical and social skills of childrenaged between 5 – 6 to prepare them to formally train in
martial arts.
 
From about age 7 we find that most students are then ready to join the Hapkido Tigers classes but we allow them to make this choice so they can transition when they feel that they are ready. 

 
 

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Hapkido Dragons (5 - 6 Years) 

Hapkido Dragons is a primer class to designed to provide young children with the necessay skills to start more formal martial arts training (e.g. our Hapkido Tigers programme). 
 
By that time a child in the Dragons class reaches about age 7 they should have enough physical and social skills to engage not only in our Tigers programme but in almost any other structured martial arts or sports training effectively and safely.

Most children younger than 6 or 7 years old do not really understand the concept of martial arts so in Hapkido Dragons we instead focus on teaching them some of the basic physical skills and some core Hapkido skills that they will need when they transition into the Tigers class. These physical skills also have relevance in other physical activities outside of the martial arts like learning how to fall safely.

We also develop skills in working in a group situation, cooperating with others and being aware of keeping safe. These are important in both a martial arts class as well as in a school classroom or sport team.

Hapkido Dragons is generally for the 5 to 6 year olds. By this age they have the attention and focus to get through our 30 minute class. We have some 4 year olds who do well in this class and others who find focusing for the entire class difficult. Because of this we reserve the right to accept a 4 year old member or not.   
 
The Hapkido Dragons programme takes about 2 years to complete and ends with the Hapkido Dragon Spirit grade where they are awarded a personlised "Dragon Spirit" belt which is Purple with the student's name embroidered on it in gold. 
 
The Hapkido Dragons training consists of: 

- Mastering basic physical exercises that help build coordination, flexibility and strength 
- Learning how to fall safely
- Learning basic martial arts techniques (kicking, blocking, etc.)
- Structured self-defence training
- Strategies for dealing with bullying and other pressures children of this age group face
- Development of good listening and concentration skills as well as learning to work cooperatively with others
 

Transitioning to Hapkido Tigers 

Regardless of their Hapkido Dragons grade, we find that most students want to move up to the Hapkido Tiger classes at around age 7. The Hapkido Tigers syllabus is quite a bit different from the Hapkido Dragons syllabus although some techniques are common to both programmes. Through experience we have developed a number of mechanisms that allow students an almost seamless transition into their new class.

We have students in our main Hapkido class who started Hapkido Dragons at ages 5 or 6, transitioned to Hapkido Tigers where they earned their Junior Black Belts before moving into the Hapkido class at age 13 where they then earned their adult Black Belts. These students provide valuable guidance to the Hapkido Dragons and Hapkido Tigers classes.