Our daughter has been attending a martial arts club run by KIXX at her school since the autumn and has been enjoying the sessions.
After last week's lesson, they all came out with a sheet of paper telling us they were ready for grading. I hadn’t realised this was part of what they were doing so it was a nice surprise, and they were so excited to take part!
The grading took place at the KIXX Centre and there was a great mix of kids and adults taking part.
Our daughter’s group did a two-part exam. As a group they did a series of single positions and kicks, then repeated them individually. Then they had to do their Form exercise, a series of many moves and kicks in one go on their own.
When asked who would like to go first, our daughter put her hand up which was great to see, and she did the whole routine in one. She has not always been the type of child who would put herself out there, preferring to sit back and watch others, feeling very self-conscious to take part. So, to see her have the self-belief to be the first had us bursting with pride!
After the grading exam, they returned to the exercise floor upstairs to start some of the new moves of the next belt and join in with lots of fun exercises with the older members.
At the very end they did mixed ability controlled sparring. Again, she was the first in her group to be asked to go up and spar with an older girl which she did, and later she got the chance to spar against the brilliant young instructor who was a brown belt which was a real boost to her confidence.
In both the exam, the fun exercises and the sparring, there were so many brilliant traits on display - the respect towards their teachers (Nigel & Tracey), the discipline in their movements, their attention and concentration on what they were doing and listening to their teachers (like the immediate stopping as soon as asked or whistled at), and the support the whole community there gave each other as they worked their way through the various activities. Some of the children struggled today, but the teachers immediately came up with alternate approaches so the kids could overcome their worries. The whole thing was a joy to behold!
I truly believe so many kids would benefit from experiencing sessions by KIXX and spending time with instructors Nigel & Tracey. If you are looking for activities to support child development, build confidence, discipline, team work, peer support, fitness, mental agility and fun, I don't think you could get anything better than a KIXX course! I've never experienced martial arts before but I have been very impressed by what I saw at the grading. I think the benefits of this would be far reaching for any child involved, and I would highly recommend it. I forward to seeing the progress our daughter will make as she works on the next colour belt.
Thanks Nigel, Tracey, & the KIXX Martial Arts Team!
Best wishes,
Abby
Deborah (Parent)
My daughter (9) and son (7) have been attending KIXX for just over a year. They love the club and have learnt techniques very quickly. It is fun and friendly but also disciplined environment. My daughter particularly enjoys the light contact sparring which is taught in a very safe and controlled way. The children have lots of fun, lots of praise given, lots of instructors who build a great rapport with the children – I would definitely recommend this club.
Helen Grant MP
It was a real pleasure to come and visit KIXX today, and to see one of their classes for myself. It is a wonderful way for everyone to get active, learn some new skills, and have a great deal of fun. I very much support what Nigel and his team are doing, and I hope that the Club goes from strength to strength.
Kelly (teacher at St Peters and St Pauls School, Leybourne)
The children have really enjoyed the KIXX Martial Arts club and we have had lots of positive feedback from parents and children. The children have enjoyed the stretches and the chance to earn coloured belts. Thank you for providing a new club which the children have enjoyed.
Debbie (member of staff at North Borough School)
All positive feedback from parents and staff. Children love receiving their belts and certificates in assembly. You can see the pride on their faces. Thank you.
Karen
Whole body workout with some variable differences due to injuries. Well structured, steady pace.
Sam
Great class, covered all parts of the body. I left feeling like I had had a great all over workout.
Fiona
Thank you for another good course. Look forward to the P.H.I.T. sessions over the Summer – would be interested in a talk by a nutritionist on diet for ‘flabby’ bits if possible.
Vicki
Very good worked around injuries and very supportive. Had lots of fun. Really enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!!!
Katherine
Lots of variety and exercises, breaks for drinks as and when required. Alternative exercises provided. Good pace, lots of fun.
Jo
Another good course. You might want to advertise 10am start rather than 9:30 to get more people. Have heard some people say that 9:30 is too early for a Sunday.
Nat
Very friendly and fun course. I feel like I have had a good workout but had good fun at the same time.
Erica
Absolutely fabulous morning with great people. Certainly feel the difference from the range of exercises.
Milena Slubowska for Dominika aged 9 yrs
Dominika had good fun! She enjoyed martial activities and games. Great course for children! Thank you for teachers for huge efforts and your time
Hannah Rumball
The Cubs really enjoyed it. The instructor was clear, patient, and inspired enthusiasm. The pace was just right. The Cubs never looked bored, there was lots of content and it was all excellent value for money. A brilliant experience for the Cubs – would highly recommend the club.
Angela Sissons
Instructors had very good instructions and delivered them to the children clearly. Kept the Cubs interested for the whole session. Control over the children was maintained. They all looked as though they were enjoying themselves!
John
Martial arts is an integrated discipline involving mind and (whole) body health and fitness. It's a great and fun challenge for a lifetime of learning. Self-defense is a a complex subject that involves psychology, logic and the law as well as the physical. The instructors at KIXX have the knowledge, experience, skill and wisdom to teach effective self-defense.
Natasha
Had lots of fun, well enjoyed. I will feel it tomorrow :) I will come again.
Joanna
Great class. Good variety of things. Great fun!
Fiona
Very enjoyable thank you Tracy – particularly liked the circuit training with use of the gym room. I would definitely come if run again.
Erica
Very good organised and friendly group. As this was my first time everyone made me feel welcome.
Sam
Initially I didn’t think I would be able to do a class that lasted two and half hours but it was paced really well. I enjoyed the stretching as it gave me time to catch my breath and recover between the other exercises. Thank you Tracy. I am looking forward to the next session.
SJ
Loved the circuit training, new faces which was nice to see and we made feel welcome. Worked hard but still friendly relaxed atmosphere. Would have liked more stomach exercises. Thank you! Loved it!
Katherine
A wide variety of exercises targeting all parts of the body. If someone was unable to complete an exercise then an alternative was given to them. The session catered to all abilities.
Beverley
Really good fun, kept my brain stimulated. Lots of individual support as a new member. Challenging and supportive.
Mr. Hills (St Peter and St Pauls C of E Primary School, Leybourne)
Very positive feedback. Children like coming, the activities and certificates are both popular. Parents have commented that it is good for children to do a disciplined activity such as KIXX Martial Arts.
Natasha
Lots of fun, good workout, don’t think I will be able to walk for the rest of the week. Managed to keep pace with Jo and Tracy. Good fun!
Katherine
The course had lots of variety in terms of the content and it was well divided up – time was allocated to all parts of the body. If someone was unable to do one of the exercises an alternative was provided.
Jo
Very good class. Something for everyone, really enjoyed the stretches & the pad work.
Jo (W)
Very good. Enjoyed (!) it.
Fiona
Great course. Thank you Tracy for all your efforts. Very much enjoyed and feel good for it. Will check out future classes for me.