Master Saidi's Little Dragons Martial Arts Classes launched in Dublin

The Little Dragons classes at Kuk Sool Won of Dublin provide a foundational program in martial arts skills for young children and aims to stimulate interest in the traditional Korean martial art from an early age.

The launch event was hosted at the local martial arts academy. Master Saidi’s vision is to foster a family friendly environment using exemplary teaching methods that encourage children to participate and learn. Children aged between 3 and 5 years old were invited to attend the event.

Classes are specifically structured for younger children to learn the basics of martial arts. Skills such as balance, coordination and spatial awareness are emphasized.

Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial arts system that focuses on the holistic development of mind and body and therefore incorporates both physical and cognitive exercises.

Master Saidi is the Chief Instructor and owner of the school and has been teaching martial arts for over 35 years. Experience has revealed that teaching children under the age of 5 requires focused attention, enthusiasm and commitment combined with a high energy and fast paced teaching style.

Children need to be kept engaged for the duration of the class while they learn the fundamental movements required for martial arts. Cognitively in this age range attention spans are still developing and activities are kept short and varied to accommodate this.

When asked about the choice of name for the classes Master Saidi said that he wanted the name to reflect the essence of what he aims the do with his students in helping them to achieve their full potential.

“Although they are young it's an ideal opportunity to work on their fine and gross motor skills while also honing their flexibility,” said Master Saidi, “we also teach them the respect and etiquette that goes along with the practice of a traditional martial art”.

Since the art has its roots in Korea the symbol of the dragon is a powerful one and is associated with royalty, dignity and benevolence.

The special Little Dragons launch class incorporated games that targeted the developmental milestones for children within the 3-5 year age group including gross motor skills like kicking and hand-eye coordination exercises.

Responses from the public to both the name, Little Dragons, and the launch event were very positive. "It's just cool," said one student.

Currently the classes are held on Saturdays from 11-11:30am and there are plans to extend the program to an additional slot during the week.