Objective
Teach kids to hold a correct fighting stance, respond to verbal commands, control their body while moving, and mirror an instructor with focus and awareness.
Equipment Needed
- Cones (one per child)
- Optional: Assistant instructor or parent helper
Setup
- Place cones around the mats.
- Each child stands behind their cone.
- Quick reminder of stance basics: feet apart, hands up, soft knees, quiet body, eyes forward.
Drill Breakdown
1. Stance Commands (Static Control)
Kids start relaxed behind their cone.
Instructor gives short commands: “Ready stance”, “Fighting stance”, “Relax”.
Walk around and give light tactile cues: adjust hands, tap foot into place, guide knees.
Repeat until everyone can pop into stance quickly.
2. Movement in Stance (Forward and Backwards)
Kids face away so they don’t simply copy you.
Assistant demonstrates if available.
Commands: “Step forward”, “Reset”, “Stance”. Repeat several rounds.
Then: “Step back”, “Reset”, “Stance”.
3. Mirror Work (Facing the Kids)
Instructor faces kids. If you have an assistant, both face them for clarity.
When instructor steps forward, kids step back.
When instructor steps back, kids step forward.
Ask simple questions so they confirm understanding.
Reset after each sequence.
4. Lateral Movement (Optional Progression)
Introduce left and right steps.
Add striking movement such as step and jab or step and jab–cross.
Keep everything slow and controlled.
5. Partner Demonstration
Show the drill with a partner at full precision.
This gives kids a clear visual target of what control looks like.
Safety Rule
If any child trips or falls, the others must stop and help, not run around or over them.
Coaching Points
- Keep commands short and clear.
- Praise good stance and fast resets.
- Correct gently with tactile cues.
- Make sure movement stays controlled.