Toddler Sparring

Baby C has been taking karate for about 5 months and there is an intramural tournament coming up at the dojo.  Unfortunately we will be out of town, but the past few weeks, the instructors have been practicing "flag sparring" with Baby C's class.  At this age group, there is no contact.  Instead, one tried to take the other person's flag.

Here is a picture of Baby C with a sparring partner.  She is the tiny one on the left of the orange cone.  In this drill, you are supposed to "bounce" around the cone twice, then try to go for the other person's red flag (which is tucked into their belt/pants). You are supposed to use blocks and such when your opponent is coming at you.   And shout out a victorious KEEYAH when you grab your opponent's flag and hoist it above your head.  No grabbing, running, chasing, etc.  Of course with 3.5 - 6 year olds, the rules are not always followed...

Watching them practice really cracks me up...here are these little people with big helmets bouncing around...it really hilarious.  In fact I am smirking right now just thinking about it. LOL

Unfortunately, Baby C is the smallest in her class and tends to always get her flags taken...probably cuz her arms are shorter, etc.  She got a little discouraged at first, but hopefully she will regain some confidence after some more practice. =)

-- Sent from my Palm Pre