Youth kickboxing squad honing their skills in Portage – PortageOnline.com
The World Health Organization suggests children should be getting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and the young members of J.D. Muay Thai are well on their way to meeting that mark. Youth classes have been underway for several months and coach James Donald says sessions are designed to promote fitness, self-discipline and skill development. He says he’s commonly asked about how he introduces young people to the sport, adding the perception that teaching Muay Thai could promote violence is a misguided one. “Kids aren’t ‘just fighting’. There are points, rules, and all kinds of things governing what’s happening. Kids are learning the basics: listening skills, the rules, and respecting other people in the gym.” Donald says an exceptional amount of training occurs before a student ever throws a punch in competition.
Eight-year-old Stepan Skok joined the class as a way to fill his summer months with something fun and productive. His favourite parts of Muay Thai are building his strength and perfecting his moves.
Stepan Skok prepares to deliver a right jabTen-year-old Aidan Sandney says the ‘right kick’ is his preferred move, adding classes are something he looks forward to. He calls his coach an excellent teacher.
Aidan Sandney with his preferred attack: the right kickAidan’s brother Owen (12) is the oldest of the group, and says a typical class consists of skipping, warm up, combo moves and some time to go “all out” with their combo routines which is fun, but tiring. Sandney adds classes wrap up with a stretching session and a mindfulness session which calls a nice way to cool down. Both brothers have also trained in Winnipeg. Owen isn’t sure if he’ll pursue competitions in the future, but he intends to be part of the Portage club for a long time.
Owen Sandney, the oldest member of the club prepares to spar with his coach James DonaldKids Muay Thai classes run Monday-Wednesday-Friday at the Central Plains Rec Plex in Southport.
