Sparring Children in class

[pittbullJudoka]

However some of them just run. They'll spar from like 5 feet away and even my legs won't reach. I think in situations like that (at least for me) I really don't see the benefit in aiming low when you take a step forward and the kid takes 3 back. I'm all for teaching kids how to spar, taking things slow etc. and I do this, but when a kid runs off and doesn't make an effort to try and fight I feel like my time is wasted compared to actually teaching them something. Thoughts?

In this situation you have to find a way to make the child understand they aren't going to get hurt. I find the biggest thing with trying to spar with kids they are intimidated just by size diffrence. It takes time with some children to get comfortable with sparring an adult. I think they think you are hurt them when you hit them. Also we teach kids their entire life your not suppose to hit someone then they are in a sport were it's acceptible and they are confused on what to do so they run. Also I've seen some that had the mental approach that it's sort of game of tag especially if your school does continuious sparring. This is one of the tricks I've haven't yet fully learned from my Sensei on how he can get any child no matter how they react to the thought of sparring an adult to seem fearless when sparring him or myself. Each child will vary in how you have to approach them on this subject as well.

I understand your frustation in getting the kids to quite running from you.

[NightOwl]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lk1GZhI_B4A

I miss that show...

[bushido_man96]

Wow, good stuff.

[NightOwl]

*Kid walks in*

Kid: Come on, my Mom's down in the car.

Kramer: Ok Jimmy!

Seinfeld:You guys both have class at the same time?

Kramer:We're in the same class.

Seinfeld:What do you mean your in the same class?

Kramer:He almost beat me.

Seinfeld:You're fighting CHILDREN?

Kramer: We're all at the same skill level Jerry!

That about sums up my thoughts on kids training with adults. I'm allowed to be a grumpy old man, even if I only am in my early 20's

[white owl]

Very funny!

[KarateEd]

I have at times sparred with a younger student that was considerably shorter than me. I aim for targets on the students body but tailor my "attack" to the skill level of the child and to his or her experience sparring with adults (some kids are initially frightened just by the prospect of sparring an adult). Often I will leave a spot open just to see if the kid will go for it. If they don't then it becomes a "teachable moment." I kind of enjoy it. Sometimes the kids will find spots that I didn't know I left open, then it becomes a teachable moment for me!

Ed