Have you watched the class to see how they are taught? What sort of format does the instructor use to teach?
DS(7) has been learning for about 18 months and says he enjoys the classes but I’ve noticed for a while that he doesn’t really ‘get’ what to do once the instructor has demonstrated the next moves at the front the of the class (while the students are seated in groups overseen by a older child with a high belt grading). When it’s time to stand up and try practicing himself he frequently just stands there and looks blank as to what to do. His punches/kicks are so light they they are little more than a tap.
The older child and the instructors (who walk around constantly checking techniques) always have to take him aside to show him what to do again. I’ve had a word before to the instructors about the total lack of speed and power he uses and he’s been spoken to (they’ve noticed too) and he’ll try for a short time and then it’s back to the light taps. He is now sparring and that’s very hit and miss, and he doesn’t like being hit in the head or wearing a mouth guard.
I’m thinking that kickboxing definitely isn’t for him despite saying he enjoys it (give it 2-3 more belt grades and he will simply start being failed, and he’d be slaughtered in a sparring match). This type of sport needs fire in your belly and he just doesn’t have it.
I also think his learning style means that he understands more when he standing up
and copying the instructor as he goes through the motions of each technique, rather than sitting and watching and then doing it later.
He wants to stay doing this but I just don’t think it’s for him, it’s an expensive activity, and he will start being failed soon in future gradings due to low ability with techniques and lack of speed/power.
He does well with his other activities so he is normally quite capable of following instructions but when it comes to this class it just seems to go in one ear and out the other.
What do you think?