Toddler Martial Arts!

30th August 2014
Goodie Bags, Cake and Gorgeous Toddlers in Karate Kits!
Since Chunk turned 2 years old, I’ve started to think about hobbies he could get into, but I’ve not had much luck finding many of my preferred ones (street dance and ballet- yes I said BALLET) as they tend to start from age 3 or 4.

Randomly, I was at a local play group and met a lovely lady called Lizzie, and we spent ages chatting in the ball pit whilst our children climbed all over us, and she talked about how difficult it was to find clubs for her toddler to join too. As we carried on talking, she told me about her years and years of martial arts experience and somehow we both decided that she needed to start a toddler class. A few weeks later our random chat turned into reality and Little Lyons was born. 

Little Lyons is a family run martial arts class for children aged 2-4 in Brighton and Hove. Lizzie is a 2nd Degree Black Belt instructor who has been training since the age of 6. She is experienced in Tae Kwondo, Karate, Kick Boxing, Weapons and MMA. 


When I’ve looked around for martial art classes, they tend to start at a later age, because it is quite a discipline, but Lizzie has structured the sessions specifically for what toddlers need and can do. The classes include balance, co-ordination, self-control, fitness, some life-lessons (sharing, manners etc) and lots of fun!

We went to the very first session which was a rather lovely celebration party, which included little gift bags and a scrummy lion cake, and we got to see the gorgeous little uniforms they wear.

Lizzie Began Training From Age 6
The sessions are 30 minutes long which is just the right amount of time to hold a toddler’s attention span, and Lizzie is brilliant at making even simple stretches feel like a fun game for the kids (and for me). 

Chunk has learnt how to block punches, do high kicks and how to slowly breathe out air when angry. At the end of each session the children get lion stamps on their hands and another stripe to add to their belts. It’s so cute watching how proud they all are with their belts and stamps!

Chunk wasn’t sure at first, because the only groups he has ever been to have been free play, so being given instructions by someone other than me confused him, but he is getting there and loves the parachute game they do at the end!

I tend to do a lot of it with him, and I think he is warming up to it the more often we go, and I try to practice bits of it during the week when we are playing together. 

It’s been so successful that Lizzie has now added a second Saturday class in Brighton, and is going to be starting a class in Hove from 1st October.

If you want your toddler to give it a try, check out Little Lyon’s website or Facebook group where details of the classes and times are included. It’s only £3 per session, which includes fruit for the kids and a cuppa and biscuits for the parents. 
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5 Comments

  • Anonymous

    31st August 2014 at 8:07 am

    My son is 4 now and he will start foundation years this September (OMG thats tomorrow!) and I want him to do after school gig like this. Hopefully we will find something too soon =) #pocolo

  • Emily Twin Mummy and Daddy

    31st August 2014 at 12:27 pm

    I'd love to take my girls to a class, but most you have to pay up front for a full term and when they don't do any sort of twin discount it's just too expensive. I think my two would olve gymnastics. Thanks for linking up to the #binkylinky

  • Unknown

    31st August 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Sounds like you've found a great activity. It will help him with focus and discipline. My toddler has been doing gymnastics which has been great too, would also recommend #binkylinky

  • Bek

    11th September 2014 at 9:01 am

    It sounds like you have found the right group for him. I would like my children to do something like this. My brother did this when he was younger and it did him the world of good in terms of confidence, fitness and being part of a group. Thanks for linking up to #BinkyLinky

  • glennamy

    6th November 2014 at 10:25 am

    I practiced Judo when I was a child and I loved it and I think it is great you have found him a great hobby that he loves which gives him exercise without it involving sitting down. Also the fact you help him with the warming up procedure means you are part of it and cements the bonding between you.

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