Clever Little Monkeys is a Functional JKD School, meaning children learn just what works with respect to self-defence. Children learn all ranges of self defence: Stand up; Clinch; and Ground. At Clever Little Monkeys our number one goal is to provide a safe environment where children can express and develop themselves through play in the mixed martial arts.

Stand Up
Stand Up is where both practitioners/students are sparring using hands and feet. Children are taught techniques from the arts of Muay Thai and Western Boxing. Because the children’s skulls haven’t formed fully yet, and in accordance with guidelines from the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, children do not hit each other. Instead they work on footwork, timing, and correct technical movement.

Clinch
Clinch involves both people in close contact. Here, children learn techniques from Judo and Greco-Roman Wrestling. Games for this range work primarily on developing balance. The children expirement with different ways of restraining and controlling their opponent whilst gaining tips from their coach.

Watch a clip of clinch in action here.

Ground
Kids are natural wrestlers! Children develop positioning and skills from the phenomenal art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The ground range cannot be ignored as a large number of fights will end up there and it is important for children (and adults!) to know how to control this range aswell. The ground range can be very important to avoid someones punches and also to pin down a bully to wear him out.

Watch a clip of ground work here.

Of course, children are more than welcome to take part in a class before signing up! That way, you can ensure Clever Little Monkeys is the correct environment for your children before committing to anything.