For literally centuries, kids have been dropped off at Martial Arts classes by their parents. Their notion is to grind discipline, some self-defense, and maybe even some respect into their kids. It's effective.
The belt system augments those benefits by creating an easy-to-understand system of short-term goals. Practice more, and you'll get your yellow belt sooner. Practice less, and Janie gets hers first. Good for the kids, good for establishing hierarchy, good for business.
This is a system that could help a CrossFit Kids program, where advancement is largely based on age, rather than measurable skill acquisition. Since there are no forms in CFK, though, how do we quantify and duplicate standards for advancement?
Antony Graf may have the answer. In fact, he has it printed on the backs of his CrossFit Kids' shirts.
Visit a CrossFit Threshold Kids class, and you'll see Antony command the attention of his class. There's no horseplay; they all call him, "sir." They all wear their shirts to every class.
When a child masters a new level of skill, Antony checks a box on their shirt. As they reach different thresholds of knowledge and mastery, they advance. Simple.
The skills:
1. Ten Domains- Recite the ten domains of fitness
2. Run Rules-Recite run rules of pose running (head to toe)
3. Nine Movements- Know and teach the nine basic movements of Cross Fit (2 cues per movement)
4. Burgener Warmup- Know and perform the burgener warmup unassisted
5. Ladder Drills- Know and perform 9 ladder drills
6. 3 Minute Plank Test- Perform 1 minute regular plank, 30 seconds right hand/left leg, 30 seconds left hand/right leg, 30 seconds left side, 30 seconds right side (without dropping)
7. Junior Run- Run 1 mile under ten minutes
8. Senior Run- Run 1 mile under eight minutes
9. 10 Perfect Pushups
10. 20 Perfect Pushups
11. Junior Wall sit- 1.5 minute wall sit
12. Senior Wall sit- 3 minute wall sit
13. Junior Double Under- 20 unbroken
14. Senior Double Under- 50 unbroken
15. Junior Handstand- 20 second hold
16. Senior Handstand- 40 second hold
17. Junior HSPU-1 handstand pushup
18. Senior HSPU- 7 handstand puhsups
19. Junior Pullup- 3 pullups
20. Senior Pullups- 10 pullups
21. Nutrition Test- Pass written nutrition test
22. Mobility Series-Perform mobility series
23. Stretch Series- Perform stretch series
24. Olympic Lift Test- Perform and teach Olympic movements (must achieve 7/10 technical score)
Consider the best movers in your adult classes: could they pass all of these tests? Now imagine Antony's kids in ten years.....
Im really interested to Visit a CrossFit Threshold Kids class, it helps me in knowing the tips and tricks .
Posted by: Hierarchy | 08/21/2012 at 02:43 AM
There's a box here in Portland, OR that has a rank system for their adult CrossFit system - four ranks that basically follow the Seattle "Level 4" system.
Posted by: Wally | 08/25/2012 at 12:56 AM