Lanarkshire martial arts programme for kids is launched

Feb 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

A FUN martial arts training programme aimed at tots aged three to five is sweeping the country... and was created by two Lanarkshire instructors.

Little Tiger Cubs was founded by Stephen Rooney and Brian Leckie, who between them have nearly 50 years’ experience, 30 of which have been spent teaching children at their tae kwon-do clubs.

Little Tiger Cubs isn’t activity-specific, meaning the programme can be utilised by many education, art and sport bodies as part of their normal classes, whether they’re martial arts, dance, gymnastics or whatever.

The Little Tiger Cubs programme is a combination of common exercises and fun games with the aim that each child develops core motor skills and increased fitness through play, while developing specific talents.

As a result, the Little Tiger Cubs system can be implemented as a preparatory programme for children before they graduate to the main syllabus of any activity.

Having dedicated several years to teaching children tae kwon-do Stephen and Brian identified the need to supply activities to the 3-5 age group and created a programme and brand that can be used by all.

Stephen even travelled to America to meet with Melody Shuman, founder of ‘Little Ninjas’ and Kimber Hill, national spokesperson for ‘Lil’ Dragons’, two of the world’s leading martial arts programmes for young children.

Before launching the new clubs a few ‘taster’ sessions were arranged in nurseries, which was met with rave reviews.

Since the Little Tiger Cubs system was launched in August 2009, active membership has rapidly grown and there are now over 80 clubs.

This months clubs will open in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

Stephen commented: “The Little Tiger Cubs system of combining education and skills with fun manages to balance what the young children want to do – which is play – and what parents want, which is for their children to learn skills.

“Our aim, as coaches, is to help the children ‘Learn Through Play – The Little Tiger Cubs Way’.

“However, having a great training system, great coaches and a network of clubs available isn’t enough – the financial cost to the parents must be affordable.

“Our view is that we have to ensure that the Little Tiger Cubs clubs have no large start-up fees, offer a free trial lesson, free training suits for all the children, free annual membership, no hidden costs, family discounts, and offer tuition fees that are good value.

“This approach has allowed parents to enrol their children at our clubs without feeling that they’re under any pressure.

“The incredible growth and expansion of our Little Tiger Cubs network is evidence that a fun and educational activity at an affordable price is what the parents are looking for.”

An enormous amount of time, effort and money went into creating the brand and to protect it Stephen and Brian have formed Little Tiger Cubs Ltd and registered the Trade Mark.

Obviously enrolling in the Little Tiger Cubs programme provides a pathway to several tae kwon-do classes in Hamilton, Lanark, Larkhall, Strathaven, Blantyre and Carluke.

Kickboxing classes are also offered in Hamilton and Larkhall.

As a special offer to Advertiser readers, anyone wishing to join a Little Tiger Cubs, tae kwon-do or kickboxing club will receive a free trial lesson, training suit, annual membership and reduced joining fee of just £15.

For more information call 01786 821594, or visit www.stephenrooney.com or www.littletigercubs.com.