The middle part of group is open for all kinds of possibilities. Once a month, I use the time to tell a story from the martial arts tradition for discussion. Sometimes I adapt a story into play form to be read and acted out. Another week, we might go over simple pressure points and self-massage for general health. Allow for humor and creativity.
Laughter relaxes both the body and the mind.
To adolescents, looking foolish in front of their peers is terrifying. Rather than be seen as awkward, they will avoid trying something new. When we begin hip rotations with hands on hips in our warm-ups, I break the ice by pointing out that anyone who is afraid of looking silly can get over it, since we all look silly right now. Invariably, everyone laughs, relaxes and gets more engaged. Dove flaps wings or look out for trouble are just as poetic and serve the same purpose as the traditional names.