However, you must construct the curricula for the age-sensitive classes very differntly in order to accommodate the variations in learning ability, motor skill development and attention span. No emphasis on heavy anaerobic drills, few sequential repetitions and generous latitude for spontaneous behavior. The goal is to build confidence, have them experience success, guide their thinking and provide reasonable training in technical skills. I do not show any advanced skills to kids under 7 years. Advanced means an understanding of the true martial nature of their skills.
Advanced training has serious intent and very nasty consequences.
Very young kids, under 7, do not need to see any of this stuff. 7-12 year olds can begin exploring the martial ideas in stages. I build applications into drills in very fun ways, to soften the intent for the kids. Serious martial applications, bunkai, should not be emphasized directly until the teenage years. Your curriculum should be developed so it is quantifiable, integrated and related, so that foundations for advanced skills are incorporated from the beginning, but also so that children are safe, encouraged to learn and rewarded for effort and achievement.