Karate Obstacle Course

Preparation:

1. Collect a variety of large items to use for the obstacle course such as bean bags, tires, empty boxes and large toys.


2. Avoid metal items or anything with rough edges so guests will not be hurt if they fall.


3. A piece of lumber set on the ground can become a balance beam, and short bushes in your yard can be used as hurdles to jump over.


4. Create a tunnel for the children to crawl through by cutting holes on two sides of a large cardboard box.


5. Lay a yoga mat on the ground and have the guests somersault from one end to the other.


6. Another idea is to hang a hula hoop from a tree and have the children throw a ball through the hoop before going to the next obstacle.


7. For even more fun, you can tie a rope to a strong tree branch with a blue cloth on the ground below to create a vine over a river.


8. Set a toy crocodile or tiger on the bank of the river, and have the children swing over the pretend water.


9. Lay out the obstacles in your yard with some empty space between each one.


10. Try to include items to step on, jump over, and run around.


11. The course can be laid out in a straight line or in a curved design if that is a better fit in the available space.


12. If you wish, make signs that say “Start” and “Finish” and place them at the beginning and end of the obstacle course.

1. Explain to the children that speed and agility are important skills to develop in martial arts.


2. This activity will let them practice these skills.


3. Then send the guests one at a time through the obstacle course.


4. They should move through the course as fast as they can!


5. When everyone has had a turn, be ready to start again, because the kids will probably want to run the course several times!


6. Older children may want you to time them as they go through the course.