How Training at MKG North Dublin Martial Arts Helps Kids Stay Active After School
Between homework, screens, and busy schedules, it’s not always easy for parents to keep kids active after school. At MKG North Dublin Martial Arts in Skerries, we see first-hand how important regular movement and structured activities are for children’s health, confidence, and happiness. That’s why our kids’ programs are designed to give them the perfect outlet after a long school day.
1. A Healthy Break from Screens
Once the school day ends, it’s tempting for children to reach for the tablet or TV remote. Our martial arts classes give them a fun and exciting alternative. Instead of sitting down, they’re moving, kicking, punching pads, and learning new skills that keep both body and mind engaged.
2. Building Strong Bodies and Healthy Habits
Martial arts is an incredible full-body workout. From improving balance and coordination to developing strength, flexibility, and stamina, every session helps children grow healthier and stronger. By making fitness fun, we set kids on the path to a lifelong habit of staying active.
3. Letting Out Energy in a Positive Way
After a long day of sitting still in school, kids need a safe way to burn off energy. Martial arts training is the perfect outlet. Our structured classes channel that energy into focus, discipline, and skill development, leaving kids calmer and more relaxed at home.
4. Social Connections and Team Spirit
Training at MKG North Dublin Martial Arts isn’t just about punches and kicks. Kids make friends, work in pairs, and encourage one another to improve. For many, this sense of belonging is just as valuable as the physical training itself.
5. Confidence That Reaches Beyond the Mat
As children master new techniques, earn belts, and overcome challenges, they build real confidence. Parents often tell us they notice improvements in focus, resilience, and self-belief . Qualities that benefit their kids at home, in school, and in everyday life.
Why Parents in Skerries Choose MKG North Dublin Martial Arts
We’re proud to offer a welcoming, family-friendly environment where kids can thrive. Our experienced coaches make sure every child feels supported while still being challenged. Whether your child is bursting with energy or a little shy, martial arts gives them a healthy, structured, and exciting way to stay active after school.
👉 Book a Free Trial Class Today
See why so many families in Skerries love MKG North Dublin Martial Arts. Give your child the chance to stay active, build confidence, and have fun after school.
Book your free trial here
5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids – And Why Parents in Skerries Love MKG North Dublin
Skerries families are always looking for activities that help their children grow in confidence, stay active, and develop important life skills. That’s why so many parents are turning to kids martial arts in Skerries at MKG North Dublin Martial Arts.
Our school offers more than just kicks and punches — we provide a safe, fun, and structured environment where children learn discipline, respect, and resilience. Parents tell us they love how these benefits go far beyond the training mat and into everyday life.
Here are five powerful reasons parents in Skerries choose MKG North Dublin classes for their children.
1. Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime
Through our kids martial arts Skerries programs, children learn to set goals and achieve them. Whether it’s earning a belt or mastering a new skill, each success builds self-esteem. Parents often notice their kids speaking up more in school and approaching new challenges with confidence.
2. Improved Focus for School and Beyond
At MKG North Dublin classes, children are encouraged to listen carefully, follow instructions, and stay present. This focus doesn’t just help them in martial arts — parents in Skerries regularly see improvements in schoolwork, homework, and concentration at home.
3. Respect and Positive Behavior
One of the most valued lessons from kids martial arts in Skerries is respect. From bowing at the start of class to working with training partners, children quickly learn that kindness, teamwork, and courtesy matter. Parents appreciate how this positive behavior carries over into family life and friendships.
4. Fun Fitness for Active Kids
Living in a coastal town like Skerries, families love staying active — and martial arts fits right in. MKG North Dublin classes keep kids moving, improving strength, balance, and coordination in a fun and engaging way. Parents love that martial arts gives their kids an active, healthy outlet that never feels like a chore.
5. Resilience and Perseverance
Life is full of challenges, and martial arts teaches kids to face them with determination. At MKG North Dublin Martial Arts, children learn that progress takes effort — but with persistence, anything is possible. Parents in Skerries value this resilience, knowing it will benefit their children in school, sports, and everyday life.
Why Parents in Skerries Trust MKG North Dublin Martial Arts
For local families, martial arts isn’t just about self-defence — it’s about growth. MKG North Dublin classes provide a safe, supportive environment where kids can thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Parents in Skerries love that their children are part of a positive community that shares the same values the town is known for: respect, resilience, and connection.
It’s no wonder kids martial arts in Skerries has become one of the most popular activities for families who want their children to grow in confidence and strength.
Book Your Child’s Free Trial Today
Ready to see the benefits of martial arts for yourself?
👉 Parents in Skerries can book a FREE trial class at MKG North Dublin Martial Arts today and find out why our school is trusted by so many local families.
Give your child the gift of confidence, focus, and resilience — with MKG North Dublin classes in Skerries.
Coach Aaron Davis kicks of 2024
It all begins with an idea.
Hi All,
2024 has well and truly begun as we roll into March and we have already had a very busy first 2 months.
All kicked off on Sunday 18th January with another amazing visit from Coach Aaron Davis Head Coach of MKG Southampton and MKG European Technical Director. This time he was also accompanied by his equally talented wife Coach Sarah Davis and their awesome daughters Isla and Hannah.
The day started when we were joined by some of Titans (4-7 yrs) and Warriors (7-12yrs) who were put through their paces by Coaches Isla and Hannah. Beginning with a good warm up to relax the bodies and nerves of some of our members and then it was straight into some Self defense drills. Both young ladies did a great job demonstrating and communicating the details of the drills which included basic Arm Drags, knees, Hammer fist and also their loud voices to help protect themselves should the need it. Lastly they introduced some Double stick drills which for our Titans in particular was new as they only just begun to learn some of the fundamentals of the Filipino Martial Art of Kali in class but as always they did an amazing job and most importantly the had a blast doing it.
Also assisting and learning form Isla and Hannah where two members of leadership team Aisling and Ella who also did a great job and it was such an inspiration to see these four young ladies taken charge with such confidence and skills. The future is bright for both MKG Southampton and North Dublin for sure.
Once the Titans and Warriors had showed over here skills it was time for the bigger kids to have some fun with members of the MKG North Dublin Teens and Adults Blend programs along side some martial arts friends but local and from over the border in Northern Ireland being put through our paces by Coach Aaron Davis for 4 hours.
Coach Aaron assisted by Coach Barry Bell from Unity JKD Lurgan started by warming very up with some basic drills from Ghost Elusive Combat. A striking system developed of Coach Phil Norman in the UK and as the name suggests it’s primary focus is on using elusive footwork and evasion skills and tactics to avoid being hit while at the same time being able to still score on your opponent. As you may imagine this art requires a certain level of agility, speed and timing and as such it is definitely a great workout to start the day and get everyone warmed up and Smiling.
Coach Aaron then moved from striking to weapons training and more specifically Double Stick drills from a Filipino martial arts system called DeCampo 1-2-3 Original. This is largely a largo mano or long range style that was developed during the era of full contact stick fighting tournaments and all though on the surface it may seem like a very simple style as it only has 3 strikes at it ‘s core. It is in fact quite intricate once those basic moves are learnt as it number of variations and possible uses of those strikes appear to be endless. This section of the seminar was definitely a highlight for most of in attendance as was challenging physically and mentally, but it was also clear that Coach Aaron has both a passion for sharing it and a talent for demonstrating it. We will be exploring DeCampo 1-2-3 Original more in the near future that is for sure.
After a short lunch break we were soon back to action with Aaron share more Kali assisted by visiting Coach Anthony Soares a senior student at MKG Southampton. This time Stick and Dagger from the Inosanto/MKG curriculum which included some variation on the fundamental drills as well as some more advanced counters and disarms as well as some fun bayonet additions not seen before by anyone attending. The last section of the day was a few rounds on the Thai Pads with demonstrations from Coaches Isla, Sarah and our own Coach Courtney. A signature of the MKG method as per it’s founder Guro Rick Faye every finished the seminar feeling a little tiered after working hard, but smiling after having tons of Fun.
We finish of the seminar with Coach Aaron Davis welcoming three new associate instructors to the MKG family Darren Murray, David Butler and Terry Donnelly who received their associate level 1.1 certificates and promoted Coach Barry Bell of Unity JKD to associate level 1.2. All four had been working really hard over the last 6 months training and the submitting their videos for review and we congratulate them all on the their a achievement and we look forward to seeing them continue to learning and improving over the coming years.
As I shared at the beginning it was and is always are great honor to have Coach Aaron and his family travel over and share their wealthy of knowledge and skill with us and in particularly seeing the amazing talent of both Isla and Hannah is an inspiration to us as Coaches here at MKG North Dublin. It was also truly awesome to see how well our Titans, Warriors, Teens and Adults some of whom have only been with us a few months really having fun trying new things and helping each other out. It’s at events like these that we really get to see the wider MKG Family ethos at play and I for one an super proud of everyone that was able to join us on the day.
Big thank you to Coaches Aaron, Sarah, Isla, Hana, Anthony and Barry for sharing the knowledge, skills and talent with us. Thank you to MKG North coaching team Courtney, Darren, Dave and Leaders Ella and Aisling for all your help in the run up to the event in Class and on the day with our younger students. Also a big thank you Catherine, John & Marta for all you help on the day it really was appreciated. Lastly a special thank you everyone that attend from our mighty Titans & Awesome Warriors to our fabulous Teens and Adults as well as our guests from outside our club who took the time to join us again we hope that we will see you all again soon.
If you were unable to attend making though don’t worry we have more fun ahead as we are very very pleased to confirm that Guro Rick Faye the founder of the MKG will returning to Dublin for a two day seminar on the 11th and 12th of May 2024. This is a not to be missed event for anyone of our students here at MKG North Dublin and anyone in Ireland interest and or training the arts of Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial arts of Kali and Panantukan, Silat, Muay Thai and more. Watch this space in the coming days for more details.