In nearly thirty years of training and teaching martial arts—and over two decades teaching at the elementary level—I have seen more curriculums come and go than I can count. Some were flashy. Some were clever. Some even held promise. And yes, I tried a few on for size. But in the end, I found most were not
Smiling students and instructors celebrate at our student recognition event at the Academy of Ving Tsun Kung Fu in New Brighton.
hing more than marketing programs wrapped up in a gi.
Some had heart. Some had structure. But most were lacking.
From self-awarded credentials to subscription-based lesson plans with more buzzwords than substance, I have to acknowledge that I was frustrated, to say the least. It felt like the intent was more about getting kids in and getting them out—an assembly line of tuition payments dressed up as life lessons.
As an expert in education, none of that ever sat quite right with me.
I didn’t enter this field to churn kids through a funnel. I entered it to teach, to mentor, and to lay a strong foundation for the next generation. So instead of adopting someone else’s quick-fix program, I decided to build something better—from the ground up.
The Origin of First Moves Martial Arts
First Moves Martial Arts was born out of a simple but powerful realization: if you want to truly impact the lives of children aged 3 to 6, you have to start with the body and the brain. Not just discipline. Not just shouting “focus.”
True development happens through movement.
And not just any movement, but movement that is intentionally designed to build neural pathways, challenge coordination, and reinforce positive habits of attention, confidence, and respect.
That’s where the Mitey Movers program began—as a response to what I wasn’t seeing in most programs:
- A true integration of child development science
- A movement-based curriculum that builds real athletic capacity
- And a delivery model grounded in educational best practices, not marketing gimmicks
Our goal is to offer the best martial arts for preschoolers in Beaver County, not just another class, but a research-based experience designed to develop the whole child.
Why Movement Matters
I want to take a moment to acknowledge something important: many of our students will have early experiences with us, but not necessarily commit to being lifelong martial artists.
And that’s okay.
Some will discover other passions. Some will grow into standout athletes in other sports. And we are thrilled to support them in that journey.
That’s why we focus so heavily on movement-based martial arts training for kids—because those skills don’t just work for martial arts. They extend to every part of life. Whether it’s improving balance and spatial awareness for gymnastics, or developing quick reflexes and body control for soccer, football, or baseball, these foundational skills transfer everywhere.
Even to the playground.
What we’re doing is bigger than kicks and punches. We’re building the baseline motor skills, coordination, focus, and emotional self-regulation that will serve these kids for life.
More Than Martial Arts: Core Principles
The First Moves Martial Arts program is built around nine core movement concepts:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Focus
- Control
- Timing
- Agility
- Awareness
- Relaxation
- Sensitivity
Each class focuses on a single skill, giving students the chance to develop it through structured play, martial arts drills, and engaging games. We reinforce these skills through our stripe system, giving kids visible markers of progress, which helps build both competence and confidence.
We also integrate respect throughout every class. It’s not a separate lesson. It’s in everything we do. From bowing to instructors, to helping a classmate, to putting equipment away with care, respect is the thread that ties it all together.
What Happens in a First Moves Class?
Each is 35-minute session is designed to be developmentally appropriate, fast-paced, and engaging.
- Opening Ritual (2 minutes)
- Formal bow-in
- Brief mindfulness or breath awareness
- Quick review of class rules
- Movement Skill Focus (15 minutes)
- 2-3 activity blocks, rotating each week
- Focused games, animal movements, obstacle courses, or partner-based drills
- Martial Arts Fundamentals (15 minutes)
- Simple, age-appropriate techniques
- Connection to movement skill of the week
- Learning through modeling, repetition, and guided practice
- Closing Skill Game (3-5 minutes)
- A fun but purposeful game reinforcing that week’s core skill
- Examples: Get-Up Ninjas, Jump the River, Dodgeball Defenders
This preschool martial arts class in Beaver County is carefully structured to develop focus, discipline, and joy in movement—all while having fun.
We Keep It Small on Purpose
We cap each First Moves Martial Arts group at just 10 students. Why?
Because kids this age need attention.
Celebrating success and community at Mitey Movers Martial Arts—where progress is personal, and every child is seen– we keep it small on purpos.
They need to be seen. Heard. Coached. Encouraged.
When you cram 20 kids into a class, you’re not running a program. You’re managing chaos.
We keep it small so we can keep it personal.
This is how we build strong relationships, real skills, and genuine progress.
My Sons Assist—and Model What We Teach
Each First Moves Martial Arts class is assisted by my two sons—Hayden (age 12) and Owen (age 11).
They are both Black Sash candidates and lifelong martial artists. They don’t teach the class, but they assist with activities, demonstrate drills, and serve as positive role models.
There’s a special kind of magic when younger kids see older students who are focused, kind, and skilled. My sons embody the values we teach, and their presence helps reinforce those lessons in ways that go beyond words.
The Goal: A Smarter Start
At the end of the day, First Moves isn’t just a martial arts class.
It’s a launchpad for developing whole children.
We’re giving them a head start on:
- Physical literacy
- Emotional regulation
- Social awareness
- Confidence
- Respect for themselves and others
Yes, they’ll learn how to stand in a stance. They’ll learn how to punch and block. But they’ll also learn how to pay attention, take turns, recover from mistakes, and celebrate effort over perfection.
This is more than just kids martial arts in New Brighton PA—this is a movement-based, science-backed, purpose-driven experience that sets your child up for success in every arena of life.
Ready to Learn More?
We offer sessions year-round in 12-week skill cycles. Each cycle ends with a celebration event where kids demonstrate their skills and parents get to be part of the experience.
If you’re in Beaver County or nearby, and you’re looking for the best martial arts for kids aged 3 to 6, I invite you to join us.
Let’s help your child move with confidence, grow with purpose, and build the habits that last a lifetime.
Dale Steigerwald
Certified Elementary Teacher | Martial Arts Master Instructor
Founder, First Moves Martial Arts
Academy of Ving Tsun Kung Fu, New Brighton, PA