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Why We Don't Sort Kids By Age

Think about a classroom: some 12-year-olds read at a 10th-grade level, while others are still working on grade-level material. It doesn't mean one is "better" — they're just at different points in their learning journey.

Athletic movement works the same way. A 10-year-old might naturally move with more coordination than a 15-year-old who's gone through a growth spurt. Grouping them by age means one is bored and the other is overwhelmed.

Instead, we assess each athlete's Kinesthetic Intelligence (KI) — how quickly their body learns and remembers movement. This gives us a score from 0 to 100, and that score determines their training stage. It's not a judgment. It's a starting point.

What Your Child's KI Score Means

Your child's KI Score is based on four things we observe during training:

1. Rhythm Acquisition

How quickly do they pick up the beat? Can they match a jump rope cadence on the first try, or does it take several sessions?

2. Pattern Mimicry

When Coach Jafar demonstrates a drill, can your child copy it just by watching? Or do they need step-by-step instruction?

3. Speed-Coordination Retention

Does their form hold up when they try to go faster? Or does everything fall apart once speed increases?

4. Self-Correction

Can they feel when something's off and fix it on their own? This is the most advanced skill and takes time to develop.

Each one is scored 0–25, adding up to a total KI Score of 0–100. This score changes over time as your child develops. The goal is growth, not a number.

What to Expect at a Saturday Session

1

Check-In (5 min)

Athletes arrive and check in. We ask a simple question: "How are you feeling today?" on a 1–5 scale. This is part of our readiness system — not a formality.

2

The 3 Fundamentals (10 min)

Everyone starts with the same three exercises: jump rope, A-skip over cones, and an easy tempo run. These activate the movement patterns we'll build on.

3

Stage-Based Training (35–45 min)

Athletes split into groups based on their KI stage. Each group runs drills designed for their level. Foundation athletes work on rhythm and coordination. Build athletes work on race-specific speed.

4

Cool-Down + Debrief (10 min)

Easy recovery work followed by a brief team debrief. Athletes reflect on what they felt, not just what they did. This builds the self-awareness that powers long-term growth.

When We Flag Emotional Concerns

Before every session, your child rates how they're feeling on a 1–5 scale. If they report a 2 or below, the following happens:

  1. Training intensity is immediately reduced for that athlete.
  2. Liz Loving Maurice (Licensed Clinical Director, OR & WA) is notified.
  3. Liz connects with the athlete — either on-site or by phone — to check in.
  4. If needed, Liz coordinates with the family for follow-up support.

This isn't optional. It's built into every session. We believe that performance never comes before wellbeing, and that's not just a philosophy — it's a protocol with a licensed clinician standing behind it.

How to Support Your Athlete At Home

Celebrate effort, not results

"I saw you really focusing on your arm swing today" matters more than "You were the fastest." Effort builds identity. Results are temporary.

Don't compare to other athletes

Every athlete is on their own KI journey. Your child's progress is measured against their own history, not against their neighbor.

Prioritize sleep and recovery

Youth athletes need 9–11 hours of sleep. This is when growth happens, memories consolidate, and the body repairs. Training without sleep is like building on sand.

Ask open-ended questions after practice

Instead of "Did you win?" try "What did you learn today?" or "What felt different this time?" This reinforces the self-awareness we're building in training.

Trust the process

KI development is not linear. There will be weeks where your child seems to go backward. That's normal — it often means the body is reorganizing before a breakthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you train?

We train athletes of all ages — but we don't group by age. A 9-year-old and a 16-year-old might be in the same KI stage, or they might be three stages apart. The training fits the athlete.

Does my child need prior athletic experience?

No. The Foundation stage is designed for athletes who are just beginning their movement journey. We meet every athlete where they are.

How often should my child train?

It depends on their stage. Foundation athletes benefit from 3 sessions per week. Build and Optimize athletes may train 5–6 days. We'll recommend the right frequency for your child.

What should my child wear/bring?

Athletic shoes (preferably running shoes or cleats depending on the session), comfortable athletic clothing, and water. We provide all training equipment.

Can I watch the session?

Yes. Parents are always welcome to observe. We just ask that coaching feedback comes from us during the session — mixed signals can confuse athletes.

How do I track my child's progress?

You'll have access to the parent portal where you can view your child's KI score history, session logs, and readiness trends. We also check in with parents regularly.

Ready to Get Started?

Your first session is $25. Come watch your child train with us — no commitment required.

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JL