Kung fu grasshoppers show off moves

Fun City, which provides a play environment combining physical activities and learning skills, has programmes to entertain children throughout the summer.

Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // Fifty children have left their gaming consoles and joined a tough martial arts course this summer.

Last night the children, aged between 3 and 12, showed off what they had learnt during the classes, organised by the Arabian Centre's Fun City, in a demonstration at the mall.

The high-energy show incorporated tae kwon do, kung fu and other martial arts. It took two days of training a week for three months to prepare for the show.

"It is essential for children to be occupied and active during summers, especially with more and more technology products encouraging children to be more sedentary," said Kunal Harisinghani, the marketing manager at Fun City.

"It is imperative that kids run around, jump and have physical activity combined with mental workouts."

The martial arts routines they have learnt will give the children more energy and enhance their way of thinking, said Magdy Eid Sulaiman, the instructor.

"It will change the kids' personality and boost their self-confidence," Mr Sulaiman said. "They will develop great physical stamina, see improvements in strength, flexibility and balance.

"The child will begin to realise they can overcome obstacles through hard work and dedication."

Fun City, which provides a play environment combining physical activities and learning skills, has programmes to entertain children throughout the summer.

Winter classes and workshops will be introduced soon and parents can register their children depending on their age and level of learning.