Double Downward

Kung Fu for the Brain

Get ready to unleash your child’s inner warrior with our Double Downward Course, an exciting Kung Fu-inspired drill that’s as much about building brainpower as it is about moving like a martial artist. This isn’t just a physical exercise—it’s a full-on mental and physical challenge that helps your child grow stronger, sharper, and more focused, one dynamic move at a time. Rooted in the art of defending from different angles, Double Downward brings cross-lateral motions—think arms and legs crossing the body’s midline—into play, sparking connections across the brain that are key for learning and coordination. But the real magic happens when your child starts tuning into everything at once: their own body, potential “attacks,” and an imaginary opponent. It’s a lot to handle, and that’s exactly why it’s so effective at building extreme focus and awareness!

Let’s break it down. Your child will move with purpose, shifting their body to block or dodge from different directions. Those cross-lateral motions—where one side of the body crosses over to the other—do wonders for proprioception, that internal sense of where their body is in space. It’s like giving their brain a live map of their arms, legs, and torso, helping them feel more in control whether they’re kicking a ball or writing a sentence. Plus, crossing that midline strengthens the communication between the brain’s left and right hemispheres, laying a solid foundation for skills like reading, problem-solving, and even emotional regulation.

But here’s where it gets really exciting: Double Downward asks your child to think like a defender. They’ll need to be aware of their own position—Are my arms up? Is my stance steady?—while also spotting “openings” where an imaginary opponent could strike. Maybe their left side is unguarded, or their right arm’s too low. At the same time, they’re keeping track of that opponent’s position—where are they coming from next? This triple-layer focus is a big cognitive workout! It’s like playing a fast-paced game of chess with their own body, and every move sharpens their ability to concentrate under pressure.

That high level of attention doesn’t just build focus—it builds resilience too. Mastering this drill takes effort and practice, and every time your child gets better at it, they’re proving to themselves they can tackle tough things. That’s the growth mindset in action: small wins stacking up to big confidence. And because it’s rooted in Kung Fu, there’s a cool factor that keeps them engaged—who doesn’t want to feel like a martial arts hero? We’ve seen this kind of active, multi-tasking exercise tap into neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and grow stronger with every session.

For parents, this is a fantastic way to help your child develop skills that go beyond the “Quan.” The proprioception and coordination they build here will show up in better handwriting, smoother movements on the playground, and even a calmer, more centered approach to schoolwork. The focus they gain? That’s gold for tackling homework or staying present in class. Double Downward might look like a fun kung fu move—and it is!—but it’s secretly one of the best tools out there for shaping a sharp, adaptable, and confident learner. So let’s step into the ring together and watch your child shine!

Benefits:

  • Enhances proprioception by tracking their body’s position in space
  • Boosts brain connections with cross-lateral kung fu movements
  • Develops extreme focus by juggling body awareness, openings, and opponent moves
  • Sharpens spatial skills by spotting vulnerabilities and planning defenses
  • Builds coordination for smoother, more confident physical activity
  • Sparks brain growth through a high-attention, multi-tasking challenge
  • Fosters resilience and confidence with every mastered defensive move

Course Instructor

Liz Weaver Liz Weaver Author