Every time we describe National Shield - Martial Arts to a new parent, we can see the hesitation. The word “martial arts” triggers images of kids sparring, throwing punches, or worse — learning to be aggressive. We understand that concern completely. And we address it head-on.
National Shield is a fitness-first, safety-focused personal development program. It is not a fight club, not an MMA feeder league, and not a place where children are taught to look for confrontation. Zero child-to-child contact is permitted in our Juniors stream (ages 5 to 12). Period.
What Is the SHIELD Safety System?
SHIELD is a six-step personal safety framework that we teach every single cycle. Each letter represents a principle:
S — Stay Aware. Know your surroundings. Notice exits, trusted adults, and anything that does not feel right.
H — Have a Plan. If something happens, what do you do? Who do you go to? We practise this.
I — Identify Trusted Adults. Kids learn to recognise who they can turn to — a teacher, a coach, a parent, a police officer — and practise asking for help confidently.
E — Exit First. The safest response is always to leave a dangerous situation. We drill escape routes, not fighting techniques.
L — Loudness Works. Making noise attracts attention. We teach kids it is okay to be loud when they feel unsafe.
D — De-escalate, Do Not Engage. If avoidance is not possible, we teach verbal assertiveness and boundary-setting through our companion BRAVE Anti-Bullying curriculum.
The BRAVE Anti-Bullying Program
BRAVE stands for Boundary, Respect, Assertive, Voice, Exit. It is a five-step assertive response framework delivered through scenario role-play — not lectures. Kids practise saying “stop, I do not like that” with eye contact and a firm tone. They rehearse walking away. They practise telling a trusted adult.
We do not teach children to fight bullies. We teach them to respond with confidence, set clear boundaries, and seek help from an adult immediately. This approach is consistent with Saskatchewan school board anti-bullying protocols.
So Where Does the Martial Arts Fit In?
The physical component of National Shield is structured around three pillars: fitness, controlled technique, and personal discipline. In the Juniors stream, that looks like agility ladder drills, coach-held pad work (where the child hits focus mitts held by a certified adult — never another child), core strength circuits, and coordination challenges.
In the Youth stream (ages 13 to 17), athletes progress to multi-discipline technique work — boxing stance, footwork, kickboxing pads, and wrestling-based movement. Controlled partner technical drills are introduced with matched size and maturity. Light technical sparring only begins at Level 3 and requires full protective equipment and written parental consent.
Our Coaching Standards
Every National Shield coach holds a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, Respect in Sport (Activity Leader), NCCP Safe Sport Training, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, and concussion recognition certification. NAA follows the Rule of Two: interactions between coaches and participants always take place in open, observable settings with two screened adults present, never one-on-one behind closed doors.
If you have questions about the program, we genuinely want to hear them. Reach out through our Contact page or come watch a session in person. We believe in transparency, and we have nothing to hide.