SKMA currently lists Little Ninjas for children aged 4–6. From age 7, the two published routes are Junior Martial Arts and Junior Kickboxing, both for ages 7–12.
That age-band change gives parents a clear point to ask about the next class, but it does not prove that a child transfers automatically on their seventh birthday. SKMA’s public pages do not publish a transfer date, progression rule, starting grade or explanation of how Little Ninjas experience carries into either junior route. Ask the academy what applies to your child before relying on the age label alone.
What the published age bands confirm
SKMA’s current programme information separates its children’s routes like this:
| Child’s age | Published SKMA route | Published focus |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | Little Ninjas | Martial arts foundations, movement, listening and focus |
| 7–12 | Junior Martial Arts | Traditional martial arts |
| 7–12 | Junior Kickboxing | Kickboxing |
This is useful eligibility information. It does not say exactly when an existing Little Ninjas student changes class, whether the move happens at a birthday or another suitable point, or whether every child follows the same route.
If your child is six and approaching seven, ask early enough to understand the current options. If your child is already seven and new to SKMA, you can start by comparing the two 7–12 programmes rather than assuming Little Ninjas is still the right enquiry.
Choose the next route by activity, not by a promised outcome
The clearest published difference is the training route. Junior Martial Arts is SKMA’s traditional martial arts option for ages 7–12. Junior Kickboxing is its kickboxing option for the same age band.
Ask your child which activity they are more curious to try. If they are unsure, the existing guide Junior Martial Arts or Kickboxing in Totton: Which Should My Child Try? gives a fuller comparison without claiming that one route is universally easier, gentler or better.
Do not treat the change as a test of whether your child has “done well enough” in Little Ninjas. SKMA describes Little Ninjas as a route into martial arts foundations, but it does not publish a pass mark, grading requirement or guaranteed next level. The useful question is which current junior experience your child is ready and interested to explore.
Ask these five transition questions
1. When would SKMA move my child from the 4–6 route?
Give the academy your child’s age and whether they currently attend Little Ninjas. Ask whether the relevant change happens at the seventh birthday or another point chosen from the current class arrangements. The public pages do not answer this.
2. Which 7–12 programme should we ask about first?
Say whether traditional martial arts or kickboxing currently interests your child more. If their preference is unclear, ask what each suitable session will involve before selecting one from the name alone.
3. How will previous Little Ninjas experience be handled?
Ask whether your child joins the junior class as a new starter, continues from a particular point or needs any separate introduction. Do not assume that another martial arts school’s syllabus, belt system or age transition applies at SKMA.
4. What changes in the actual session?
Ask about the current class structure, instructions, individual and partner activities, contact, clothing and equipment. The published programme descriptions do not provide a side-by-side transition plan.
5. What practical details apply now?
Confirm the current session, arrival time, location instructions and what your child should wear or bring. Also ask for current costs and commitment terms before making a longer decision; SKMA does not publish those details on the programme pages.
Keep your child involved in the change
Sport England’s current guidance for parents and carers recommends talking to children, listening to why they take part and asking how they want to be supported. For this age-band change, that can be as simple as asking which parts of Little Ninjas they enjoy and which of the two junior activities they want to see.
After a junior visit, ask concrete questions: What did you enjoy doing? Was anything confusing? Did you know who to ask for help? Would you like to return? Those answers are more useful than expecting a child to judge a whole programme from its name.
For any children’s activity, the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit’s parent checklist recommends asking about staff checks, the safeguarding policy, accident procedures, who parents can speak to and staff training. Ask SKMA where its current information can be reviewed; this article does not claim answers that its public pages do not provide.
Plan the next Totton visit
SKMA lists its academy at Totton Activity Centre, Unit 5, Brokenford Lane, Totton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9DY. Review the Totton location page and current academy FAQs, then confirm the current programme and session before travelling.
If your child is approaching the change from Little Ninjas, book a free week and explain their age, current experience and whether Junior Martial Arts or Junior Kickboxing interests them. SKMA can then reply from its current arrangements rather than leaving you to guess how the transition works.