Recently, this preschool has garnered attention on Chinese social media platforms for its "military-style" physical education method. Instead of gentle play activities, the training program requires children to perform complex sequences of movements, demanding skill and physical strength, such as double hula hooping with their hands, jumping rope on moving tires, or conquering platforms taller than themselves. Witnessing these proficient skills, many compare the children to professional circus performers, despite their average age being only 5 or 6.

Preschool students in Jiaozuo city, Ha Nam province, undergo military-style physical training. Video: iNews

According to China Times, the individual behind this educational model is Ji Chenliang, the 27-year-old principal. Sharing with local television, Ji stated that the school implements a professional, structured curriculum from the early years. Physical education classes here are not merely free play but a combination of targeted, fast-paced, and high-intensity exercises.

Explaining this educational philosophy, the young principal noted that rigorous physical training not only improves strength and motor coordination but, more importantly, tempers character. Ji aims for students to develop resilience, stress tolerance, and the courage to face failure from a young age. "In the future, they will encounter many challenges in life and studies. We hope our students are strong enough to overcome them, instead of becoming fragile and sensitive," Ji said.

Despite the demanding training schedule, school representatives affirmed that the children are always enthusiastic, rarely ask for breaks, and many do not even want to go home after school. Principal Ji humorously suggested that the busy schedule leaves the children "no time to miss their mothers."

This "unusual" educational method has received support from most parents. Many report that their children show significant positive changes physically and mentally after attending the program. One parent shared that her child, who used to be glued to their phone upon returning home, now independently trains and is no longer addicted to electronic devices. She believes that allowing children to experience engaging physical activities is the most natural and effective way to break phone addiction, rather than criticism or prohibition. The children also eat well, sleep soundly, and focus better.

High-intensity physical training at ages 5-6 stimulates height development, increases bone density, and refines gross motor skills. However, medical literature advises that maintaining 2,5 hours of strenuous exercise daily requires strict medical supervision to prevent damage to unossified growth plates. High-impact exercises like high jumps carry the risk of chronic musculoskeletal overuse injuries if children do not have sufficient physiological recovery time between sessions.

From a neuropsychiatric perspective, while this model helps curb electronic device addiction, excessive early disciplinary pressure can increase cortisol levels, negatively impacting sensitive children's immune systems and sleep. Therefore, the nutritional regimen for this group of children needs to be specifically designed with higher-than-average protein and micronutrient intake to ensure energy replenishment and muscle tissue regeneration.

Principal Ji Chenliang (right) developed the military-style training model for his students. *Screenshot*

The school's sudden popularity caused Principal Ji Chenliang's personal social media accounts to be inundated with messages. Possessing a height of 1,88 m and a striking appearance, Ji received numerous expressions of affection. Responding to public interest, the principal stated that he is still single with no current dating plans, and hopes the public will focus on the quality of education and the students rather than his personal life.

Binh Minh (According to China Times, Ctwant)