Youth Program Taught in age appropriate classes, we teach something of value, yet fun in a non-competitive environment where all can achieve their maximum capability. Self-defense, conflict resolution, anti-bullying techniques, stranger awareness and positive self-image are emphasized. Small classes with personalized attention help the student deal with the frustrations and fears of the unknown. They learn to cooperate with others, listen and speak with respect. They display much more ability to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. As children learn these important skills, it enhances other areas of their lives. It is not uncommon for our students to report better grades at school, less social problems with classmates, and a less contentious home life.

Values and Life Skills Self-Confidence Self-Discipline Respect Honesty Courtesy Strong Work Ethic Teamwork Physical Fitness Nothing is more important than the mental and physical well being of our children. Twice as many American children are obese today when compared to the statistics of 1980. Many factors are the cause, including lack of physical activity, more sedentary behavior (watching television, computer usage, video games) and poor eating habits. Our instructors take pride in the fact that our programs help children develop good habits in exercise, fitness, and healthy living. Every class begins with an exercise routine consisting of cardiovascular, strength exercises and stretching. To motivate student's to work on their personal fitness, certain exercises have been integrated into our testing curriculum. We also encourage students to work on their physical fitness outside of class.

Curriculum

At Junior White Belt the new student will be taught basic dojo (school) rules, procedures, and etiquette. Instructors will explain how to arrive at the dojo, where to put their shoes, where to get changed for class, how to wait for class to begin, and how to conduct themselves once class is in session. Students will be taught blocks, falls and rolls, and simple but effective self-defense techniques. Junior White Belts will also be drilled on how to resolve, handle or stop conflict. Students begin to understand self-control, courtesy and discipline during this stage of training. In addition to the physical techniques, the student's behavior, attitude, listening skills, and focus will be a factor in testing and promotion to the next level.

At Junior Yellow Belt, training really begins. Students begin by learning simple wrist escapes, move on to punch defenses, and finish with learning simple attacker control techniques. Not only will they be expected to learn and perform these new techniques, they will also be required to remember all the "old" techniques from their previous set. Students will be drilled on new striking and blocking techniques, ground-defenses, and free style attack lines. Students learn what it is to be challenged. They also begin to grasp an understanding of teamwork and trust.

When a student moves to Junior Blue Belt, an emphasis is placed on the details of the martial arts. New throwing techniques, locking techniques, pins, footwork, and strikes will be taught. Students will continue to review, practice, and drill on all the "old" techniques along with the new. Their general self-defense abilities are now very good. Blocks, falls and rolls, counter striking, and basic defensive tactics are now done without thinking. Their muscle memory, and pure reaction is beginning to drive their movements. They are expected to be more mature, help new students, set an example, and develop leadership qualities.

At Junior Green Belt the student is now learning the adult curriculum of Aikido. The techniques are similar, but must be performed with much more, focus, detail and martial attitude. Students are now taught a basic move, and then numerous variations or applications to the move. The memory of techniques must now be found in the muscles as well as in the mind. Explanation and understanding of why the techniques work are now a part of the learning cycle. Behavior, attitude, listening skills, focus and maturity should now be automatic. Children who are younger will remain in the children's classes until they reach the appropriate age, skill and maturity level before being invited to attend adult classes.

Basic Martial Arts, Fitness & Exercise: Ages 4 to 7 In this class, we teach your child the fundamentals of fitness through cardio, strength, flexibility training, and martial arts. They'll gain a positive attitude toward exercise and explore fun, fitness and martial arts activities. It emphasizes tumbling, balance, speed, timing, and footwork drills rather than punches and kicks. Children in this program also have an opportunity to learn life, safety and socialization skills as they interact and have fun with peers. Youth Aikido: Ages 8 to 14 In this class students will be taught blocks, strikes and effective self-defense techniques. Students will be drilled on how to resolve, handle and stop conflict. Additionally, students begin to understand self-control, courtesy and discipline during this stage of training. In addition to the physical techniques, the student's behavior, attitude, listening skills, and focus will be a factor in testing and promotion to the next levels.

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