Youth Curriculum

How does karate benefit young people?

Positive thinking, confidence, cooperation and respect for others are some of the qualities young people achieve through studying karate-do - but what kids really get excited about is the hands-on activities, and the opportunity to have fun and make new friends!

Kihon Kata :
	Kihon Kata 1-5 (PDF)

The ultimate goal of karate study is physical and mental self-improvement. While doing warm-up drills, kata (individual exercises), kumite (controlled 2-person exercises) and bunkai (4-5 person applications of kata) kids learn to control, strengthen and balance their growing bodies, focus their active minds, and work cooperatively with others. In the process, they will also discover powerful ways to beat stress and ultimately feel good about themselves.

What is the main focus of the youth class?

Youth Testing:
	Youth Testing Requirements (PDF)
	Youth Kyu Testing Application Form (MS Word)

Youth class instruction takes into account the abilities of each individual child, taking into consideration their age, size, strength, skill level, personality, and any personal limitations. Learning is step-by-step and advances in difficulty only when a student is ready. Everyone starts by learning basic combinations of kicks, punches and blocks through the practice of drills and basic kata. When a student can demonstrate they have learned their current level of skills, new and more complex kata and exercises are added.

What's a typical class like?

Karate class begins and ends in the traditional way with students lining up and bowing (rei) to show respect to the teacher (sensei) and their classmates. Stretches are done from head to toe, and then students do moving drills, kata and exercises with partners. Kick bags and focus pads are frequently used to help students strengthen their bodies and work on technique.

What is expected of students?

Self Discipline:
	Self Discipline Sheet (PDF)

Learning and demonstrating respect for others through words and deeds is of the utmost importance in karate. At the dojo, students are expected to show self-control both inside and outside of class. Self Discipline is a trait we put a great deal of emphasis on, as these principles help our children become successful in all walks of their lives. Each student can show responsibility by taking care of their gi (uniform), obi (belt) and personal belongings.

Keeping the dojo clean is a responsibility students of all ages and ranks share. Everyone can pitch in to help the instructors put away equipment and to make sure the dojo training and changing areas are left ready for the next class.

How safe is karate for kids?

Because the focus of Shido-kan karate is on self-improvement, not competition, students are taught to cooperate with and learn from their partners-helping each other and paying attention to each other's needs. Controlled sparring for short time periods is only done with protective gear under an instructor's close supervision. Throughout all lessons it is emphasized that the objective of learning karate is not to cause injury to others but to prevent and avoid violence through self-control.