LITTLE TIGERS AMERICAN KARATE
BOYS AND GIRLS 30 months – 5 years old
“Classical Martial Arts Taught With Traditional American Values”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ENROLLMENT FORM (pdf)
Parents, here is a chance for your child to learn Martial Arts while at their daycare facility. The class starts and ends with a review of our “vocabulary list” (self-control, honesty, respect, perseverance, responsibility). The class moves to practicing the basics blocks, hand and kicking techniques. The workouts are a mix of skill work and aerobic exercise. The children are rewarded at the end of class with jump kicks and tumbling if mats are available. There are days that the children kick the whole class ensuring a good night sleep! Mom and Dad are encouraged to visit a class to watch and even join in ! !
Positives – I have designed a program specifically for the younger child that utilizes the “karate class” as a vehicle to teach self-control, honesty and respect, while building strength, flexibility and coordination. The “refined motor movement” involved in the practice of the various blocks, punches and kicks has proven to develop a child that does better in academics at school and build overall body strength. I teach the children the difference between sparring, self defense and fighting and that they are never to get in a fight as there are “no bully’s in karate”.
My Goal as an Instructor – I have learned in my forty years of teaching children that when you make the class fun for the child at any age the child responds by paying attention and simply trying harder. I want to build “good technique” in your child’s karate and give you and your child such a good experience you will find a karate school to enroll in when leaving the daycare and my class.
Discipline – There is no “time out” in karate class. The child is put in “their power spot”. I explain that this is where they sit and rest and think hard about doing karate really good so they can get their Yellow Belt.” If the child continues to disrupt class and the duration is over fifteen minutes, I return the child to their classroom. When a child continually “acts out” their karate on other children (striking another child) the child will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Uniforms – There are not uniforms in this class. The children respond well to belts, I keep the belts so they won’t get lost at home and when the child leaves the class I return the belt to the child. The first month fee will include the cost of the “white belt” to be worn during class; I will handle putting this on the child and the belt will have the students name on it. Have your child wear baggy pants or loose fitting clothes and sneakers.
Belt Progression – Belts and belt promotions are not the emphasis of this class. I am trying to teach the children how to be “a good kid” using the discipline and fun of karate. I do not promote quickly this gives the student a false sense of achievement. There are “time requirements” that must be met before the child is considered “ready to test”. The child must be able to perform the given “techniques” and know the vocabulary words.
Sparring – I do not allow children to spar in the daycare. This reinforces negative behavior in the school. Many children are not able to distinguish between sparring and fighting. Sparring in the daycare is a potential liability.
About the Instructor – Covert Blackledge has designed a curriculum for young children that allows for fun while giving the child a physically challenging workout. Covert enjoys teaching and his love for children is easily seen when he is directing a class. All parents are invited to watch class; you might want to join yourself.