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Our children's classes
are designed for youngsters aged between 5 and 12 years old.
Our emphasis at the
Aldershot,
Farnham and
Haslemere clubs is on teaching traditional
karate in a fun and safe environment, whilst under the strict
supervision of our experienced
instructors. We have many years practise
in developing the skills of young children of all ages. Skill building
activities are used to keep the children focused and enthused and
positive reinforcement is used to help the children understand how well
they are progressing.
Our structured grading syllabus specifically for children and our merit
badges, ensure they are continually striving towards and meeting new
goals. Teenagers are expected to join the adults class, as this is more
suitable for their specific requirements.
What happens in the children's
karate classes?
It should firstly be pointed out to you that the
instructors are strict with the children when they are
in our classes! You must understand that we are teaching
a martial art and want them to concentrate and listen,
but just as importantly it is for their own safety.
Therefore, we do not let them run around unsupervised
and we expect them to come into the class quietly, book
in and then sit down with their legs crossed at all
times.
Although
the
classes are disciplined, the overall goal for
everyone is to have fun and the children will learn many
martial arts related skills. Our teaching model is
specifically designed for children under 12, which
facilitates learning the basic skills through either
games or more traditional methods. We break our classes
down into the following lessons. Kata (form), Basics,
sparring, pad-work and karate games. The pads are
sometimes done with music to encourage the little ones
to sweat just a bit more! The sparring is an
introduction to basic fighting and is done whilst wearing relevant safety equipment. This is normally only
practised by either the higher grade children under
strict supervision or by those deemed to show the have
the maturity to participate in a sensible manner. The
sparring (kumite) is non-contact and some children may
want to enter competitions in either kata or kumite and
this is down to an individual’s preference and choice.
It is by no means compulsory, but we will encourage
them, should they wish to progress down this route.
Children are taught slightly differently to the adults,
for a start, they don’t have the attention span of those
older than them. Therefore the lessons are only an hour
long and broken down into bite sized chunks. They will
also be taught about using the skills we teach them to
help them in their everyday life, about the wrongs of
bullying and about stranger awareness, as well as
developing respect for others They are introduced to a
stable class environment, which allows them to explore
and learn new skills over a period of time. We will
regularly remind them that they are not to practise
their physical skills outside of the dojo, just the
mental ones.
Who can start training at our kids classes?
Boys and girls as young as 5,
who like to do new and exciting things. Our specialised programs and
activities are designed to enhance the child's co-ordination,
concentration, balance, discipline fitness and overall health. We
believe an hour spent at our class, is far better than them spending the
time sat on a PlayStation or Xbox and therefore encourages them to
 have
fun away from this environment. We must stress that the two things your
child must bring with them to the lessons are commitment and effort,
without exception. We are not a glorified babysitting service and
therefore expect the child to give every lesson their best, regardless
of ability. The more they put into the
lessons, the quicker they will
progress and the more they will get out of them. We are happy to teach
any child, regardless of if you think they may or may not be a natural,
or if they have attention problems, or minor health issues. Just make
sure the instructor
is aware of them before they start training. Feel
free to bring your child along and watch a class at any time, or better
still, get them to join in. You will find the classes are not
intimidating or threatening and we will discuss with you basic
procedures and what to do with you, when you come in. We will welcome
any questions that you have and feel free to call us on 07876 577675 at
any time, or email info@surreykarate.co.uk
Read some of our testimonials below in relation to
the children's classes
"Congratulations to Jack on being made student of the
month. Karate has given Jack greatly increased self confidence and the
benefits extend to school and the rest of his life too. Thanks are due
to Sensei and all the instructors and higher grades for the support and
encouragement you give to all the kids."
"The standard you set was high, and I admire an
instructor who corrects a karate ka, when required. It is with your
experience that you can see small errors in junior karate ka like me,
and the guidance/instruction you provided was of a very high standard,
and I took them very positively."
“An instructor is rated
through not his/her accomplishments, but through the accomplishments of
his/her students. Those students who show etiquette, execution,
discipline to the highest standards, are the manifestation of the
instructor to the observing world". Your students will do you good
justice, believe me, they are sharp.”
“The karate club members were very friendly and
welcomed me no problems there. Just wish I could still train there on
Wednesdays."
“My child has had many issues with concentrating
whilst at school. That was, until he started karate with your club. He
has shown a great improvement in not just his behavioural skills, but he
can now sit still for much longer and takes on board far more than he
used to be able to”
“My daughter enjoys your lessons so much and she just
loves to practise what she has learnt on a Tuesday night. She just can’t
wait until the next lesson!”
“Thank you so much for helping
out my son, who was being bullied at school. He now has his old smile
back, as well as his confidence back. He tells me that your training has
helped him no end and that those that were picking on him, now leave him
well alone, as the know he studies karate with you.”
Karate
has many benefits to offer your child and helps them to build
confidence. The training is fun for children and will help them develop
in a more focussed manner, in whatever else they do in their lives.
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