Youth Karate students will learn:
| - Honor - Respect - Self-discipline - Self-confidence - Positive attitude - Integrity - Goal-setting - Positive work ethic - Courage - Leadership - Decision making | - Coordination & balance - Strength & stamina - Better flexibility - Self-defense - Stances - Blocks - Punches - Kicks - Basic techniques - Combinations - Kata - Sparring (kumite) is conducted by Mr. Williams in a controlled and safe environment |
What happens in the Youth Novice class?
The Youth Novice (open to all belt ranks) start by lining up by rank and then a period of meditation. Next students warm-up (jumping jacks) and then stretch. Youth Novice may be asked to do a variety of activities in a given class period. Some of those activities include: conditioning, basic techniques (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks), single and combination of basic techniques with a partner, targets, and bags, kata (prearranged basic defensive and offensive techniques), self-defense with a partner, step sparring (without physical contact) and sparring (physical contact using protective gear). The class ends with another period of meditation. Parents may watch the Youth Novice class from the seating area.
Why are high ranked belts in the Youth Novice class?
Why are high ranked belts in the Youth Novice class?
Many times higher ranked students will "train down" and attend the novice class. This allows novice students to "see" the expectations and discipline required of higher ranks. (Higher ranked students may "train down" and attend the novice class, but novice students may not attend the intermediate class.) It is important that students learn and apply proper basic technique, because the "basics" are the key to later karate development.
What happens in the Youth Intermediate class?
The Youth Intermediate (only Jr. green belts and higher) student perform many of the same activities as the Youth Novice class, and also work on rank specific (intermediate and advanced) activities, including: step sparring, kata, self defense, break falls, and weapons (bo, kamas, and sai). (Weapons training at American Karate & Martial Science is open only to ranks Jr. purple belt and higher. Mr. Williams determines when a student has the karate skills and techniques and responsibility required for weapons training.)
Before Youth Karate class
Before Youth Karate class
Upon entering the dojo (training hall) all students will give courtesy by coming to attention by placing their arms by their side and bring both feet together and bow from the waist. Youth Karate students are expected to display respect to the dojo, students, and instructors. Prior to class Youth students will line up their shoes and gear bags, and then bow into the dojo (training area).
Once the student changes into their gi, they should proceed to the training area and warm up by doing light cardio, dynamic stretches, or warm up by practicing Kata or bag work. There is to be absolutely no horseplay, or joking around in the Dojo. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of the instructor.
Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the Dojo is not permitted. When the Instructor comes into the dojo courtesy should be given, and the student should then continue to warm up. When class is called to order the Instructor will say, "Line up!" Students will line up according to belt rank with the senior belt on the right. All students will then come to attention and give courtesy as instructed. Students are to show respect for each other, in and out of the Dojo and the instructor at all times.
Uniform & Belt
Youth Karate students will wear a black gi (uniform) and start with a white belt. Male students normally do not wear a t-shirt under their gi top. They may wear a black undershirt. The female students must always wear an under garment. They may wear a black t-shirt or one that matches the color of their obi (belt).
After acquiring the proper skills (mental and physical) students may have the opportunity to "belt test". Youth Karate students may advance through the ranks of gold, Jr. green, green, Jr. purple, purple, Jr. brown, brown, Jr. black. Youth should be 16 years old to be eligible for an adult Black Belt.
Youth Karate students will eventually move into the adult karate program. This usually happens around 13 years old.
Belt tests
Belt tests at American Karate & Martial Science are open ONLY to students that are ready and are individually identified by Mr. Williams. Student progress is evaluated by Mr. Williams during regular class time, and when a student has mastered the karate skills and techniques the student will receive an invitation for the upcoming belt test (it is inappropriate to ask, or suggest a student is ready to belt test). Belt tests only occur 2-3 times per year and occur outside of regularly schedule class (normally on a Saturday for Youth students).
