The Junior Program has been specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of 7-12 year olds.  Reflecting their increasing maturity and ability to learn faster, students are grouped by ability level through a belt ranking system which allows students to periodically be evaluated and regularly advanced through progressively more sophisticated skills and techniques.  The Belt Ranking System for our Juniors reflects their advancement through Beginner (White, Yellow and Orange), Intermediate (Purple, Blue and Green), and Advanced (Brown and Jr. Black) Belt Levels.

            Each of the Children’s Classes is 45 minutes long and includes several of the following main components.  Cardiovascular and stretching exercises are utilized as warm-ups that challenge and encourage each student to improve their fitness levels.  Basics including kicks, blocks and strikes are practiced in the air or with different types of equipment as instructors move from student to student giving patient and helpful pointers and encouragement.  Occasionally contests or rotating stations utilizing different pieces of equipment like heavy bags, hand targets or kicking shields are incorporated for variety and excitement.

            Forms and sets are solo routines practiced to develop the sequential flow of multiple movements and to develop concentration, focus and expression.  Two person interactive drills develop timing, flow and reactions.  Self Defense techniques are performed on the instructors to teach practical application and varied responses to street situations.  Vocabulary words are used to illustrate concepts and principles utilized in Kenpo Karate and to promote a deeper understanding of the detail and finer points of the art of Kenpo.

            Controlled Freestyle Sparring is included as an activity to reinforce concepts of healthy competition, good sportsmanship, honor and integrity.  It teaches students to win humbly and lose gracefully.  Learning from their mistakes always makes them a winner.  If they put forth their best effort and try their hardest, they are on their way to being the best they can be. 

But, best of all, it’s FUN!

            The Junior Program has been designed with the 7-12 year old school age instructional group in mind.  This program progressively develops basic through advanced Karate skills in kicking, blocking, striking, forms and self-defense.        All children need to develop a sense of confidence and security within them.  Parents are not always available to assist them in their efforts.  Kenpo Karate provides a system of defense which serves as a basis for the development of confidence, self-esteem, respect for discipline, responsibility and achievement.  Children develop their inner strengths, learning to rely on their personal integrity, convictions and abilities.   Parents see almost immediate results.  Notable improvements occur in school grades, attention span, concentration and leadership abilities after as little as a few months of study.