Karate is a discipline that teaches students martial arts moves, proper form, and tests their skills. Students practice body mechanics, posture, and pivoting with their hips. Also covered is the principle of muscle compression and expansion.

In some dojos, students are graded using the Shotokan Karate format. There are three “Ks” that are tested: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring). The requirements become increasingly challenging with each level achieved by the student.

Candidates start by demonstrating the basics required for each level. They then progress to the kata that’s required. This is choreographed, starting with hand techniques that are announced for the lower levels, progressing to both hand and foot techniques that are not announced in the more advanced levels.

Kid karate classes are structured and offer a progressively challenging curriculum for the student. As the student builds character and confidence, they learn to work harder to achieve increasing status as a martial artist. Such a growth mindset can prepare the kid karate student for a fulfilling future with all of their endeavors and resulting successes.

There are a number of children who have to deal with the ill effects of bullying on a daily basis. Many of them are singled out by bullies for no apparent reason other than the possibility that they may be seen as an easy target. This could be because of the way the child carries him or herself, or because of less obvious social cues that they could be giving off without even realizing it. This does not mean that bullies have any right to pick on anyone’s kids, but unfortunately it is a reality that many children face. What does this have to do with kids karate?

Kids karate can teach children how to carry themselves with confidence and poise. By learning how to be strong in character in addition to learning self-defense, kids can feel less anxiety about walking down the hallways in school or playing at the neighborhood playground. Kids karate teaches kids self-defense while warning kids against being aggressive or provoking a fight. In fact, many dojos have strict codes of conduct that prohibit the use of martial arts unless it is in self-defense and completely necessary. Many kids karate classes will not allow a child to continue to learn kids karate if they use karate in a way that violates their code of conduct.

Most kids in a kids karate program avoid being bullied because of the confidence they gain alone. When a child is less afraid because they know self-defense, they are less likely to be targeted by bullies.

The following is a link to a studio in Harrisonburg, Virginia that has helped kids to overcome bullying in a way that Focus Kid Karate Academy helps children to gain the skills that can help them in dealing with bullies: Karate and Bullying.

Children these days navigate a complex social world compared to even a generation ago. With so many avenues that connect children and allow them to communicate with each other in both positive and negative ways, it is essential to offer your child a healthy and structured environment that facilitates wholesome interactions other kids. With social networking, texting, and mobile phones adding barriers to one-on-one contact, teaching children to be confident and respectful in a kids karate setting, with their peers, has become even more valuable.

Advantages of Learning Social Skills in Kids Karate

• Small class sizes
• Low teacher-to-student ratio
• Actual face-to-face contact with peers
• Problem-solving social skills
• Comradery

Children interact in a variety of ways in kids karate as they grow together and learn new techniques. They learn about the responsible uses of karate, for exercise and self defense only, and are taught that bullying is never okay. In a world where the nature of communication is changing, kids karate provides a doorway for children to build a strong foundation for their future social interactions.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Overweight children suffer from health problems and added to that, they are often the targets of bullying in their neighborhoods and at school. Since it can be challenging to control their intake of snack foods and other calorie-packed foods, an increasingly popular option rests in teaching children self control while burning calories in a kids karate program.

Even if a child is not overweight, exercise is the number one way to stay fit & healthy. Kid karate classes get kids to exercise while endowing them with confidence and a sense of achievement. At Focus Kids Karate Academy, your child can be taught by a trained expert. The beginning of any form of martial arts training is the relationship between the master and student. Disciplined adherence to the rules of the training school and obedience to the master are aspects of the training process that create lifelong skills for kids.

With unhealthy alternatives for kids lying around almost every corner, it is good to have fun, healthy, options like kids karate that teach kids skills that benefit them mentally and physically.

With most kid karate programs, personal goals are set and worked towards. Mental and physical exercises combine to promote a holistic workout that resonates with students for years after their karate sessions are completed. Karate is an aerobic exercise that teaches self-control and self-discipline. Rooted in the Ancient Orient, Karate has spread all across the globe and into our consciousness. From the time most children are young, their fascination with Martial Arts is undeniable.

Children of all ages and upbringings mimic the karate moves of their favorite gurus. With so much natural energy or “chi” it is important to teach children how to properly manage their “chi”. Most dojos begin by teaching proper conduct and arena etiquette, both valuable life skills that can be transferred to future endeavors. The beginner must also exercise by repetition and build muscle memory, setting the stage for more advanced technique.

As kid karate programs set the stage for learning forms and entering tournaments, your child’s confidence increases. They learn the importance of using Karate only as self-defense and not to harm others needlessly with this art form. Such skills are beneficial on multiple levels and kids enjoy the routine and status of being Martial Artists. Both boys and girls can have a great time building strength in their bodies and minds with Karate.

Karate is great for kids. Based on non-violence, it is great for their bodies and also for their minds. Karate is a healthy way for kids to burn off and channel their energy.

Karate Builds:

• Confidence
• Self-esteem
• Self-discipline.

The benefits of allowing your children to participate in a karate program are lifelong. Karate teaches the responsible use of force and goal setting. The lessons taught in most karate classes instruct children to never use karate unless it is in self-defense. This being the foundation of a child’s path in martial arts, restraint is learned and practiced from day one.

Establishing boundaries while teaching a form of self-defense both empowers children and reinforces self-discipline. Your child will learn valuable life lessons and the skills to lay the foundation for a fulfilling, meaningful and well-adjusted life. Unlike so many other sports where winning and competition are heavily stressed, karate is far more balanced. In tournaments winning is encouraged, however, the art form of karate technique has equal value in the arena.

September test dates & times

• Saturday September 24 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm if testing to Blue, Blue Leader, Purple, Brown, Red, Candidate
• Saturday September 24 at 2:00 – 2:50 pm if testing to Sr. White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Sr. Green

Note: No kids karate or jiu-jitsu classes on test days

Note: The test deadline is the Friday before the test date at 10:00 am.  Turn in your test fee and written test to the Focus Karate mailbox (There are no written tests for Little Ninjas)

Focus Karate Closed in Edina
Focus Karate will be closed September 1st through the 5th.

Focus Karate Kata Nights
Focus Karate will have Kata Nights on September 8th, 10th, 19th, 27th, and the 30th.

Focus Karate Sparring Week
Focus karate will have Sparring Week September 12th through the 17th.

Note: Orange belts through black belts: Bring sparring gear to all classes during sparring week.

Note: Orange, green, sr. green belts: Come to blue belt level classes to spar.

This is the first batch of pictures taken of the new location of Focus Kids Karate Academy in Edina, Minnesota.  We moved 1 block down the street.

Focus Kid Karate Academy moves to new location

Starting September 9th, youth & Kids Karate and Jiu-Jitsu classes will be held at our new location at 7119 Amundson Avenue South in Edina, Minnesota. (Just down the street from our old location at 7016 Amundson Avenue)

Fall Uniform

Note: No kids karate or jiu-jitsu on test days

September

• Closed: September 1-7
• Kata nights:  10, 11, 21, 27, 30
• Sparring week:  13-18 *

Remember: Orange belts through black belts: Bringsparring gear to all classes during sparring week.  Orange, green, sr. green belts:  Come to blue belt level classes to sparr

October

• Closed: October 18-23
• Kata nights:  2, 8, 19, 29, 30
• Sparring week:  11-16*
• Photo day is Wednesday, October 6
  • Register on center bulletin board starting Monday, September 20

Remember: Orange belts through black belts: Bringsparring gear to all classes during sparring week.  Orange, green, sr. green belts:  Come to blue belt level classes to sparr

November

• Closed:November 20-27
• Kata nights:  6, 18, 19, 29, 30
• Sparring week:  3-8 *

Remember: Orange belts through black belts: Bringsparring gear to all classes during sparring week.  Orange, green, sr. green belts:  Come to blue belt level classes to sparr

Private Lessons

Make-Up Class

Focus karate students MUST come to class wearing shoes, Crocs, or flip flops.  Parking lots are not safe for bare feet  because of the possibility of broken glass or nails.  Also, we request that students come to class with clean feet.  This will keep our mats clean for class