Frequent Questions

Focus Kids Karate frequently asked questions relating to kids in Edina and the greater Minneapolis area, who are interested in studying kids karate and kids BJJ (kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).

Question: What is the Focus philosophy?

Answer: Our mission is to really get to know each student and his or her family. We are committed to helping your child achieve your desired developmental goals. We stress F.O.C.U.S:

Focus your energies
Obstacles are opportunities
Challenge yourself – set goals
U can do it!
Strive for improvement

Question: What are the Martial Arts?

Answer: Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung-fu and Judo are all Martial Arts. All styles have basically the same goals – character development, self-discipline, self-defense and confidence development. Japanese Karate and Korean Tae Kwon Do are very similar, both employ kicks & combinations; Kung-fu uses circular motions; and Judo involves throwing and is similar to wrestling.

Question: Which Art is the best for my child?

Answer: The most important thing when looking for martial arts training is not the style, but finding the right instructor. The instructor is what makes the difference. Look for a Master Instructor that is enthusiastic and encouraging, inspirational and motivating, gentle but firm, patient, possesses good communication and demonstration skills, and has a staff that is interested in helping you achieve your goals.

Question: Why shouldn’t I just let my child play soccer instead of karate?

Answer: Sports such as soccer and baseball concentrate mostly on physical skills, whereas karate also emphasizes mental skills such as concentration, self-awareness, and memory. The mind-body discipline of studying the martial arts, in fact, seems to address the short attention spans of today’s children, even those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Question: Won’t teaching my child to move like a Power Ranger encourage roughhousing?

Answer: Paradoxically, no, say martial arts instructors. Karate encourages self-control and teaches discipline. Students are taught that Karate is for self-defense only.

Question: How young do you take students?

Answer: We start students as early as three years old. Three, four, and some five-year olds are in a special once-a-week preschool program. This course helps foster coordination and cooperation in a playful setting.

Question: Will my child be in karate classes with advanced students or adults?

Answer: No. Our program and curriculum are designed exclusively for children, with students being divided into four different group levels. The beginner program is geared specifically for students who have less than six months of experience.

Question: Don’t kids get hurt with all the kicking and punching?

Answer: Study after study has shown that participation in a well-run martial arts school is far safer than nearly any other physical activity your child is likely involved in, including sports such as soccer, dance and volleyball.

Question: Are other levels grouped by age?

Answer: Students do their best with other children of similar ability. Age, on the other hand, is not a reliable indicator of success because a six-year-old can be more serious than an eleven-year-old. Plus, having younger children in class motivates older students to become leaders and role models, as well as giving the younger ones someone to look up to.

Question: What is your typical class size?

Answer: Because we are a small academy, our classes are also smaller. We average about 18 students to a class in our Youth Enrichment Karate Program compared to the 30 at many other schools. Generally, we have two instructors per class. But the more important question is: “Do the instructors make corrections and give praise to every student, by name?” At Focus Karate Academy, we do.

Question: How often do students attend?

Answer: Our students attend two classes a week and have five or more options a week from which to pick. Our flexible schedule meets the needs of families like yours who are juggling multiple activities that fluctuate from week to week. Check the Program Schedules page of our web site for current schedule information.

Question: What is included in your trial course?

Answer: We offer an introductory trial course that includes three group lessons, your white belt promotion, and a deluxe white uniform for only $19.95. You will see the improved concentration, self-control, and sense of accomplishment developed in your child with just three classes. Our Youth Enrichment Karate Program is for ages 5-17. Go to our Try Us Out page for more information about our Focus Karate Trial Offer.

Question: Can we visit a class?

Answer: Yes. However, many parents merely enroll directly into our trial course.

Question: How do we start?

Answer: Please call us, or stop by to register for our introductory trial course. Your child may start at any time as long as we have a space available. Spaces are limited so please…. call today: (952) 946-1047.

Question: What sets Focus Karate apart from other karate programs?

Answer: Because we are a youth enrichment program, our students go beyond our excellent karate training to develop a sense of empowerment, self-motivation, and improved listening at home. Parents who have enrolled their children in our program also say that their children perform better in school because Focus Karate students learn to zero in on the task at hand and become less affected by distractions. Our students set goals, take responsibility for their actions, develop positive attitudes, and gain a desire to finish what they start.