Karate Class Curriculum
Students Age 4-6 and 7-11
Overview: The Rec Center classes are 30 min & 45 min classes, respectively, which will last 10 weeks per session. Please note any Holidays which may fall on Mon or Fri, which means Rec Center classes will be not held on that day.
The formal dojo located at 586 Broadway, El Cajon, 92021 is open to anyone, child or adult, who wishes to pursue an interest in better health, increased flexibility - self confidence - positive attitude, as well as self-defense.
It is my goal to infuse properly taught karate-do to each student.
I welcome any questions, any time.
I do intend to make a difference in each child's and adult's life.
I teach by using examples, and by encouraging interaction and answers from the students. Kids in general evaluate information the same way you and I - as adults - do...by comparing what we are being told to what we know already. Giving / asking for examples is a great way of inviting participation, breaking down personal barriers, as well as developing social skills with one's fellow students.
Karate-do is geared toward improving oneself, one's physical and mental skills, and we encourage the student to apply good habits outside of their karate-do training.
In addition to the above, we will most definitely have fun. Each student should look foward to / be eager about coming to the next class. If we notice a sag of any sort, I encourage you to contact me directly so that we can figure out the best course of action. Usually, it is more training :-)
At the Rec Centers the student's wearing of a karate uniform is not mandatory, but is encouraged. At the dojo it is mandatory. These can be supplied by myself, or the you're welcome to supply the gi (karate uniform) on your own. They are $30. You will be surprised at how proud a student is at having their own gi.
Advancement in karate-do is signified by belt colors from white (with stripes), through various colors / ranks, all the way to Black Belt. It is possible that a student could attain a belt advancement per 10-week session. As one climbs the training ladder, so-to-speak, the time increments are slightly longer. This is discussed in detail a bit later in this introduction.
Rec Center Specific:
Weeks 1-3: These weeks are be geared to indoctrinating the students into the routine of how a class is run from beginning to end, from being able to line up with their fellow student into a straight line, to bowing to their instructor, closing their eyes and (more or less) relaxing / clearing their mind, as well as responding with respect when spoken to or when asked a question. Classes will consist of various drills to improve hand-to-eye coordination / balance, as well as mild physical training to improve strength and endurance. Basic karate techniques of punching and kicking will begin to be taught as a part of the curriculum.
Weeks 4-6: Any and all techniques from weeks 1-3 will be employed, as well as teaching the students how to move correctly (stances) while performing basic kicks and punches. Once kicking / punching has begun to be taught, it is important that we convey a basic philosophy of why and when these kicks and punches are to be used / not to be used.
Weeks 7-10: We will work on getting the students up to speed on all of the above. Repetition is the key to good habits, and karate-do is no stranger to that concept.
Each student is different, and everyone has a different learning curve. No one is going to be perfect after 6-10 weeks of training, and what we are looking for are signs of improvement, increasing participation, and with kids it becomes even more important that they can actually see and feel their progress. I will be complimenting students as well as correcting them. Additionally, we have a system of stripes on the white belt to denote progress. Please see the website www.jkiofelcajon.yolasite.com for more info. This is our website!!! :-)
There are basic requirements for a student's first promotion**, to white belt w/ stripes, & Orange belt, and to the color belts thereafter. Color belts aid an instructor in seeing exactly what the student needs to be taught next. Although promotions to higher belts are not mandatory, it is vital positive reinforcement of the student's progress and hard work. The students will be taught the requirements for these advancements on a continuing basis.
Thus, in succeeding 10-week programs, we will have both brand new students, and continuing students of various color belt ranks. It all works out, as karate-do is a repetitive thing.
Students that have already trained in Shito-ryu karate-do before may wear their previously earned color belt. We will bring them back up to speed, as necessary.
Once a student has several stripes on their white belt, or in the case that they are a color belt (orange, blue, etc...) they must have a set of "fist pads" / gloves for their continued training. These usually run $20-25. Again, you are welcome to purchase these independently.
Thank you,
Kevin Harness, Instructor, Shito-ryu Karate-do
Hillside Center**Promotional exams are part a class curriculum, and are usually held the last week of the 10-week (Rec Club) period. However promotion to the next belt requires an additional fee for those students who are ready to promote to their next belt advancement. White belt "stripes" do not require any additional fee.
