Martial Arts for Kindergarten and Preschoolers
Kindy Karate Program
We teach a martial arts program especially designed for young children 4, 5 and 6 years old. These classes accept children who are able to follow instruction. Classes run for 40 minutes (this is a long time for little ones so young, but it pushes them to concentrate, focus and work hard during karate class time!). Sensei always make sure class time is fun.
Kindy Karate ‘prep’ for 5 and 6 year olds
Prep classes are especially designed for children 5 and 6 years old. These classes are faster paced than the classes for 4-5 year olds, and help children transition to school-aged classes when they are closer to turning 7! If your chid is 6.5 years and is quite shy, for example, these classes will help them thrive in class before moving up to classes with 7-9 year olds. Classes run for 50 minutes.
All classes are taught by head and founding instructor, Sensei Sandra.
Our martial arts classes combine fun exercises and drills to help introduce children to the art of karate. Young children learn a lot and they learn quickly, so the aim of Kindy Karate at OKUKAN is to help essential karate movements become second nature. By the end of the martial arts program, kids will have developed skills that will enable them to effectively engage in learning complex martial art drills.
KINDY KARATE CLASS TIMES:
Kindy Karate 4-5 years
- Saturday at 9am
Kindy Karate ‘Prep’ 5-6 years
- Monday 4pm
- Wednesday 4pm
- Saturday at 10am
Start your karate journey with your child!
Foster strength, confidence and discipline.
Adult classes delivered Monday to Friday at 7pm
Children learn:
- Basic blocking skills
- Karate walking
- Controlled offensive techniques
- Karate kicking and karate punching
We are Affiliated to:
- Karate Victoria
- Australian Karate Federation (AKF)
- Oceania Karate Federation (OKF)
- World Shitoryu Karate Federation (WSKF)
- World Karate Federation (WKF)
The kids are loving karate and the amazing environment you provide.
28 Nov 2018
Karate Helps Prepare Kids for School
Children learn to listen and focus in a structured environment, learn to work in pairs with other children and to have respect towards others. Karate is a sophisticated martial art that teaches self-discipline, above all. Karate is not an aggressive sport, but a healthy and disciplined way of understanding and channeling the body’s energy. In a short period of time, children who engage in a martial art that teaches discipline will understand the importance of self-control and respect toward fellow karate practitioners, other children and people in general.
Benefits of our Karate Classes:
- Concentration
- Focus
- Self control
- Balance
- Coordination
- Body Awareness
- Respect for others
- Self respect
- Hand-eye coordination
- Resilience
- Patience
- Perserverance
- Listening skills
- Courteous behaviour
- Confidence
Striping rewards children for their focus, practice and progress.
At Kindy Karate we have a Striping system, where kids can earn belts striped with colour to symbolize learning achievement. This is a wonderful way for young kids to gain a sense of accomplishment for their efforts and to be rewarded for progress. Children are individually assessed on an ongoing basis by Sensei Sandra. Parents will be advised by Sensei Sandra when their child is ready to Stripe!
There are a few interrelated aspects that are considered when assessing whether children are ready for Striping. These include technical aspects, spirit and behaviour.
What to Expect at the Karate Trial Lesson:
A trial lesson is available for prospective students. This helps Sensei Sandra assess their readiness for the class. Please note that class sizes are restricted for our Kindy Karate program, so a trial lesson is subject to class availability.
Our Kindy Karate kids wear a karate uniform, but for the trial lesson your child can just wear something comfortable that is suitable for stretching (like tracksuit pants and a t-shirt). Our lessons are done barefoot and shoes will be taken off when you enter the room. All you need to bring is a water bottle.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to the trial lesson. If you arrive after class has started, you will need to book another trial lesson. Due to Government restrictions, we have placed a limit of one parent/guardian accompanying a Kindy Karate student.
Lessons go for 40 minutes.
Class Size:
Classes numbers are controlled, so places are limited.
I’ve been delighted at how Ben’s flourished in class – it’s good that he’s doing well at the physical stuff, but I’m most pleased with the way he’s learning to concentrate and practice. Sandra inspires a persistence in him that I’ve only seen him give to a couple of skills (mostly Lego!) 🙂
What if my child is shy?
Shyness at this age is not uncommon! If your child is too shy to participate in the trial lesson, they can sit and watch the class with you. It’s great for children to gain exposure to new activities, but child psychologists say it’s best done gradually, so there is no rush. Our karate classes are a great way for children to interact with other kids and gain self esteem and confidence. Rather than some other sports (such as ball sports) which might make a shy child feel overwhelmed by having to compete with large amounts of children, our classes entail individual and one-on-one learning in a small group setting, helping children feel comfortable around others.
Your Role:
Let you child know that they will be attending a karate class. Help them understand what this means by showing them the drawings of kindy karate kids on our website, or by showing them a video of young children practicing kata from our Facebook page.
Bringing your child to class on time and regularly gives them the best possible opportunity to learn and make progress. Encouraging them to practice their karate steps at home will enhance their progress also. See our FAQ page for more information.
When can they start?
If your child can listen and follow instruction, they are ready to start! Kindy Karate is a year-round program, meaning lessons are delivered by Sensei Sandra every week, (except for public holidays and our end of year break), so your child can start at anytime. Note class numbers are restricted so places are limited.
