Karate Training at Ken Wa Kan is Leadership Training

Beginning with their first class, students at Kenwakan are encouraged to be focused and aware of themselves and their environment, be kind and respectful to others and ultimately, be responsible, confident and empowering leaders in the world. The skills acquired in earning a Black Belt at Kenwakan will serve them for the rest of their lives. The fundamental movement skills and practices that they develop while training with us in our basic program and beyond are immediately applicable and relevant in their everyday lives. Whether they choose the long term commitment of a Black Belt (4-7 years) or the short term commitment of our 6-month basic program, they will benefit from the disciplined, challenging and nurturing environment that our program and community offer.

Children learn: Kihon basic punching, kicking, stances,  Kata forms, Fighting skills kumite,  Traditional Okinawan weapons bo, tonfa, nunchaku and sai.

Each class includes Japanese terminology and observes traditional karate practices and protocols including meditation, bowing, saying “Osu!” and reciting the Dojo Kun.

The Dojo Kun (Student Creed) are the tenets spoken at the end of every Juniors Program Class to empower students in developing discipline, respect, kindness and leadership.

Tiny Tiger Program (Beginner Level Ages 3 & 4)

  • The Tiny Tiger Program introduces children to the structure, basic vocabulary, protocol and movement fundamentals of karate in a way that is appropriate for their age and social development. We focus on games that highlight and reinforce developmental movement patterns and specific karate skills that develop coordination, balance and strength. At the same time they work on social emotional skills such as self management, social awareness, listening, taking turns and impulse control. Children get to experience their own power in an environment that is fun and disciplined. This program is designed to prepare them for the Ninja Skills Karate Program and to support them in creating an ongoing and regular karate practice.

  • Children take class twice a week (30 minute sessions)

Ninja Skills Karate Program (Beginner Level Ages 4 & 5)

  • The Ninja Skills Karate Program is designed to inspire and engage youngsters curious about karate. We teach basic karate skills (punches, kicks and stances) that develop coordination, balance, agility, and strength mixed with games to build, focus, self-discipline and social emotional skills (taking turns, listening, following directions, impulse control, and cognitive sequencing). Children learn Japanese terminology as they observe traditional karate practices and protocol such as meditation and bowing. Our requisite 2-class a week program encourages the disciplined practice and commitment that is fundamental to earning a Black Belt (and what goal worth achieving doesn’t require commitment?) This program prepares children for the beginner and beginner/intermediate Black Belt Prep Course.

  • Children take class twice a week (30 minute sessions)

Junior Basic Program (Beginner Level Ages 6+)

  • The Junior Basic Program inspires and empowers children ages 6+ years who want to learn karate and develop their ninja skills! The class incorporates basic karate skills (kicking, punching, footwork drills, stances), partnering and pad work exercises with group games that increase strength, stamina and agility. Classes are designed to increase focus, and develop self-discipline, confidence, cooperation and cognitive skills in a responsible and cooperative community. During this program children participate in two-belt promotion ceremonies, wherein they will be promoted from white belt (12th kyu) to blue belt (10th kyu), beginner to advanced beginner level. This program prepares children for the intermediate/advanced Junior Black Belt Course.

  • Children take class twice a week (45 minute sessions)

Junior Black Belt Course (Intermediate/Advanced Level Ages 6+)

  • The Junior Black Belt Course is our intermediate/advanced program for students that graduate from the Junior Basic Program. This program is for students that have declared their commitment to achieving their Black belt and are participating in their training with an overall attitude of cooperation, enthusiasm and hard work.

    This program is designed to take students from Blue Belt through to Black Belt. Students in this program continue to elevate their basic technique while learning more advanced fighting and kata technique and training skills. They learn more complex kata (forms) that include blocks (uke), kicks (geri) & stances (dachi). They begin to partner up to hold pads and practice sparring drills and techniques appropriate for their age and training level. Throughout this program they begin to develop their training as leaders in class. This includes being asked to call out the count and demonstrate form and techniques for others to follow. Throughout this program they continue to develop their training as leaders in class by leading the count and demonstrating form and techniques for others to follow. Classes include a variety of rigorous conditioning exercises to develop strength, stamina, coordination and agility.

  • Students take class twice a week (45 minute sessions)

Junior Black Belt Course: Green Belt & Up (Advanced Level Ages 9+)

  • The Junior BBC Green Belt & Up Program is distinct in that it requires both that the student fulfill the requirements set out in the physical curriculum and that they embody the ethos of being a Kenwakan Black Belt. This is a unique expression for each student and is, for us, the most critical aspect of development. Students are required to demonstrate ownership of their own training i.e. they are asking questions, offering assistance, succeeding at school, cooperating at home and school, and participating in dojo community events.

    Students at this level are responsible for maintaining and elevating the skills acquired in the Junior Black Belt Course while learning the new curriculum required for advancement from Green Belt through Brown/Black Belt (Ikkyu) & Black Belt (Shodan). Once students earn Green Belt, they add this class once or twice a week to their regular twice a week training in the Junior Black Belt Course to develop the stamina, coordination and strength required to obtain the most advanced belt promotions.

    As part of their leadership training and in the spirit of “watch one, do one, teach one,” students are charged with being examples of Black Belt spirit and form in their Junior Black Belt Course classes. They demonstrate their knowledge for lower ranked students in class and are occasionally empowered to teach in small groups . This is done under the supervision of Sensei and other instructors. This serves to enrich their experience and understanding of karate basics, while providing opportunities to evolve as role models and leaders and be of service in the community.

  • Children take 1-2 45 minute classes a week depending on level