What's included
3 live meetings
2 in-class hoursClass Experience
This 3-day karate camp is designed for students with little to no martial arts experience, ages 6-12, but all experience levels are welcome! We will cover various blocks, strikes, stances, and kicks, culminating with the students being able to perform various combinations of techniques by the end of the week. Each class will have a calisthenic-based warm-up with stretches to activate our muscles, and a few push-ups!. Day One will focus on karate basics (punches, high block, and front kick), and will finish with either a game of "Sensei Says" (my version of "Simon Says"), or a jump kick challenge. Day Two will focus on traditional karate's basic self-defense technique, and Day Three will introduce a new kick, how to fall safely, and will give students an opportunity to test their memory, knowledge and physical abilities. As students will not be interacting with each other, but rather focusing on me, it is recommended to hook up their device (laptop, tablet, etc) to a larger screen (i.e., television) with an HDMI cable, so that they can see me more clearly. Also, students should wear comfortable and appropriate clothing (e.g., no dresses or skirts), and have a bottle of water nearby. This course can be taken multiple times, and is a good supplement/introduction to, and transition into, the "White Belt Level One" multi-session course. *** It is highly recommended that parents/guardians stay with the student during the class in order to supervise for safety. Also, please note that transfer requests will not be considered if the request is made within 24 hours of the class start time. [My teaching style: I will demonstrate each technique slowly first, explaining a couple of key points. I'll count the students through at least 10 each technique slowly, making corrections along the way, and then we'll do another 10 at about 50% speed, and then the final 10 will be at 100% speed and power, so the students can work up a sweat and show themselves, and me, how hard and fast they can do their moves. Also, in karate, typically when the teacher counts the 10th technique, all the students verbally show their energy and spirit by shouting "Kiai!" I refer to this as the 10-10-10 counting approach. I like to use LOTS of positive reinforcement and address each student individually as much as possible, and to "say a lot with a little" when it comes to explaining the techniques, so we can spend as much time as possible actually training, rather than lecturing. *** I strive to perform all of the techniques with the students, so they can follow along at all times, unless I need to briefly attend to the computer for technical issues.]
Other Details
Parental Guidance
It is strongly recommended that a parent/guardian is present to ensure the student's safety (e.g., clear training area - free of toys, nearby furniture, pets, siblings, etc), and that a parent/guardian help the student to set up their device so that the Sensei can have a clear view of the student. Please note Outschool has a policy that only registered students are allowed on camera (parents and siblings are invited to watch but should stay out of view). It is also recommended that the device have as large a screen as possible, or be hooked up to a television with an HDMI cable.
Students must wear appropriate athletic clothing (a karate uniform may be purchased separately if desired) - sweatpants/trackpants or tights are recommended, whereas shorts/dresses/skirts are inappropriate for karate training, and students will be asked to change if they are dressed inappropriately.
Finally, having a water bottle nearby is highly suggested.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi! Welcome to our page! Our director and chief instructor is Sensei Rick. He has been training in martial arts for nearly 30 years and has earned the rank of 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He’s been teaching karate for about 20 years, and even owned and operated a local karate school for a number of years pre-Covid. He was bullied as a kid, and karate helped him greatly with his confidence, and his goal is to share the many physical and mental benefits of martial arts with as many kids as possible!
In order for classes to be fun, Sensei Rick thinks that kids should always learn something new, and be moving as much as possible. His classes are geared towards children aged 6-12, are fast-paced and challenging, and focus on traditional martial arts values such as respect, discipline, and perseverance.
Sensei Rick loves learning about how the human body and mind operate, and so he earned a Bachelors degree with a double major in Biology and Psychology. He then furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts degree in "Child Study & Education” - a combination of a masters degree and teachers college, with additional qualifications in Special Education as well as Early Childhood Education.
Sensei Rick also spent many years working as an independent contractor for SAFE International, one of the top reality-based self-defense companies in the world, where he specialized in teaching girls and boys in 9th grade Phys. Ed. classes how to verbally de-escalate and avoid conflict, and how to protect themselves if they were ever physically assaulted.
When he is not teaching or training, Sensei Rick enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cuddling his two dogs, doing archery, trading in the financial markets, and watching tv/movies.
We are looking forward to seeing you in class!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$36
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
40 min
Completed by 903 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-11
3-11 learners per class