This class is designed for students AGES 6 AND UP with little to no martial arts experience. We'll do a quick round of introductions and set the class expectations and safety protocols, followed by a short calisthenic-based warm-up, and then we get right in to learning! We'll cover the basic punch and palm strike, a basic block and how to apply it, a kick, and two stances, followed by a fun sparring drill where the students will interact with me in a simulated karate match. 
Students will not be expected to interact with each other - they'll copy the techniques I show them, and follow along with me and my count. 

Expect to sweat and want to learn more! 

Students ages 6+ who complete this class are invited to join the 10-session course, "Kids Karate: White Belt Level One", where they will learn more techniques and concepts, and will be on their way to earning a yellow belt!

*** 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 10 or 20 of each technique slowly, making corrections along the way, and then we'll do another 10 or 20 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 to give as much individual attention 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, admit late students into class, etc.]

Class Outline:

1) Brief Warm-up: We'll do some Jumping Jacks and other jumping exercises, as well as 10 push-ups and light stretching.

2) Quick team discussion: Introductions, expectations, and safety (e.g., karate is not to be used on friends and family, and always use your words first during any confrontation; try your best in class and don't be afraid to make mistakes; raise your hand if you have a question)

3) Basic Punch: I'll explain how to make a proper fist, and the mechanics of a basic punch. Using the teaching style described above, we'll go through a couple of minutes of this punching exercise. This section will culminate in all of the students having a race against each other, and me, to see who can throw the fastest 10 punches! 

4) High Block, and introducing Horse Stance: 3-5 minutes - We discuss how to defend against a punch towards the face by doing a "high block". I'll briefly explain the practical application of high block, and then we'll use the 10-10-10 counting approach to have fun going faster and faster. We'll quickly go over how to stand in "horse stance", with our feet wide apart and our knees bent low to have more balance and to strengthen our legs.

4) Front kick - I'll demonstrate proper technique, explaining some key details. We'll practice together, and then I'll as the students to give me feedback as I pretend to be a new white belt student performing a kick. This will test their knowledge and understanding, and encourages participation.

5) Virtual sparring match against me: I will demonstrate our "defensive stance", and we'll learn how to block a jab punch using a high block, followed by a counter attack with "reverse" punch. The students will watch me as I perform individual punches towards the camera, as if we were having a sparring match, and they have to quickly react and block the punch and then throw their own punch to score on me.

 7) Top Secret Advanced Technique: 2 minutes - I'll keep this brief as to not spoil the "top secret" part, but I'll challenge the kids to try a jumping kick (I'll break it down into its basic parts; I've taught this successfully and quickly to kids as young as 4 years old!)

Lastly, I'll thank everyone and invite them to join multi-session courses if they're interested.