Scenes from our Kids Advanced Karate Class

Once kids have some Beginners Karate, ahem, under their belts (pardon the pun! :-) ), they can move to Advanced Karate. We have three Kids Advanced Karate Classes on Tuesdays (from 4 to 7pm) and two on Thursdays, from 4 to 6pm.

Generally, the youngest students will attend that first hour (4 to 5), then the next oldest, and then the next oldest in the following two hours. As with the beginners karate class, this ensures that all students learn with their peers and at their own particular levels as well.

Now, in Advanced Karate, the senseis are far more strict (just as fun, mind you, but strict) with regards to speed, precision, stances and the like. Below, you'll see the advanced class (notice how full it is!) standing together in a group - Sensei Tom had just challenged them to make four straight lines in under 10 seconds flat while being as silent as secretive ninjas. He's smiling because he's done this before...and knows the class will rise to his challenge.

After stretching out, the Advanced Karate class gets into the position we use to say the Karate Creed. Notice how straight the students' backs are, and how their hands are on their knees. No weebles wobbling around here!

By the time students are allowed into the advanced class, they should know the karate creed by heart. But not only that... they should also be eager to recite it as well! Below, check out how many karate students raised their hands to be chosen.

What do kids in the advanced karate class learn that's different than the karate beginners class? Glad you asked! Besides more emphasis being placed on form and technique, we also learn different kicks, punches and stances, as well as 4 or 5 move combination drills. Below, a green belt student is getting into the horse-back stance before the rest of the class. Notice the bent knees and the fact the arms are up (beginners will often let their arms fall).

Speaking of arm position and horseback stances, one can from defend front attacks like the above picture, or a side attack like the student in front below. What's really nice about this particular picture is that *all* the students have bent their knees into a proper stance.

We're not only about drills in advanced karate, of course. Often the senseis will pair the class up and teach the advanced students self-defense techniques. Below, the students to the right are listening to one of the senseis further explain a technique that the other students are practicing. No matter how many students are in class, there's always time for one-on-one instruction.

Instructions given, the paired students are now practicing the techniques. Below, the students facing the dojo wall are blocking the roundhouse punch thrown by their partners.

Ever want to see a block up close? Lookie below! Notice the boy in the blue has stepped into his punch (which is good!) while the girl has NOT leaned over backwards (also good!). Such little details are always emphasized by our senseis when teaching.

Here's a neat trivia bit about the advanced class. We have all colored belt levels attending (okay, the kids who earned said belts attending). Even so, the senseis have no qualms about partnering up black belts with high orange belts as shown below. They know the black belts can control their power and technique and help teach as well.

Another fun thing the advanced karate class gets to do is face off against the senseis. The students can use their fists/ legs while the senseis use foam blockers or pads. My personal favorite is when I can go against 3 black belt senseis at one time. It's quite energizing. :-)

And finally, it wouldn't be an advanced karate class without other-worldly station training! Sometimes Sensei Tom will design an obstacle course or pylo workout that challenges the most fit of our students. And if you're really skilled, you can actually learn to shun gravity as Sensei Tom is doing below (notice both his legs are almost parallel to the ground).

Advanced karate - 'tis an amazing thing.

As you can see, Advanced Karate is a wonderful activity for children. Remember, it's included in our tuition! You can learn more about what we offer at our Schedule page.

Please continue to enjoy your visit!

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