Psychologists have learned that children between the
ages of 6 and 12 years develop attitudes and behaviors that will ultimately
shape their adult lives. We developed our Junior Beginner program with this in
mind, making this class an important first stepping stone in a child’s life-long
journey. The family atmosphere and friendly teaching staff give children a safe
place to be in the evenings, with positive role models teaching them how to have
confidence and self-control.
This class combines the motions of Karate with
scientific methods of behavioral instruction to teach children the attitudes
and behaviors necessary for personal and academic success. Originally
created and taught by Dr. Brassard, this curriculum was taught to a group of
Autistic children for eight weeks. Differences between pre- and
post-testing indicated improvements in their gross motor skills, balance,
and social interactions. During the years since this original
research, Dr. Brassard has consulted with various Pediatricians,
Neurologists, Psychologists, Social Workers, academic teachers and parents
to keep our curriculum current with: recent scientific advances in
behavioral psychology, changing teaching methods in the academic classroom,
and the evolution of our social and cultural community.
Our teaching staff works closely with the
student's parents
and academic teachers to assure the children are displaying proper respect at home
and school, and keeping up with their chores and grades. Our Student Creed
teaches our students that they should obey their parents and teachers, because
it is the right thing to do. They are taught that they are not just martial artists
within the walls of our Center, but that they are also ambassadors of our
program where ever they may be. They are taught to live by the principles of Black
Belt: Modesty, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Teachers of our Junior classes are taught proper
behavioral methods of working with children who have
diagnoses such as ADHD, ADD, Autism, Asperger's, Downs and MR. These
teachers also receive weekly supervision with Dr. Brassard to maintain their
knowledge of behavioral training and their martial arts skills. With a
growing number of children being diagnosed with emotional and physical
challenges, and with an influx of these children into our classroom, it
becomes important that our teaching staff can use their knowledge of simple
behavioral methods to make spontaneous changes in drills and activities when
necessary. Parents with children in our program can also have their
clinical or behavioral questions answered by Dr. Brassard at no additional
expense.
On the Fridays of Week 5 (in our five week per
cycle system) we hold a
Graduation
Ceremony and belt promotion for students who have the appropriate class
points and martial arts skill to advance to the next rank There is
never any testing or belt fees for these promotions, but each rank must be
earned. Then, every six months we have a belt promotion ceremony
for students who have achieved the rank of
Black
Belt.
Class Schedule -
Please select at least one "A" Day class and
at least one "B" Day Class:
"A" Days "B" Days
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Thursday at 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday at 5:15
p.m. Friday at 5:00
p.m.
